"IRS Pilots New Software for Easier, Free Tax Filing This Season"

Filing taxes is becoming more expensive due to a growing accountant shortage, with the average cost of tax preparation and accounting fees increasing by 8.3% in November 2023. However, for those with relatively simple returns, there are several free filing options to consider this season, including IRS Free File, Free File Fillable Forms, volunteer tax prep from IRS programs, IRS Direct File, and free filing options from private companies. These options cater to different income levels and offer varying levels of guidance and support, providing taxpayers with alternatives to traditional paid tax preparation services.