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File your federal taxes online – for free – directly with the IRS. Direct File is simple, accurate and secure.
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What’s happening in 2025
In 2025, eligible California taxpayers can file their federal taxes online directly with IRS Direct File – for free.
After completing their federal return with IRS Direct File, California taxpayers are provided a weblink to CalFile to complete their state tax return – for free.
Get thousands back by claiming valuable credits like California’s Earned Income Tax Credit and Young Child Tax Credit.
What to expect in 2026
Starting in January 2026, eligible California taxpayers who use IRS Direct File will have the option to import their federal tax data into CalFile. This process will make it easier to file both federal and state tax returns.
Beginning 2026, eligible Californians who use IRS Direct File can import their federal tax data into CalFile. Eligible California taxpayers start by filing their federal taxes online directly with IRS using the Direct File tool.
After completing their federal return, California taxpayers will be directed to CalFile with an option to import their federal data. Regardless of their decision to import, eligible California taxpayers can complete their California return in CalFile.
The taxpayer’s ability to import their federal data makes the California filing experience faster and easier to claim valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and California’s Young child Tax Credit.
Frequently asked questions
IRS Direct File is a free service that allows eligible taxpayers to electronically file their federal tax returns directly with the IRS. CalFile is California's free e-filing service for state tax returns. Beginning in January 2026, eligible Californians who use IRS Direct File will be able to import their federal tax data into CalFile, streamlining the process of filing both federal and state tax returns.
For tax year 2024, after completing a federal return through IRS Direct File, California taxpayers will be directed to the CalFile page to complete their state return. Starting in January 2026, eligible taxpayers will be able to import their federal data directly into CalFile, saving time and reducing the chances of errors when filing the state return.
Eligibility for IRS Direct File depends on certain income types, deductions, and credits, which are outlined on the IRS’s Direct File page. CalFile is available to California taxpayers who meet specific income and filing criteria. Visit the CalFile Qualifications page on FTB’s website to determine if you qualify.
Using IRS Direct File and CalFile allows eligible taxpayers to file both federal and state tax returns for free, quickly, and securely. The new integration coming in January 2026 will further simplify the process by allowing taxpayers to import federal tax information into CalFile, making it easier to claim valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and California's Young Child Tax Credit.
If the IRS discontinues the Direct File program, prior to Jan 2026, there would be no change. The taxpayer would still have the ability to use CalFile as long as they meet the eligibility.
If the IRS discontinues the Direct File program, after Jan 2026, the taxpayer’s ability to import their federal return data would no longer be available. However, the taxpayer would still have the ability to file their state return for free using CalFile.