Free tax filing for seniors
Updated for the 2026 filing season
Seniors have free-filing options beyond the standard software comparison, including free human help through AARP, and a new deduction specific to this filing season.
- AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free in-person and virtual filing help, focused on filers 50 and older with low-to-moderate income
- Most free software tiers handle Social Security income without issue
- Retirement account distributions (Form 1099-R) can push complexity up depending on the provider, worth checking before assuming a free tier covers it
New this season
A new enhanced deduction for seniors applies under the 2026 Schedule 1-A changes. See the OBBBA deductions guide for what that covers.