IRS Free File #3 in Tax Software
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Score over time
Shaded band = 95% bootstrap confidence interval. Orange markers = methodology events (model releases, panel versions). How this works
By model
Perplexity
Gemini + web search
ChatGPT + web search
Gemini (Google)
ChatGPT (OpenAI)
Claude (Anthropic)
By question type
Where IRS Free File shows up, by the intent behind the question. Every tax software panel asks the same balanced mix — 10 prompts per type — so these rates are directly comparable. A gap here (strong on recommendations, invisible on comparisons) is where AI visibility is being won or lost.
| Question type | Mentioned | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Recommendations “What's the best option for me?” | 31% | |
| Comparisons “How do the top options stack up?” | 6% | |
| Ready to buy “Which one should I actually get?” | 23% | |
| Problem-solving “I have this problem — what fixes it?” | 50% | |
| Informational “How does this kind of product work?” | 5% |
What the AIs say
Real answers from the latest measurement in which IRS Free File appeared — the receipts behind the score.
Claude (Anthropic) · recommended · listed #1
"My income is low - is there a free way I can file my taxes without paying anything?"
# Free Tax Filing Options Yes, there are several legitimate free options depending on your income and situation: ## IRS Free File - Available if your **Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is below a certain threshold** (this changes yearly, roughly $79,000-$84,000 for recent years, but check current limits) - IRS pa…
Gemini (Google) · listed #1
"Should I use IRS Free File or IRS Direct File this year, and how do they compare?"
To decide whether to use **IRS Free File** or **IRS Direct File** this tax season, you need to look at three things: **your income, where you live, and how complicated your tax situation is.** Both programs are 100% fr…
Gemini + web search · recommended · listed #1
"What's the difference between using IRS Free File and IRS Direct File?"
The primary difference between **IRS Free File** and **IRS Direct File** comes down to **who runs the software, who is eligible, and their current availability**. Notably, **IRS Direct File has been discontinued and is not a…
ChatGPT (OpenAI) · listed #1
"Is it worth paying for tax software this year instead of using a free filing option?"
…iderations: - Many “free” retail versions limit certain forms; you may be prompted to upgrade during preparation. Check before you start. - IRS Free File and Free File Fillable Forms are available for eligible taxpayers; some vendors provide free state filing for simple returns. - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Coun…
ChatGPT + web search · listed #1
"How does free tax filing work in New York State specifically?"
…r state return for free, but which one you can use depends on your income and the kinds of income/credits you have. Key options are (1) the Free File Alliance software partners (free if you meet each vendor’s rules), (2) the Tax Department’s Taxpayer Assistance Program (virtual/in‑person help for lower‑ and middle‑income filers…
Perplexity · recommended · listed #1
"Any recommendations for a no-cost tax filing option this year?"
Yes — the **best no-cost options** this year are usually **IRS Free File**, **Free File Fillable Forms**, and, if you qualify, **VITA/TCE** or **MilTax**.[1][2][7] - **IRS Free File**: If your **2025 AGI was $89,000 or less**, you can use one of the I…
Where the AIs get it from
Domains cited by search-backed answers that mentioned IRS Free File (150 answers, 2026-08-01). Your own domain is highlighted — presence in the others is the GEO opportunity.
| Cited domain | Answers citing it |
|---|---|
| irs.gov own domain | 96 |
| reddit.com | 61 |
| turbotax.intuit.com | 56 |
| hrblock.com | 54 |
| apps.irs.gov own domain | 47 |
| cnbc.com | 45 |
| youtube.com | 43 |
| vertexaisearch.cloud.google.com | 39 |
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Head-to-head: IRS Free File vs TurboTax · IRS Free File vs H&R Block · IRS Free File vs TaxAct — or the full Tax Software leaderboard.
Data from run #78. Methodology