Look, nobody actually likes doing taxes. It’s one of those universal chores that feels designed to be as annoying as possible. But what's worse than the paperwork is the feeling that you're being "nickeled and dimed" just to tell the government how much money you made. If you live in the Crossroads of America, you've probably noticed that many "free" online tax services start charging you the second you click the button for your state return.
It's frustrating. You get through the federal part for $0, and then—boom—a $40 or $50 "state filing fee" pops up.
The good news? You don't have to pay it. For the 2026 tax season (covering your 2025 income), there are several legitimate ways to handle the free filing of indiana state taxes without giving a cut to a software company. Whether you’re a student in Bloomington, a factory worker in Kokomo, or a retiree in Carmel, Indiana has specific programs designed to keep that money in your pocket.
The Reality of INfreefile in 2026
The most direct route is a program called INfreefile. It’s basically a partnership between the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) and several big-name software vendors. It isn't a single website, but rather a set of "offers" you have to access through the official Indiana government portal.
Here is the thing most people miss: you must go through the Indiana DOR website to get the deal. If you go directly to the website of a provider like TurboTax or TaxSlayer, they might try to charge you. You have to enter through the "special door" the state provides.
Eligibility for INfreefile usually hinges on your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI). For the 2026 filing season, if your AGI was $79,000 or less in 2025, you are almost certainly going to find a free option here. Some vendors have lower limits—maybe $45,000—while others might even have age requirements (like being between 20 and 60).
Why Direct File Isn't an Option This Year
You might have heard about "Direct File," the IRS's own internal filing system. While it gained some steam in 2024 and 2025, it's essentially been put on ice for 2026. This means Indiana residents can't use a federal government portal to file their state taxes this year. You're back to using the private-public partnerships like INfreefile or community-based services.
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The MyFreeTaxes Loophole
If you don't want to deal with the fine print of the INfreefile vendors, there is another heavy hitter: MyFreeTaxes. This is a service provided by United Way.
Honestly, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in the tax world. For 2026, MyFreeTaxes is generally available to households earning up to $89,000. That is a significantly higher ceiling than many of the other "free" programs. It handles both your federal and Indiana state returns in one go.
The beauty of this system is that it’s powered by TaxSlayer’s professional software, but because you’re coming through the United Way portal, the cost is wiped out. It’s not just for "simple" returns either. Usually, it can handle things like student loan interest, self-employment income (to an extent), and various Indiana-specific credits.
Getting In-Person Help: VITA and TCE
Sometimes software is just a headache. If you’d rather have a human look at your forms, you should look into VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) or TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly).
These are programs where IRS-certified volunteers sit down with you and do the work. In Indiana, these sites are usually at libraries, community centers, or local United Way offices.
- VITA is typically for people making $69,000 or less.
- TCE focuses on taxpayers aged 60 and older.
There's been a big shift in Indy recently, too. For years, United Way of Central Indiana ran the "Indy Free Tax Prep" program. Starting in 2026, the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service has taken the reins. If you're in Marion, Hendricks, or Boone county, you'll be looking for Purdue Extension sites this year instead of the old United Way ones.
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What You Need to Bring
If you go the in-person route, don't show up empty-handed. You'll need:
- Your photo ID and Social Security cards for everyone on the return.
- All W-2s and 1099s.
- Your bank routing and account numbers (for that sweet direct deposit).
- A copy of last year’s return (if you have it—it makes things way faster).
Common Indiana Credits You Shouldn't Miss
When you’re doing the free filing of indiana state taxes, the software (or the volunteer) should catch these, but you should know them anyway. Indiana has some specific perks.
The Unified Tax Credit for the Elderly is a big one. If you or your spouse were age 65 or older by the end of 2025 and your income was under $10,000, you might get a decent chunk back. Even if you don't "owe" taxes, you have to file to get this credit.
Then there's the Indiana College Credit. If you donated to an Indiana college or university, the state will give you a credit for 50% of that contribution, up to $100 for individuals or $200 for joint filers. It's basically the state saying "thanks for supporting local schools."
Don't forget the Renter’s Deduction. If you paid rent for your principal residence in Indiana, you can deduct up to $3,000 from your taxable income. You’ll just need your landlord’s name and address.
The Paper Route (The Last Resort)
If you absolutely hate computers and don't qualify for VITA, you can always go "old school." You can download the Form IT-40 from the Indiana DOR website, print it, and mail it in.
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Is it free? Yes. Is it fast? No.
Paper returns take weeks longer to process. If you’re expecting a refund, filing electronically is 100% the way to go. If you file on paper, make sure you double-check your math. The most common reason for a delayed Indiana refund isn't fraud—it's simple addition errors made on paper forms.
Important Deadlines for 2026
Indiana follows the federal calendar. For the 2025 tax year, your return is due by April 15, 2026.
If you realize on April 14th that you aren't ready, you can file for an extension using Form IT-9. This gives you until November 16, 2026, to file. But—and this is a huge "but"—an extension to file is not an extension to pay. If you think you owe the state money, you still have to send that payment by April 15th, or the DOR will start tacking on interest and penalties.
Check Your Status
Once you’ve hit "submit" on your free filing, you can track your refund through the INTIME portal (Indiana Taxpayer Information Management Engine). You’ll need your Social Security number and the exact amount of the refund you’re expecting.
Indiana is actually pretty fast with electronic refunds, often getting them out in under three weeks if there aren't any red flags.
Take Action Now
- Check your AGI: Look at your final pay stub from 2025 or your W-2s. If you’re under $79,000, head straight to the Indiana DOR INfreefile page.
- Locate a VITA site: If you prefer in-person help, call 2-1-1 to find the nearest volunteer site or contact your local Purdue Extension office.
- Gather your documents: Start a "tax folder" now with your W-2s, 1099s, and property tax or rent receipts so you aren't scrambling in April.