4 ways to file your taxes for free in 2026
There are a handful of free options for filing your tax return, and many of them offer guided support to help you do it right.
3 min read
Jan 15, 2026
Kemberley Washington, CPA
Former Tax Expert and Journalist
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22Years of tax experience
CREDENTIALS
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
EXPERTISE
- Individual income taxes
- Tax strategy and planning
- U.S. tax policy
- Small-business taxation
- Personal finance
EDUCATION
- Southern University and A&M College, Bachelor of Science, Accounting
- Southern University and A&M College, Masters of Accountancy
Kemberley Washington, CPA, is a former tax expert and journalist for Bankrate, and a former IRS agent with over 20 years of experience in tax policy. She started her career as a revenue agent and criminal investigator with the IRS. However, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, she began writing and teaching about taxes and personal finance to help her community during a devastating time.
Her stories have appeared in Yahoo Finance, Jet Magazine, Black Enterprise, Fox Business, Forbes and more. She frequently appeared on many national and local television shows, including NBC's WDSU and Good Morning America 3.
She has authored several books, including "It All Starts with a Budget," "The Ten Commandments to Financial Healing" and "21 Days of Powerful Breakthroughs." Some of her books are featured on the YouVersion Bible App.
Kemberley beyond Bankrate
After six months of training on how to shoot guns, arrest people and conduct speed chases as an IRS criminal investigator, I knew that carrying a gun wasn't for me! However, my IRS experience gave me the opportunity to help others with tax and finance issues. Today, I continue to share tax tips through my writing, news appearances, and volunteering in the community.
— Kemberley Washington, CPA
Kemberley's latest articles
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When are 2025 taxes due? Here are the key tax deadlines you should know about
The deadline for filing your 2025 tax return is April 15, 2026, or Oct. 15 with an extension.
5 min read Jan 15, 2026 -
2024-2025 tax brackets and federal income tax rates
Knowing your federal income tax bracket can help you manage your money better. Here are the federal tax brackets and income tax rates for 2025 and 2024.
8 min read Dec 05, 2025 -
7 ways to lower your taxable income this year — and trim your 2025 tax bill
If you want to trim your 2025 tax bill, now is the time to take steps to reduce your taxable income.
4 min read Sep 16, 2025 -
No tax on tips and overtime: Here’s who qualifies
New tax breaks on tip income and overtime pay go into effect this year. Event planners, hairdressers, handymen and Uber drivers are among those who qualify for no tax on tips.
5 min read Sep 04, 2025 -
3 tax tips for back-to-school savings in 2025 and beyond
It’s back-to-school season, and expenses add up fast. These state and federal tax breaks can help.
3 min read Aug 28, 2025 -
Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’: Here’s when key tax laws go into effect
The “big, beautiful bill” offers many new tax breaks, but some are temporary, and they have varying start dates. Check out our timeline of key tax provisions.
4 min read Jul 25, 2025 -
Trump’s new car loan interest deduction — here’s how to qualify for a tax break
The new car loan interest deduction can reduce your taxable income by as much as $10,000 a year, but you’ll need to buy a new luxury vehicle to get the full benefit.
2 min read Jul 25, 2025
