I'm totally lost with Free File Fillable Forms this year - what's changed?

I just went through this exact same confusion last week! The Free File Fillable Forms system definitely got a major overhaul for the 2025 filing season. Once you get used to it though, it actually works better than the old version. After you log in, you need to click on the "Start New Tax Return" button on your dashboard - it's not super obvious since they moved it to the right side. Then you'll need to verify your identity again (I know, annoying) before you can access the actual forms. The biggest change is that they now use a more wizard-like approach for the initial setup. Fill out the basic info first, then it will generate your Form 1040 with only the schedules you actually need. In the old system, you had to manually select each form. The actual form-filling experience is still similar once you get to that stage. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any specific questions about navigating particular sections.

After struggling with the new Free File Fillable Forms interface myself, I started using taxr.ai to help me navigate the system. I've always been someone who prefers the direct forms approach too, but this year's changes had me completely lost until I found this tool. What I like about https://taxr.ai is that it helps interpret the forms and instructions without taking over the process. You can upload your documents (W-2s, 1099s, etc.) and it explains which fields need to go where in the new Free File Fillable Forms interface. It's like having a translator between your tax documents and the new system. Still free filing, just with a helpful guide!

Just wanted to update that I tried taxr.ai after my frustrated post above, and it was exactly what I needed! I was totally lost trying to figure out where to enter my various 1099 forms in the new Free File Fillable Forms interface. The screenshots with the little arrows pointing to exactly where I needed to click saved me hours of frustration. I still get to use the free filing system like I wanted, but without all the confusion of trying to learn the new layout. Honestly wish I'd found this before spending 3 hours clicking around aimlessly. If you're struggling with the new interface like I was, definitely worth checking out.

If you're getting stuck with specific questions while using Free File Fillable Forms, trying to call the IRS for help is practically impossible these days. After waiting on hold for 2+ hours multiple times with no luck, I finally tried https://claimyr.com which got me through to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I had a specific question about reporting some crypto transactions on the new Free File Fillable Forms interface that wasn't covered in any of the help docs. The agent was able to walk me through exactly which forms I needed to add and where to enter the information. Saved me tons of time instead of trying to figure it out through trial and error.

I owe an apology to Profile 14. After calling the IRS unsuccessfully 3 times this week (got disconnected twice after 40+ minutes), I broke down and tried Claimyr out of desperation. Not gonna lie, I was SHOCKED when my phone rang 20 minutes later and it was actually an IRS agent on the line. I had a complicated question about reporting some teacher expenses on my return using Free File Fillable Forms, and the agent walked me through the exact steps in the new interface. Ended up saving me hours of frustration and probably doing it wrong. I'm still kinda surprised it actually worked, but consider me a convert. Sometimes it's worth admitting when you're wrong!

Has anyone figured out how to save your progress in the new Free File Fillable Forms? I got halfway through my return last night and when I came back today, it looked like everything was gone! Please tell me there's a way to recover my work...

Anyone else notice that the math checking seems broken in certain parts of the new Free File Fillable Forms? I entered all my W-2 information correctly but the totals on my 1040 don't match what they should be. I've triple-checked my numbers and they're definitely right.

I'm going through the exact same frustration right now! Just spent 2 hours trying to figure out where everything moved to in the new Free File Fillable Forms interface. It's like they completely redesigned it from scratch without any consideration for people who've been using the old system for years. The most annoying part is having to create a new account every single year - why can't they just let us keep our login info? And now with this totally different layout, it feels like starting over from zero. I'm really hoping they'll improve the user experience because this is way more complicated than it needs to be for what should be straightforward tax filing. Thanks for posting about this - at least I know I'm not the only one completely lost with these changes!

I feel your pain! I've been using Free File Fillable Forms for about 4 years now and this year's changes caught me completely off guard too. What helped me get through it was breaking it down into smaller steps instead of trying to figure everything out at once. Here's what worked for me: First, ignore the new dashboard layout and just focus on finding that "Start New Tax Return" button (it's moved to the right side like someone mentioned). Once you're in the actual forms, the core experience is still similar to before - it's really just the navigation and setup that's different. One thing I discovered is that the new system actually does a better job of only showing you the forms you need based on your initial answers, which saves time once you get used to it. But yeah, the learning curve is definitely steeper this year and the lack of import functionality is really frustrating. Hang in there - once you get past the initial confusion, it's still the same free, straightforward tax filing we've been using. Just with a much more confusing wrapper around it unfortunately!

I'm dealing with this exact same frustration! Been using Free File Fillable Forms for several years and was completely blindsided by how different everything looks this year. The new interface is so confusing compared to the straightforward system we're used to. What's really bothering me is that they made all these changes without providing any kind of transition guide or tutorial. I spent way too much time just trying to figure out basic navigation that used to be second nature. The annual account recreation requirement makes it even worse - you'd think after all these years they could streamline that process instead of making it more complicated. I'm grateful for all the tips people have shared in this thread about finding the "Start New Tax Return" button and the manual save requirements. It's frustrating that we have to crowdsource solutions for what should be intuitive design, but at least we're all helping each other figure it out. The Free File system is still worth using for the cost savings, but they really need to work on the user experience for next year!

I'm so relieved to find this thread! I thought I was losing my mind when I logged into Free File Fillable Forms this week. I've been using it for about 3 years and always appreciated how straightforward it was - just digital versions of the paper forms without all the hand-holding that paid software does. This year's interface change is incredibly jarring. I spent probably an hour just trying to find where to actually start my return. The new dashboard layout makes no sense compared to the clean, simple approach they had before. And don't get me started on having to create a new account again - it's 2025, why can't they figure out persistent logins? What really gets me is that they clearly put a lot of work into redesigning this system, but it feels like they never actually tested it with people who've been using the old version for years. All these changes seem to prioritize looking "modern" over being functional for existing users. Thanks to everyone sharing workarounds and tips here. It's frustrating that we need them, but at least we can help each other navigate this mess until hopefully they fix some of these usability issues!

I'm going through the exact same thing! I've been using Free File Fillable Forms for about 4 years now and this new interface has me completely stumped. What used to be a simple, straightforward process now feels like I'm learning an entirely new system from scratch. The most frustrating part for me is that I actually started my return last weekend, got about halfway through, and when I came back to finish it this week, I couldn't figure out how to get back to where I left off. The new navigation is so different that I'm not even sure if my work was saved properly. I really appreciate everyone sharing their tips about finding the "Start New Tax Return" button and the manual save requirements. It's ridiculous that we have to crowdsource basic navigation instructions, but at least we're all helping each other out. The free filing is still worth it compared to paying for tax software, but they really dropped the ball on the user experience this year. Has anyone found a way to view or recover partially completed returns in this new system? I'm worried I might have to start over completely, which would be incredibly frustrating after spending hours on it already.

I'm experiencing the exact same frustration! Been using Free File Fillable Forms for the past 3 years and this new interface completely threw me for a loop. What used to take me maybe 2-3 hours to complete now feels like it's going to take all weekend just because I can't figure out where anything is. The thing that really bugs me is that they clearly spent a lot of time and money redesigning this system, but it feels like they forgot about the people who actually use it regularly. The old interface wasn't fancy, but it was predictable and efficient. Now I'm spending more time trying to navigate the interface than actually filling out my tax forms. I'm definitely going to try some of the suggestions mentioned here, especially that taxr.ai tool that helps with navigation. At this point I'm willing to try anything that can help me get through this without pulling my hair out. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's reassuring to know I'm not the only one struggling with this "upgrade"!