As a certified financial planner and longtime financial writer, I get how painful tax season can be. Not only are there loads of confusing forms and paperwork, but there’s also the cost: Who wants to shell out for expensive filing fees just so you can pay your tax bill? However, there’s plenty of free tax software to choose from. Most options only let you file for free if you have a simple return (usually, that means a W-2 job and the standard deduction). However, there are a couple of options that offer totally free federal returns, regardless of how complex your return.
To simplify the process of filing your tax return ahead of the April 15, 2026 deadline, I’ve tested several major free tax filing options, including TurboTax, H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA and Cash App Taxes. I graded each service based on price, affordability, eligibility, experience, ease of use, features and access to professionals.
SERVICES AND SOFTWARE DEALS OF THE WEEK
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$90 (save $35)
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$90 (save $110)
Pros
- 100% free federal and state tax filing
- Easy-to-use interface
- Supports all major tax forms
- Easy to file for simple tax situations, like W-2 job and standard deduction
Cons
- Many forms require extensive manual inputting
- No access to tax professionals
- Limited features
- Some complex tax situations aren’t supported
Prices: No tiers; all filing services are free.
Why I like it: Cash App Taxes is the rare tax filing service that’s legitimately 100% free — there are no paid tiers, add-ons or surprise costs when you submit your return. You can file your federal taxes and one state return for free. Getting to the finish line without a single nudge to upgrade to a paid tier is certainly refreshing.
Of course, since it’s a free service, keep your expectations in check. You won’t be able to get help from a tax pro should you realize midway through that you need expert support. Manual entry is required for most forms.
Who it’s best for: Cash App Taxes is best for filers with a simple tax return (those with a W-2 job who take the standard deduction) or those who are comfortable with lots of manual input and don’t need much support. You can still use the service if you have more complex situations, like if you itemize deductions or have self-employment income. Just keep in mind that there’s little guidance, so you should have a good understanding of the tax rules for your situation.
Who shouldn’t buy it: You shouldn’t use Cash App Taxes if you tend to have lots of tax questions or you prefer a pro to look over or file your return. Since it’s a totally free service, there’s no option to upgrade. If you expect your return to get hairy, it’s best to go with a service that lets you upgrade if necessary.
Pros
- Free federal and state returns for simple returns
- Allows import for major tax forms
- AI-powered tax assistant feature
- Access to tax pros online and in person
- Transparent pricing
Cons
- Paid tiers are more expensive than many services
- Online version doesn’t let you have a pro prepare your return
Prices:
- Free online: $0
- Deluxe: $35, plus state filing fees
- Premium: $70, plus state filing fees
- Self-employed: $85, plus state filing fees
Why I like it: H&R Block has great tools for gig workers and freelancers. Unfortunately, these aren’t available if you’re using the free online version, but many taxpayers will still qualify for free filing. H&R Block’s pricing is a bit more transparent for its lowest free tier than rival TurboTax’s in that it lists the price at $0 to file federal taxes and one state return for those who qualify, whereas TurboTax lists the cost of its «Do It Yourself» package at $0 to $99.
Who it’s best for: You’ll only qualify for free filing if you have a simple tax return. Again, that typically means your main income source is a W-2, you’re only taking a couple of basic tax credits and the student loan deduction, and you’re not itemizing your return. However, you can also use H&R Block’s free filing in a few situations that TurboTax doesn’t allow, like if you have unemployment income.
Who shouldn’t buy it: As with TurboTax, don’t use H&R Block’s free version if you’re not a simple filer as you’ll likely trigger an upgrade or see surprise charges. Double-check that you qualify for free filing before you invest significant time in your return.
Easiest to use
TurboTax
Pros
- Free option for simple filers
- Covers most tax forms and situations
- Clean interface and design
- Solid import tools
- Robust tax education and guidance
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- Price structure is confusing
- Many situations trigger upgrades
- We found the constant nudges to upgrade to pricier tiers annoying and disruptive
Prices:
- Do it yourself: $0 to $139, plus state fees for paid products
- Expert assist: $79 to $209, plus state fees
- Expert full service: Starts at $150, plus state fees
Why I like it: TurboTax is highly popular because it guides you through even the most complex tax situations. It has a host of sophisticated tools — though many of them aren’t included in the lowest price tier. It’s possible to file your taxes for free with TurboTax’s «Do It Yourself» version, just watch out for the unexpected charges. TurboTax makes things easy by allowing free filers to snap a photo of their W-2. It then autofills the information, saving you time. Many services reserve this option for paid users.
Who it’s best for: You can file for free with TurboTax’s DIY version if you have a simple tax return, but TurboTax uses a narrower definition of this term than many competitors:
«TurboTax Free Edition: ~37% of filers qualify. Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A.»
This means you can file for free if you mostly have W-2 income, you claim the standard deduction, or you don’t claim credits other than the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Child Tax Credit.
Who shouldn’t buy it: TurboTax is a solid choice for most tax filers, but you may want to look elsewhere if you’re determined not to pay a dime to file. Many users report that they prepared their returns thinking they would be able to file for free, only to get hit with surprise charges when it comes time to file. Be aware that if you do need to upgrade, TurboTax tends to be the priciest tax service, though many find its advanced tools and support to be worth the cost.
Best for free federal filing
FreeTaxUSA
Pros
- 100% free federal tax filing
- Supports most federal tax forms
- Transparent pricing
- Clean interface and navigation
- Lets you import many tax documents
Cons
- Fee for state tax returns
- No option for live tax help
- No option to have a pro prepare or file your return
Prices:
- Basic: $0, plus state filing fees
- Deluxe: $8, plus state filing fees
- Pro support: $45, plus state filing fees
Why I like it: Tax software is notorious for hidden charges and forcing users to upgrade when they’re not expecting it. FreeTaxUSA is refreshingly transparent in that regard: Federal tax filing is always free, though you’ll pay $16 per state return.
Who it’s best for: FreeTaxUSA is a great choice for anyone who hates being nagged to upgrade to a paid version or add-ons when they’re preparing their taxes. You won’t pay extra — no matter how complex your return, even if you’re itemizing, you’re self-employed or you have investment income, all of which disqualify you from free filing with most tax software.
Who shouldn’t buy it: FreeTaxUSA isn’t the right tax filing software for you if there’s a chance you’ll want a professional to prepare your return. Although the deluxe package lets you schedule a call with a tax pro, you’ll still need to prepare and file your return on your own
Pros
- Free federal filing for simple filers
- Free federal filing for active duty military members (any tax situation)
- Solid import tools
- Supports most federal tax forms
- Good tools for freelancers, self-employed filers and small business owners
Cons
- Fee for state returns (except for Simply Free plan)
- Limited access to tax pros
- Limited access to customer service
Prices:
- Simply Free: $0
- Classic: $23, plus state filing fees
- Premium: $43, plus state filing fees
- Self-employed: $53, plus state filing fees
- Military: $0 federal, plus state filing fees
Why I like it: TaxSlayer has great help tools for self-employed people, but not surprisingly, these aren’t included in the free version. But the free package offers decent support, and the platform is easy to navigate. You’ll find a reasonable amount of tax guidance within the platform that won’t overload you with information.
Who it’s best for: TaxSlayer’s free version only applies to simple filing situations. However, if you need to upgrade, its paid tiers are competitively priced. While TaxSlayer has some decent import tools and lets you upload your W-2 and a past year’s tax return to speed up onboarding, this option isn’t included in the free version. Active-duty military can also file their taxes for free with TaxSlayer no matter how complex their situation.
Who shouldn’t buy it: Avoid TaxSlayer’s free version if you need a lot of support when you file your taxes. You’ll need to upgrade to access live support for customer service. Even if you upgrade to a paid tier, its «Ask a Tax Professional» feature is limited to general information, rather than personalized tax advice.
Best live expert support options
TaxAct
Pros
- Free version for simple filers
- Supports most federal tax forms
- Easy guided interview process
- Access to professional help with a per session fee
Cons
- State returns are extra
- Cost structure can be confusing
- Import tools are limited
- Mobile app only for Android
Prices:
- Free Federal: $0, plus state filing fees
- Deluxe Home & Family: $30, plus state fees
- Premier Investments: $50, plus state fees
- Entrepreneur Self-Employed: $70, plus state fees
Why I like it: TaxAct offers robust support to tax professionals who are CPAs, enrolled agents or tax attorneys. Of course, you’ll need to pay for that expertise as virtually no tax software includes professional help in their free versions. However, if you’re using the free version and run into a problem, you can pay on a per-session basis, instead of upgrading to a more expensive tier.
Who it’s best for: TaxAct’s free package also covers simple filing situations. It estimates that about 47% of filers qualify for free filing. Unlike a few competitors, TaxAct includes technical and account support in its free version.
Who shouldn’t buy it: Don’t use TaxAct if you’re determined to file for free and need to file a state return. While many tax services include one free state return in their free tiers, TaxAct charges $40 for state returns.
|
Product |
Superlative |
Overall score |
Pricing |
|
H&R Block |
Best free option if you’re unemployed or have student loans |
8.4 |
Free for simple returns; tiered paid plans start at $35 (plus state fees). |
|
TurboTax |
Easiest to use |
8.2 |
Free option for simple filers; paid plans start at $0 — $139 (plus state fees) for DIY, up to $150+ for full service. |
|
FreeTaxUSA |
Best for free federal filing |
7.2 |
100% free federal filing; state returns cost $16. |
|
TaxSlayer |
Best free file for military members |
6.9 |
Free for simple filers and active duty military; tiered paid plans start at $23 (plus state fees). |
|
TaxAct |
Best live expert support options |
6.8 |
Free version for simple filers; paid plans start at $30 (plus state fees). |
|
Cash App Taxes |
Best for 100% free DIY simple filing |
5.4 |
100% Free federal and state filing. |
|
Jackson Hewitt Online |
Good for flat fee filing |
5.4 |
$25 flat fee for both federal and state returns. |
What happened to the IRS Direct File free program?
As of January 2026, the IRS has officially ended its free Direct File program. While free «direct» filing online (e-file) with the IRS has ended, you can still file for free through the IRS using its fillable forms. Many tax software programs advertise free filing but it’s usually only for simple filers using the standard deduction. One exception is Cash App Taxes, which lets you file for free in almost any tax situation but it’s very manual.
How does free tax filing software work?
Free tax filing software works the same way that regular (paid) tax software works: You input the information from your tax documents, and answer a few questions about your tax situation. (Some services pull the info from documents you upload, though this feature is more common with paid versions). Though a couple of services, like Cash App Taxes and FreeTaxUSA, allow free federal filing regardless of how complex your tax situation, most services limit free filing to those with simple returns. Though the definition varies somewhat by service, this typically means:
- Your primary income source is a W-2 job (though some allow unemployment income).
- Your filing status is single or married filing jointly.
- You take the standard deduction instead of itemizing.
- You’re not taking tax credits or deductions other than the Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit or student loan deduction.
Many services also don’t let you use their free version if your taxable income exceeds $100,000 or you claim dependents.
What’s included in free tax software?
Free tax software lets you file your federal return for free, but beyond that, what’s included differs by service. Many (but not all) also include one free state return, but some charge for state taxes even if you qualify for free federal filing.
Usually, you can’t use free tax software if you need to report stock or crypto sales or you have rental income. Most will also make you upgrade if you’re reporting freelance or self-employment income.
Expert support is generally limited for free tax software. Though you may be able to access basic customer support or technical assistance, you generally won’t be able to get professional tax help. You also may have to pay if you want features like support in case you’re audited.
How does free tax software make money?
Tax software companies usually make most of their money by getting you to upgrade to a paid version or by charging add-on fees. The situations in which you qualify for free filing are often very basic. Even if you’re drawn in by the prospect of free filing, you’re often hit with unexpected charges when you’re ready to submit your return. After investing several hours in preparing your taxes, you may be willing to pay up so that you don’t have to start from scratch with another service.
There are a few other ways tax software makes money from free filers. Some offer to refund advance loans and make money by charging interest or fees. They may also generate revenue from advertising or upselling you on other financial products.
Limitations to free tax software
Free tax software can be a good option for some taxpayers, but there are some important limitations to keep in mind:
- “Start for free” doesn’t always mean free. Many services let you get started for free, only to hit you with fees before you file. Look carefully at what qualifies for free filing before you get started. Something as simple as having a 1099-NEC because you occasionally drive for Uber or contributing to a health savings account can make you ineligible for free filing.
- State returns may not be free. Though some services let you file one state return for free if you qualify for free federal filing, others charge as much as $40 per state return.
- You could miss out on tax credits and deductions. Most free tax software limits you to the Child Tax Credit, EITC and student loan interest deduction. (A few also let you claim education tax credits.) Meanwhile, paid tax software often searches hundreds of less-common tax credits and deductions that you may qualify for.
- Support will be limited. You may have access to basic customer service support, but many services give skip-the-line access to paying customers. Access to tax professionals, like CPAs, EAs and tax attorneys almost always requires an upcharge.
- Many tools aren’t included. Free tax software tends to be light on tools. For example, you’ll often need to manually input information from your tax forms with free versions, but paid tiers often let you import documents and then they autofill the information.
Methodology: How we test and evaluate tax software
We tested each platform on mobile and desktop using the same basic tax scenarios. Here’s what we considered for each of the five categories.
Price and affordability
We looked at each price tier and how it stacked up against competitors’ similar offerings. Availability of a free option was important, but we also considered the likelihood that a user could actually file for free without being forced to upgrade. We also looked at how transparent each service was with their pricing. Services lost points if they didn’t clearly disclose costs of add-ons upfront.
Eligibility and use cases
We tested each software using the same basic filing scenarios, including simple filing with a W-2 and the standard deduction, itemized returns, investment income, rental income and small business/self-employment filings. We gave maximum points when a service could handle a broad range of filing situations without requiring extensive manual input or calculations.
Experience and ease of use
The best tax filing services make preparing your return as simple as possible. To evaluate experience and ease of use, we looked at the setup process (including whether you could simplify the setup process by importing last year’s tax return or uploading your W-2). We also considered whether the service makes filing easier with an easy-to-understand interview process. Each software lost points for things that make for a poor user experience, like a confusing navigation or requiring users to start over if they downgraded to a less expensive tier.
Features
Many tax software programs have an array of tools to ensure your return is accurate and to maximize your refund. We have top ratings in this category for services with robust error-checking tools, audit defense services, a maximum refund guarantee and an option to receive an advance on your refund.
Expert support and tax professional access
Nearly all filing services allow for a DIY return, but sometimes you need professional guidance. We gave top points to services that offer access to a CPA, EA or other tax pros, as well as those that provide easy access to customer service and technical support.
Scoring approach
Each category received a score on a scale of 1 to 10. The overall score was an evenly weighted average of each category, based on performance relative to competitors and the needs of typical DIY filers, as well as those with common filing situations that require extra guidance or access to a tax professional.
Free Taxes FAQ
What is the best free alternative to TurboTax?
H&R Block has a free version that covers a few situations that aren’t included in TurboTax’s free version, like unemployment income or student loan interest. But it’s easy to trigger upcharges or incur unexpected fees with either version. If you want a truly free alternative, check out Cash App Taxes (free federal filing with one free state return) or FreeTaxUSA (free federal filing, but state returns are $16).
Is free tax software really free?
Many free tax software options have a free version, but it only applies to a narrow range of tax situations. If your return doesn’t meet the service’s definition of a simple return, you’ll often need to upgrade to a paid version. However, a few services. A few services let you file taxes for free regardless of complexity, but you may still have to pay for state returns.
Is H&R Block 100% free?
H&R Block has a free online package that includes free federal filing and one free state return, but it only applies to 1040 filers with a simple return. There are various paid packages, as well as services that require an additional charge.