Shortly after New Year’s celebrations wear off — tax season will creep up on you fast. April 15th is the deadline for filing your 2025 taxes, and it’ll be here before you know it. I’m a certified financial planner (CFP) writing about taxes for almost a decade, yet I still dread this time of year.
But a good tax service can make all the difference between a smooth filing experience or a nightmare. I’ve personally tested seven major tax filing services, going through each from start to finish. I evaluated and scored each based on price, affordability, eligibility, online experience, features and access to tax professionals.
SERVICES AND SOFTWARE DEALS OF THE WEEK
-
$108 (save $252)
-
$90 (save $35)
-
$90 (save $110)
Historically, CNET ranked TurboTax as the best overall tax service. This tax season (2025) — for the first time — H&R Block emerges as our top choice. We found it strikes the right balance between price, ease of use and depth, with a genuinely free tier for simple returns, strong tools for more complex situations and standout access to tax help through its AI assistant and optional professional support. It is not the cheapest option available, but it is easier to understand and more transparent than many competitors, making it the safest recommendation for the widest range of filers.
That said, no single tax service is perfect for everyone. TurboTax remains the most polished choice for complicated returns while FreeTaxUSA is the most affordable for simple filing.
Best online tax software for 2025
Best Overall
H&R Block
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
Cons
- More expensive than many services
- Pricing can be confusing
- Online version doesn’t let you have a pro prepare your return
Why we like it: H&R Block has solid tools for most tax situations, including a Free Online version for simple tax situations. But its tools for freelancers, gig workers and those with self-employment income stand out. H&R Block has several options for importing 1099-NECs, which is especially convenient if you’re self-employed or you work multiple gig economy jobs. The Self-Employed package also has various tools for tracking expenses.
The platform has strong educational resources and one of the best AI-powered tax tools I’ve seen. It’s easy to navigate, but there are also solid options to enlist the help of a tax pro if necessary.
Who it’s best for: You can use H&R Block for most tax situations, but it tends to be a good choice for those with investment transactions or self-employment income who want to take advantage of its tools. Though H&R Block is more expensive than many competitors, the tools and guidance are worthwhile in many cases.
Who shouldn’t buy it: Filers who don’t need any fancy tools might be better off going with a 100% free tool (like Cash App Taxes) that won’t nudge them toward upgrading or adding services. In simple tax situations, you may not need fancy tax tools.
Prices:
- Free Online: $0
- Deluxe: $35, plus state filing fees
- Premium: $70, plus state filing fees
- Self-Employed: $85, plus state filing fees
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
Why we like it: TurboTax is by far the most popular tax software in the US, and for good reason: It supports virtually every imaginable tax situation, from the most basic returns to complex situations like self-employment and uncommon investment transactions. Even when your taxes are complicated, TurboTax makes doing your taxes easy by asking you easy-to-understand interview questions to guide you through each form.
TurboTax has some of the best educational resources out there that make it easy for most filers to DIY their taxes. However, there’s also solid access to tax experts, including the option to have a professional prepare and submit your return for an additional cost.
Who it’s best for: There are quite a few free options for simple filers who are comfortable filing on their own. TurboTax works best for people whose tax situation is a bit more complicated, i.e., they sold stock or crypto, are self-employed or own a small business, or are looking for less-common tax credits and deductions. People with more complex tax situations will benefit most from TurboTax’s sophisticated tools, even though they’re priced at a premium.
Who shouldn’t buy it: TurboTax isn’t a great choice for budget-conscious filers, as it’s the most expensive online filing service out there. Though a free version is available, many common situations will trigger an upgrade. Many services have to be purchased as an add-on, which often isn’t clear when you start your return. If you’re worried about the cost of filing fees, stick with a service that has a more transparent pricing structure like H&R Block or cheaper services for simple filing like through FreeTaxUSA.
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
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
Why we like it: Given the hidden costs and surprise upgrades that are common with many services, FreeTaxUSA stands out for its transparent pricing. Federal returns are always free, while state returns cost $15.99.
A complex tax situation won’t trigger an upgrade. You can simply upgrade to a paid tier if you want a higher level of service. The platform doesn’t harass you to switch to a paid tier, and there are no surprises when you’re ready to file.
Who it’s best for: FreeTaxUSA is best for filers who take the standard deduction, but you can still use it if you itemize your return. It’s a decent option for filers who want to file for free but have investment or self-employment income. Many services limit their free tier to those who primarily have W-2 and/or unemployment income.
Who shouldn’t buy it: You should probably go with a different service if you need lots of support while you prepare your return. Though basic guidance is available within the platform, you’ll need to upgrade to Pro Support to get help from a tax expert. There’s also no option to have an expert prepare and file your return.
Prices:
- Basic: $0, plus state filing fees
- Deluxe: $7.99, plus state filing fees
- Pro Support: $44.99, plus state filing fees
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
Why we like it: TaxSlayer has solid import tools, though you’ll need to choose one of the paid tiers to take advantage. You can speed up onboarding by importing a PDF of last year’s returns. You can also upload PDFs of W-2s, as well as 1099-NECs — which saves a lot of time if you’re self-employed and receive multiple 1099-NECs.
Who it’s best for: TaxSlayer’s free version meets the needs of most simple filers. But we liked its paid tier for the Self-Employed filer.Its import tools also make it a good fit for those who receive lots of tax forms and want to minimize the time they spend on manual import — but who want an option that’s more affordable than giant filing services. TaxSlayer also offers free federal filing to active military members.
Who shouldn’t buy it: TaxSlayer isn’t a great choice for those who want a lot of support. You’ll need either the Premium or Self-Employed version for access to live chat for customer support and the Ask a Tax Professional feature. TaxSlayer doesn’t provide access to experts beyond the Ask a Tax Professional service, so there’s no option to have a pro prepare or file your taxes.
Prices:
- Simply Free: $0
- Classic: $22.99, plus state filing fees
- Premium: $42.99, plus state filing fees
- Self-Employed: $52.99, plus state filing fees
- Military: $0 federal, plus state filing fees
Best Live Expert Support Options
TaxAct
Pros
- Free version for simple filers
- Supports most federal tax forms
- Easy guided interview process
- Live professional access
Cons
- State returns are extra
- Cost structure can be confusing
- Import tools are limited
- Mobile app only for Android
Why we like it: TaxAct supports most filing situations, including free simple return filing, itemized returns, investment income and self-employment. One of my favorite things about it is its flexible access to tax pros, all of whom are CPAs, enrolled agents (EAs) or tax attorneys. You can pay per session if you only have the occasional question, or you can pay for unlimited access. You can also opt to have an expert prepare and file your taxes.
Who it’s best for: TaxAct is a solid choice for DIY filers who want professional access if they run into a hurdle. It tends to work best for simple filing situations. Though you can use the platform for forms like Schedule C or Schedule E, you’ll need to do lots of manual input and calculations.
Who shouldn’t buy it: TaxAct isn’t a great option for users who want lots of guidance from the platform as they prepare their taxes. Because pricing can be confusing and many services require add-ons or upgrades, budget-conscious filers may want to choose a different service.
Prices:
- Free Federal: $0, plus state filing fees
- Deluxe Home & Family: $29.99, plus state fees
- Premier Investments: $49.99, plus state fees
- Entrepreneur Self-Employed: $69.99, plus state fees
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 pros
- Limited features
- Some complex tax situations aren’t supported
Why we like it: A lot of tax software offers a free tier, but then constantly nags you to add features or upgrade — or you discover you’re not eligible for free filing after you’ve already spent hours on your taxes. Cash App Taxes is 100% free. There are no paid versions or hidden costs. While most tax services don’t let you use the free version if you itemize, you’re reporting stock or crypto sales or you’re self-employed, you can use Cash App in most of these situations.
Who it’s best for: Cash App Taxes is a great choice for anyone who wants to file taxes for free. But it’s built for filers with relatively simple returns who are comfortable filing on their mobile device, though a desktop version is available. Though you can use Cash App Taxes for more complex situations, expect to do lots of manual data entry and calculations.
Who shouldn’t buy it: You can’t use Cash App Taxes in a few circumstances, like if you’re married filing separately, you need to file multiple state returns or if you’re a nonresident alien. It’s also not the best fit if you’re a high-volume stock or crypto trader, or you’re self-employed with lots of 1099-NECs because of the manual work involved. Choose a different service if you think you may need help from a tax pro, as expert guidance isn’t available.
Prices: No tiers; all filing services are free.
Pros
- Transparent pricing
- No extra charge for state returns
- Maximum refund and accuracy guarantees
Cons
- Extremely limited importing for tax documents
- Minimal educational resources
- No expert access unless you pay for a separate service
- No mobile app
Why we like it: Jackson Hewitt Online has transparent, easy-to-understand pricing. It’s $25 flat for both federal and state filing. The flat price structure makes it a good choice if you need to file multiple state returns.
Who it’s best for: If you have to file state taxes, Jackson Hewitt Online can be a good choice because both federal and state returns are included in the $25 fee. Many services charge more just to file a single state return. Because of the flat fee, Jackson Hewitt is good if you’re required to file more than one state return — like if you don’t live in the state where you work.
Who shouldn’t buy it: Avoid Jackson Hewitt Online if you want a lot of bells and whistles, like a mobile app, importing tools or solid educational resources. It’s also a poor choice for those who want access to a tax pro — which surprised me, given that there are thousands of offices nationwide. Jackson Hewitt Online doesn’t offer access to tax pros. If you need expert help, you’ll need to pay for a completely different service.
Prices: $25 flat for federal and state returns
Tax software compared
|
Product |
Superlative |
Overall Score |
Pricing |
|
H&R Block |
Best Overall |
8.4 |
Free for simple returns; tiered paid plans start at $35 (plus state fees). |
|
TurboTax |
Best for Most Tax Situations and 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 |
Most Affordable for Simple Filers |
7.2 |
100% Free federal filing; state returns cost $15.99. |
|
TaxSlayer |
Best for Self-Employed or Military Members |
6.9 |
Free for simple filers and active duty military; tiered paid plans start at $22.99 (plus state fees). |
|
TaxAct |
Best Live Expert Support Options |
6.8 |
Free version for simple filers; paid plans start at $29.99 (plus state fees). |
|
Cash App Taxes |
Good for 100% Free DIY 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 is new with taxes in 2026 (Income tax year 2025)
There are quite a few new tax rules in 2026 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that President Trump signed into law on July 4, 2025. Even though the legislation passed midyear, several changes apply to 2025 tax returns, which are due April 15, 2026. Changes include:
- Higher standard deductions: The standard deductions for 2025 are $15,750 for single filers, $31,500 for married couples filing jointly, and $23,625 for heads of household. In 2026 (for tax returns due in 2027), these numbers increase to $16,100 for single filers, $32,200 for joint filers and $24,150 for heads of household.
- New deduction for seniors: Seniors 65 and older can now claim an additional deduction of $6,000 for single filers and $12,000 for married couples.
- No taxes on tips: Through 2028, you can now deduct up to $25,000 in tips from your taxable income.
- No taxes on overtime: Through 2028, single filers can deduct overtime up to $12,500 of overtime income and married couples filing jointly can deduct $25,000. For example, if you were paid time-and-a-half for working overtime, you can deduct the overtime portion when you file.
- Car loan interest is now tax-deductible. If you pay interest on a car loan, you’ll be able to deduct up to $10,000 worth of interest, but only if you itemize deductions and on “qualified cars” (Cars, minivans, vans, SUVs, pickup trucks and motorcycles that weigh less than 14,000 pounds and have undergone «final assembly» in the US). The deduction phases out if your taxable income exceeds $100,000 (single filers) or $200,000 (married couples filing jointly).
Another important change to be aware of: The IRS has suspended its Direct File program, which was essentially the IRS version of free tax filing software. It will not be available in January 2026, when tax filing opens for 2025 returns.
How does tax software work?
Tax software guides you through the process of preparing and filing your taxes. Usually, it’s a do-it-yourself alternative to hiring a traditional tax preparer, though some software lets you pay to get help from an expert — or even have an expert file your taxes for you. Most tax software has a free version, but you’ll often need to pay unless you have a simple tax return (usually that means mostly W-2 income and you claim the standard deduction).
You’ll provide your information by either inputting numbers from your W-2 and other tax documents, though some services simplify things by letting you upload them and pulling the information. Then, it asks you questions, like whether you provided financial support for someone living in your home or had big out-of-pocket medical bills during the tax year. It then calculates your tax bill and how much you owe or will get as a refund based on your income and any tax credits or deductions you’re eligible for.
Buying advice and factors to consider
No tax filing software is perfect for every taxpayer. Consider these factors to help you pick the best tax software for you.
Your tax situation and complexity level
You can often use a free version of tax software when you mainly have W-2 income, you take the standard deduction and your filing status is either single or married filing jointly. Free tax software tends to make you manually input information and doesn’t provide much support – which may be OK when you only have a few tax forms.
But as your return increases in complexity (like you own a business, you have investment income or you itemize deductions), you may want to pay for a premium package that lets you directly import information and handles complex calculations.
Price
Many services have three or four tiers, one of which is free. But the advertised price often isn’t the price you pay. A seemingly minor detail (like having dependents or an HSA) can often trigger an upgrade from a free to a paid version. Many services have multiple add-ons. For example, you’ll often have to pay extra for access to a tax pro or for audit defense services.
Free software pitfalls
A lot of platforms advertise free tax filing, but you often won’t be able to use it unless your filing situation is extremely basic. Claiming dependents, having a health savings account (HSA) or receiving a 1099-NEC or two for freelance work are all common situations that can preclude you from using a free tax filing service. Many free filing services also limit your access to technical help or customer support.
DIY versus in-person expert help
The more complex your return, the more beneficial it is to enlist expert help. It’s also a good idea to hire an expert when you have a major life change, like marriage or divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, a major change in income or a home purchase. However, even if you need tax help, you don’t necessarily need to meet with them in person. Some tax software services let you talk to an expert by video and use live screen sharing.
The costs of getting expert help vary enormously based on your return’s complexity, whether you’re filing an individual or business return, the expert’s credentials and your location. But in my experience, it generally costs around $750 to have a certified public accountant (CPA) physically prepare your return.
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 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 you DIY your 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.
Tax software FAQs
Is filing my taxes online safe?
Filing your taxes online is usually a lot safer than mailing your return because it’s easy for criminals to access sensitive information from a paper document. In fact, the IRS encourages online filing because it’s more secure. Tax filing services are required to meet strict standards for data encryption, privacy and identity verification that are spelled out by the IRS.
Can I do my taxes from my phone?
You can often do your taxes by phone, but it’s generally not recommended if your taxes are complex. Inputting lots of information and double-checking figures is often easier on a computer. But it may work OK if you only have a W-2, particularly if the service lets you snap a photo and import it using its mobile app.
What’s the best tax software for complex tax returns?
TurboTax and H&R Block are two of the best tax software options for complex returns. The software can guide you through complicated tax situations, like crypto sales and calculating depreciation of business assets. They also let you upgrade to get professional help.
