The Best Free Tax Software of 2026
Americans pay an average of about $290 to file their tax return each year, according to the National Taxpayers Union. There’s no getting around paying taxes, but there’s something galling about paying for the privilege.
Thankfully, most major tax software companies offer a free tier. There are usually limitations — such as only accepting simple returns or only processing federal taxes. Still, in 2024, about a quarter of taxpayers used free commercial tax software or online services to file.
We evaluated more than a dozen DIY software platforms with free tiers to identify the best for a variety of situations. For more on how we made our picks, read our methodology.
Start preparing your taxes with these options
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
The Deluxe plan comes with priority support and live chat, while the paid Pro Support tier adds access to a tax pro, phone support, live screenshare and assistance with federal and state returns
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
Best for itemizing: FreeTaxUSA
Who’s this for? Unlike most free options, FreeTaxUSA lets you itemize your return at no extra charge — allowing you to claim charitable donations, property taxes, mortgage interest and more. It’ll also compare with the standard deduction to ensure you’re getting the biggest break.
Free for: Federal tax returns. (State tax returns $15.99 extra.)
Standout features: Maximum refund and calculation accuracy guarantee included. Paid add-ons include expert guidance for state and federal audits, identity theft protection and debt relief consultations. You can also order a printed or professionally bound return.
FreeTaxUSA
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Plans
Four free tiers: Basic (simple returns), Advanced (homeowners), Premium (rental and investment income), and Self-employed (freelancers, contract workers, small business owners)
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Guarantee
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
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Live support
Paid Deluxe plan comes with priority support and live chat, while Pro Support tier adds access to a tax pro, phone support, live screen share and help on federal and state returns
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Tax refund advance loan
Pros
- Federal filing is free for most tax situations
- Maximum refund and accuracy guarantees
- State filing is only $14.99
Cons
- Phone support and tax pros only available with paid plans
- Have to manually enter 1099 information
Best for usability: TurboTax
Free for: Federal and state taxes for simple returns. Roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify for this free option, according to TurboTax.
Standout features: TurboTax guarantees 100% accuracy and the maximum possible refund, offering audit support and tax refund advance loans.
TurboTax
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Online plans
Do It Yourself, Expert Assist, Expert Full Service, Expert Assist Business, Expert Full Service Business
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Free version
Federal and state returns (Form 1040 + limited credits). According to TurboTax, 37% of taxpayers are eligible.
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Guarantee
Maximum refund and 100% accuracy guarantees
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Live support
Expert Assist plan includes unlimited assistance and final review, while Expert Full Service adds a dedicated expert to complete and file your return.
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Tax refund advance loan
Pros
- Step-by-step guidance with easy-to-follow Q&A format
- On-demand advice and a final review from a tax expert
- Expert Full Service plan has a tax expert who can complete your return
- Offers tax refund advance loan
Cons
- More expensive than other tax-prep software programs
- May try to upsell you into getting pricier plan
Best for state and federal filing: H&R Block
Free for: Federal and state taxes for simple returns
Standout benefits: Paid tiers come with support from H&R Block’s AI Tax Assist feature, online chat with a tax professional and Worry-Free Audit Support. There are also thousands of H&R Block locations nationwide for in-person support.
H&R Block
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Online plans
Free, Deluxe, Premium, Self-Employed
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Free version
For federal and state returns (Form 1040 and limited credits only)
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Guarantee
Maximum refund and 100% accuracy guarantees
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Live support
H&R Block’s AI Tax Assist and unlimited live chat are free with all paid plans and a review by a tax pro is available for a fee.
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Tax refund advance loan
Not with H&R Block Online
Pros
- Simple step-by-step guidance
- Free plan takes federal and state returns
- 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantees
- Thousands of branches for in-person help
Cons
- More expensive than competitors
- Must have a paid plan to speak with a live tax expert
- Refund advance loans not available for online customers.
Best for live support: TaxAct
Free for: Federal filing for simple returns. ( State returns are $39.99 to $62.99 per state.) Active-duty military with an AGI under $89,000 get free federal and state filing.
Standout features: The Deduction Maximizer tool reviews your forms and suggests appropriate tax breaks. If you’re penalized because of a TaxAct made, the company will reimburse any fines or interest and cover legal and audit fees up to $100,000.
TaxAct
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Online plans
Free, Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed
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Free version
Federal returns (Form 1040 and limited credits only)
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Guarantee
Maximum refund guarantee and $100,000 accuracy guarantee
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Live support
TaxAct Xpert Assist is available with any plan for a flat $60 fee
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Tax refund advance loan
Pros
- More affordable than other paid software programs
- Accuracy guarantee covers legal fees up to $100,000
- All plans come with live support from tax experts
- Free tier can process both federal and state returns
Cons
- Returns with freelance or investment income don’t qualify for free plan
- Doesn’t offer tax refund advance loan
Best for fast refunds: Cash App Taxes
Who’s this for? Need your refund to pay bills? Cash App Taxes filers can get their returns six days earlier than a traditional bank if they set up direct deposit with a Cash App account.
Free for: State and federal returns with nearly every IRS form and schedule
Standout features: Free audit defense included with every return.
Cash App Taxes
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Online plan
One free plan for federal and state taxes, both simple returns and with multiple 1099s (e-filing for Montana is not available)
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Guarantees
Maximum refund and 100% accuracy guarantees
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Live support
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Tax refund advance loan
Pros
- Completely free
- Audit defense if the IRS audits your tax return
- Can get refund five days earlier if deposited in Cash App account
Cons
- No support from tax professionals
- Most information must be input manually
- Can’t file returns for multiple states
Owe back taxes? Get help from a tax relief company
How does tax software work?
There are three main ways to file a tax return: A paper return sent through the mail, working with a tax professional or using tax-prep software.
Commercial tax-prep software programs are the preferred method for 44% of tax filers. They allow you to go at your own pace, with step-by-step guidance and access to professional support.
Since most tax software companies offer a variety of packages, you’ll need to decide which tier is right for you. That will determine both the forms you need to fill out and the price you’ll pay.
Once you make your selection, you’ll be prompted to answer questions about your finances for the year and upload relevant tax forms. Most companies will offer to file your return to the IRS or state revenue department on your behalf. If you got an early start, the system may have to wait until tax filing season officially begins
You should also be able to arrange your tax refund through the software company and, in some cases, deduct the cost of their services for a fee.
What is a simple tax return?
Simple returns are the most common you can file. Companies vary in their criteria, but a simple return is generally prepared using IRS Form 1040 and is limited to:
- W-2 income
- Limited interest and dividend income
- Standard deduction
- Unemployment income
Some tax filing programs will include limited credits as part of a simple return, including the Earned Income Tax Credit, child tax credits and student loan/education deductions.
Start preparing your taxes with these options
Offers in this section are from affiliate partners and selected based on a combination of engagement, product relevance, compensation, and consistent availability.
The Deluxe plan comes with priority support and live chat, while the paid Pro Support tier adds access to a tax pro, phone support, live screenshare and assistance with federal and state returns
Guarantees 100% accuracy and maximum refund
What to look for when choosing free tax software
You have a lot of tax-prep options, both cloud-based and desktop. When deciding on the right package, here’s what to look for.
Value
With price off the table, you should think about what you’re getting for nothing. Some companies lure you in with the promise of a free return, only to reveal you don’t qualify and press you to order a paid plan.
You may also have to pay extra to have both your state and federal returns processed. Before shopping for tax software, decide if:
- You’ll be itemizing or taking the standard deduction
- You’re self-employed or have income from many sources
- You need to file in more than one state
- You’ll need assistance from a tax expert?
In many cases, that may determine which free plan you select.
Ease of use
Is the interface intuitive? Can you upload the previous years’ tax documents? Are you guided through the process with straightforward questions? Read customer reviews both on the website and on third-party sites like Trustpilot.
Supported tax forms
If you have a simple return with a Form 1040 and standard deductions, almost any free tier will do the trick. But if you’re a gig worker, collect income in several states or have investment properties, you’ll probably need a paid plan.
User support
A good tax software platform will have calculators, explainers and video tutorials to help DIYers. You should also see what kind of live support is offered. Options could range from phone access to a final review by a representative to step-by-step guidance by a tax professional.
Alternatives to free tax software
There are a variety of no-cost filing options available, especially if you have a simple return.
IRS Free File
IRS Free File is a no-cost online service for filers who had an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less in 2025. A partnership between the IRS and leading tax prep sites, including TaxSlayer and FreeTaxUSA, Free File allows users to choose which company to work with based on their income, location and filing needs. Some partners also offer free state filing.
The program is a bit of a sleeper: Close to 70% of Americans qualified for IRS Free File in 2024, according to the Taxpayer Advocate, but less than 5% used it. If you don’t meet the income requirement for Free File, you can still use the site’s fillable forms. There’s no guidance and only limited calculations, but you can still fill out the free electronic forms using IRS instructions. This option doesn’t include any state tax preparation.
Banking apps and credit cards
PayPal partnered with AI-powered April to enable PayPal Debit Mastercard cardholders to file federal and state returns at no charge. Users can receive federal tax refunds up to five days early with PayPal Direct Deposit, or put the funds into PayPal Savings, a no-fee, high-yield savings account provided by Synchrony Bank.
The PayPal Debit Card allows you to earn up to 5% back (earned as PayPal points) in everyday spending categories, which is rarer for a debit card. See terms at paypal.com/rewardspal
Banking app Chime* also offers free state and federal filing through April. Account holders who set up direct deposit can get their refund up to six days early.
MoneyLion offers free federal and state tax filing for customers with a RoarMoney account. Thanks to a partnership with April, users can submit W-2, unemployment and investment income.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free in-person tax preparation to individuals with an income of $67,000 or less, who have disabilities or with limited English skills.
You’ll need to go in person, but VITA sites are generally located in libraries, schools, shopping malls and other neighborhood locations. (You can find local providers here.)
Tax Counseling for the Elderly
Another IRS-backed program, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sponsors free nonprofit and community tax preparation for filers 60 and older. Trained volunteers will help prepare simple returns and can answer retirement-related questions. (Some locations also offer self-filing options.)
Check the IRS website or AARP Tax-Aide site locator tool to find a TCE-affiliated location in your area or call 888-227-7669.
MilTax
Sponsored by the Department of Defense, MilTax is a tax software program for U.S. service members, veterans and their families, with details on how to file in multiple states, how to report deployment and combat pay, and more.
Eligible filers can electronically submit a federal return and up to three state returns free of charge.
Pros and cons of free tax software
Pros
- Cheaper than hiring a tax professional
- Can often autofill data from previous tax years
- Allows you to file at your own pace
- May be able to pay for the software out of your refund
Cons
- Usually limited to simple returns with limited deductions
- May not include both federal and state taxes
- Providers may try to upsell you or misrepresent what tier you qualify for
Tax software FAQs
What happens if I don’t pay my taxes on time?
If you miss the deadline and owe money, the IRS will charge both a failure-to-pay penalty (typically 0.5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%), a separate failure-to-file penalty (typically 5% per month) and interest that compounds daily. Eventually, a lien can be placed on your property and assets can be seized. If you neglect to pay on time and have a refund coming, you won’t incur a penalty but your refund will be delayed. If you go three years without filing, you’ll forfeit your refund.
What is the standard deduction?
The standard deduction is a blanket deduction that all taxpayers can take without itemizing. In tax year 2025, the standard deduction is $15,750 for single filers or married couples filing separately, $31,500 for married couples filing jointly and $23,625 for heads of household.
Why trust CNBC Select?
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice to help them make informed financial decisions. Every tax software review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of tax software products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
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Our methodology
To determine the best free tax software, CNBC Select analyzed more than a dozen top tax-prep companies with free tiers, examining ease of use, live support and other features.
- All the services we chose have intuitive interfaces with simple question-and-answer prompts.
- More weight was given to software companies that file both state and federal returns for free and that allow for more deductions and credits.
- We considered whether a tax-prep company offered a tax refund advance loan or made refunds available early.
- All of the companies on this list have accuracy and biggest return guarantees
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.
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*Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
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