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Tax season 2027 · 2026 tax year

File for less, keep more of your refund

Independent reviews of TurboTax, H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA and every major US tax filing service, plus where to put your refund once it lands.

Compare tax softwareEstimate your filing cost

Federal Tax Day is Thursday, April 15, 2027

Our top picks

Best value tax filingFreeTaxUSAOur score:
9.4/10Best guided tax filingTurboTaxOur score:
9.3/10Best with a tax proH&R BlockOur score:
9.2/10Best home for your refundSoFiOur score:
9.3/10

Prices checked against each provider's own pricing page, October 2026.

Reviews

Top-rated picks

The highest scores across tax software, savings and money apps. Tax software prices: 2025 tax year (filed in 2026), federal; state fees extra. APYs as of October 7, 2026.

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FreeTaxUSA

Online tax filing
Our score: 9.4/10Tax SoftwareFederal $0

Best value for most filers.

Read review →

TurboTax

Online tax filing
Our score: 9.3/10Tax SoftwareFederal from $79

Best guided experience.

Read review →

SoFi

Online bank
Our score: 9.3/10SavingsAPY up to 4.20%

Best all-in-one account.

Read review →

Monarch Money

Budgeting app
Our score: 9.3/10Money Apps$14.99/mo

Best for couples and families.

Read review →

H&R Block

Online and in-person tax filing
Our score: 9.2/10Tax SoftwareFederal from $65

Best with expert backup.

Read review →
Tools

Tax season toolkit

Free tools to compare what filing will cost before you start.

Tax Software Price TrackerFree tiers, Deluxe, Premium and Self-Employed prices and state fees for every major service, side by side.2025 tax year · last checked October 2026Open the tracker →What will my tax filing cost?Pick your situation and number of state returns to compare estimated totals across providers.Simple · homeowner · investments · self-employedUse the calculator →Tax season guidesDeadlines, brackets, new deductions, refunds, extensions and self-employment, in plain English.15 guides · US federalBrowse guides →
Learn and grow

For freelancers and small businesses

Free courses and business credit basics. Featured partners, not reviewed or scored.

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Alison

Free online courses
Featured partner · not reviewed or scoredFree coursesCertificates paid

Free bookkeeping, accounting and personal finance courses.

Read the guide →

Red Spectrum

Business credit building
Featured partner · not reviewed or scoredNet 30 accountFrom $153.95

Business credit building for US small businesses.

Read the guide →
Categories

Browse by category

Ranked lists with real prices, free options and who each one suits.

Tax SoftwareOnline tax filing services ranked on real cost, forms covered and help options.FreeTaxUSA · TurboTax · H&R Block · TaxSlayer · TaxAct · Cash App Taxes · eFile.comSee the ranking →SavingsHigh-yield savings accounts compared on usable APY, minimums and conditions.SoFi · NexBank · CIT Bank · Axos · VaroSee the ranking →Money AppsBudgeting apps compared on price, method and bank syncing.Monarch Money · YNAB · Rocket Money · Copilot MoneySee the ranking →
Calendar

Key 2027 tax dates

US federal dates for 2026 tax returns filed in 2027.

Full calendar →
DateUS federal deadline (2026 tax year)
Jan 15, 2027Final estimated tax payment for the 2026 tax year
Late Jan 2027IRS opens the 2027 filing season for 2026 returns; the IRS announces the date (the 2026 season opened January 26, 2026)
Feb 1, 2027Employers give employees 2026 Forms W-2; payers file 2026 Forms 1099-NEC
Mar 15, 20272026 partnership (Form 1065) and S corporation (Form 1120-S) returns due
Apr 15, 2027Tax Day: 2026 Form 1040 due and any tax owed; last day to request an automatic extension (Form 4868); first 2027 estimated tax payment; last day for 2026 IRA contributions
Method

How we score

Every review uses the same five criteria. More about our method.

01CoverageWhich forms, income types and situations are supported at each price.
02Real costThe total you actually pay: federal, state, add-ons and conditions.
03Ease of useHow fast a typical filer gets to a finished, accurate result.
04Help and supportAccess to real experts, guarantees and audit support.
05Trust and securityTrack record, IRS e-file authorization, FDIC membership and data protection.
Learn

Guides and comparisons

Start with a guide, then read the full review.

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Start here

Tax Software

Tools and data

Editorial independence

We may earn a commission when you sign up through some links on this site, at no cost to you. Scores and rankings follow our method alone, and no company can pay for a higher score. Read our affiliate disclosure. General information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Consult a qualified tax professional.

The refund brief

Filing deadlines, tax software price drops and the best savings rates, in your inbox during tax season. No spam, unsubscribe any time.