Free filing options compared
| Option | Who qualifies | Federal | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cash App Taxes | Federal and one state return free for supported situations; multi-state returns not supported; Cash App account required. | $0 | $0, one state only |
| FreeTaxUSA | Federal returns free for every return type, including self-employment, investments and rentals. | $0 | $15.99 per state |
| TurboTax Free Edition | Free Edition: simple Form 1040 returns only (W-2 income, limited interest and dividends, standard deduction, some credits). Intuit says about 37% of filers qualify. | $0 | $0 with Free Edition |
| H&R Block Free Online | Free Online: W-2 and unemployment income, standard deduction, common credits such as the EITC and Child Tax Credit. | $0 | $0 with Free Online |
| TaxAct Free | Free: simple Form 1040 returns with limited forms and schedules. | $0 | $64.99 per state |
| TaxSlayer Simply Free | Simply Free: basic returns with W-2 income and the standard deduction, one state included. Active-duty military can file federal free. | $0 | One state included |
| IRS Free File guided software | Adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less (limit shown on irs.gov for current-year returns) | $0 | Varies by partner |
| IRS Free File Fillable Forms | Any income; you fill in electronic IRS forms yourself, without guidance | $0 | Not included |
Pricing note: Prices are list prices for the 2025 tax year (returns filed in 2026), US federal unless noted; state returns are charged separately as shown. Providers set prices for the 2026 tax year (filed in 2027) in December and January, and early-season discounts are common. Prices last checked October 2026. Check the provider's site before you file.
Our picks
- Free federal and state, one state: Cash App Taxes, for the situations it supports.
- Complex return, lowest total cost: FreeTaxUSA, free federal for every return type plus a low state fee.
- Simple W-2 return, want guidance: TurboTax Free Edition or H&R Block Free Online, if your return fits their free tier.
IRS Free File and free help
IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and private tax software companies, reached from irs.gov. Guided Free File software is for people with adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less, the limit irs.gov shows for current-year returns. Free File Fillable Forms are available at any income level, but give no step-by-step guidance. You can only file your current-year return through Free File.
VITA and TCE are IRS-sponsored programs where trained volunteers prepare returns free for eligible people, including those with lower incomes, people with disabilities, limited-English speakers and older adults. Check irs.gov for eligibility and locations.
Watch for upsells
"Free" versions cover simple returns. Many filers are moved to a paid tier when they report investments, self-employment income, HSA contributions or itemized deductions. Before you start, check what the free tier covers, and compare the total of federal plus state. Our filing cost calculator estimates it for your situation.
FAQ
Can I really file taxes for free?
Yes, if your return fits a free tier, or you use FreeTaxUSA for federal, Cash App Taxes for supported returns, IRS Free File or VITA.
Which free tax software covers self-employment?
Cash App Taxes and FreeTaxUSA both include Schedule C in their free federal returns.
Is free tax software safe?
Use IRS-authorized e-file providers like the ones listed here, and file from a secure device and network.
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Not advice: General information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Consult a qualified tax professional. Dates and rules can change; check irs.gov for your situation.