Key findings
$162+more for a self-employed filer on TurboTax Premium than on FreeTaxUSA, federal plus one state
11 timesthe cost: TurboTax Premium vs FreeTaxUSA for the same self-employed return with one state (at the low end of TurboTax's state fee)
4 of 7services charge $0 for a simple federal return plus one state return
- Simple return (W-2, standard deduction): from $0 (TurboTax) to $64.99 (TaxAct), federal plus one state.
- Homeowner or itemizing: from $0 (Cash App Taxes) to $118 to $143 (TurboTax), federal plus one state.
- Investments or rentals: from $0 (Cash App Taxes) to $178 to $203 (TurboTax), federal plus one state.
- Self-employed (Schedule C): from $0 (Cash App Taxes) to $178 to $203 (TurboTax), federal plus one state.
The cost by situation
Each chart shows the estimated total for a federal return plus one state return, using each provider's list price for the 2025 tax year. Where a provider's state fee varies by tier, we show the range.
Full data
| Provider | Simple return (W-2, standard deduction) | Homeowner or itemizing | Investments or rentals | Self-employed (Schedule C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FreeTaxUSA | $15.99 | $15.99 | $15.99 | $15.99 |
| TurboTax | $0 | $118 to $143 | $178 to $203 | $178 to $203 |
| H&R Block | $0 | $114 | $154 | $179 |
| TaxSlayer | $0 | $92.98 | $92.98 | $122.98 |
| TaxAct | $64.99 | $124.98 | $164.98 | $174.98 |
| Cash App Taxes | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| eFile.com | $21 | $40.49 | $55.49 | $55.49 |
Download the data as CSV · Track changes in the price history · Compare tiers in the Tax Software Price Tracker · Run your own numbers in the filing cost calculator.
Methodology
- Providers: TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA, Cash App Taxes and eFile.com.
- Prices: list prices for the 2025 tax year (returns filed in 2026), taken from each provider's own pricing pages and last checked October 2026. Promotions, discounts and optional add-ons such as live expert help or audit defense are excluded.
- Situations: we map each situation to the cheapest tier the provider requires for it. Simple: W-2 income and the standard deduction. Homeowner: itemized deductions. Investments: stock, fund or crypto sales or rental income. Self-employed: Schedule C income.
- State return: one state return is added. Where a free tier includes a state return, it is counted at $0.
- Limits: list prices are not what every filer pays, and free tiers have eligibility rules. Read each review for who qualifies.
For journalists
You may quote and republish these findings with a link to this page. For questions or data requests, email support@and-iamo.com.
Not advice: General information only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Consult a qualified tax professional. We may earn a commission from some links on this site; it never affects our scores or this content. Read our affiliate disclosure.