The best free tax software of 2026

5 days ago 9

This year, tax filings and respective payments are due on April 15, though the IRS began accepting filings starting on Jan. 26. If you haven't filed your taxes yet, there's no time like the present. Tax filing takes preparation, time, and careful attention, so understanding the tools available is key to completing your taxes with ease.

Using a tax preparation service or hiring a professional tax specialist is a great strategy if it's within your budget and time frame. However, there are also free tax filing software options available online if you're looking to complete a simple tax file.

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What is the best free tax software right now?

ZDNET rounded up some of the best free tax software options for simple filing that can aid you this season. Our pick for best free tax software overall is Cash App Taxes for its range of service options and smooth filing process. You can also check out alternatives and see how they compare for your needs. Remember, Tax Day is getting closer, but there's never a better time to get ahead than right now.

The best free tax software of 2025

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Cash App Taxes is legitimately 100% free. There are no paid tiers, subscriptions, add-ons, or other costs when you submit your return. You can file your federal taxes and one state return for free. Free, actually meaning free, really is uncommon these days, but not with Cash App Taxes.

Keep in mind that there's no extra support from a pro here. No options to level up. Manual entry is also required for most forms.

Why we like it: Cash App Taxes has no pricing tiers, and all filing services are free.

Who's it for: Cash App Taxes is perfect for someone who's a simple filer who wants to 100% DIY. It's great for simple filing, like a W-2 job and standard deduction. If you have other complex situations (like itemized deductions or self-employment income), this is still a great option, you just need to be aware of what you're doing and have a good understanding of the tax rules for your situation.

Who should look elsewhere: Those who have more complicated tax situations, more involved deductions, and those who want the option to have professional support. If you're not fond on manual input, you'll want to skip this, too.

So if you're pretty confident and comfortable with the tax filing process or have a basic return, Cash App is a top pick for filing a tax return for free.

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Why we like it: H&R Block has nice tools and options for freelancers and other gig workers, but they aren't available if you're using the free online option. Still, many may qualify, and H&R Block states upfront prices for more basic services: It's $0 to file federal taxes and one state return for those who qualify.

Who's it for: Only those with a simple tax return qualify for free filing. This means your main income is primarily a W-2, you only take a few basic tax credits, maybe a student loan deduction, and you don't have plans to itemize your return. You can still use H&R Block's free filing in a few situations that other competitors, like TurboTax don't allow, like if you have unemployment income.

Who should look elsewhere: I wouldn't advise planning to use H&R Block's free version if you're not a simple filer as you'll likely need to upgrade or pay more fees to finish your return. It can quickly become not "free," if you're not aware of the fine print.

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Tax Slayer's Simply Free plan is popular, but the problem is most of us won't qualify to use that and will need to upgrade. However, it still could be worth it for some.

Why we like it: TaxSlayer has nice help tools for self-employed people, but these aren't included in the free version. However, the free package does offer decent support, and the platform is easy to navigate.

Who's it for: Like most options on this list, TaxSlayer's free version only applies to simple filing situations. However, if you need to upgrade, its paid tiers are fairly priced, starting at $30. In paid versions, TaxSlayer has some import tools and lets you upload your W-2 and a past year's tax return. Active-duty military can also file their taxes for free with TaxSlayer no matter how complex their situation.

Who should look elsewhere: If you need a lot of guidance or support when you file your taxes, TaxSlayer will likely be a skip. You'll need to upgrade to access live support for customer service anyway. Even if you upgrade to a paid tier, its "Ask a Tax Professional" feature is limited to general information, rather than personalized tax advice.

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Why we like it: Tax Act offers support to tax professionals who are CPAs, enrolled agents or tax attorneys. You'll need to pay for that expertise, which is in line with other options on this last. However, you're using the free version and run into a problem, you can pay on a per-session basis, instead of upgrading to a more expensive tier.

Who's it for: TaxAct is mainly best for simple filers, as it estimates that about 47% of filers qualify for free filing.

Who should look elsewhere: Those with more complicated returns and those who don't want to pay anything for filing. While many tax services include one free state return in their free tiers, TaxAct charges $40 for state returns.

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The true "best" tax software service will ultimately come down to your individual needs for tax filing. What may be the best service for you might not be best for someone else. However, Cash App Taxes offers free tax filing for the broadest range of solutions, credits, and deductions.

See how ZDNET's top picks compare against each other and check out if one of our picks may be right for you. If you are unsure of what may be the best fit, seek professional help from an accountant or other professional services.

Best free tax software	Free state return	Free federal return	Income threshold
Cash App Taxes	Yes	Yes	No
TaxSlayer	Yes	Yes	$100,000
H&R Block Free Online	Yes	Yes	No
TaxAct	No	Yes	No

*Based on lowest, freely available tier option.

Choosing a tax software that's right for you is up to your needs for a service. See how ZDNET's top pick -- Cash App Taxes -- compares to the other options we've slated for this list and if it may be right for you.

Choose this free tax software ...	If you want...
Cash App Taxes	The best overall free online tax software for most experienced people
TaxSlayer Simply Free	A free tax software option for W-2 filers with no dependents or deductions
H&R Block Free Online	A free tax software for students and most filling needs
TaxACT Free	An IRS free file eligible free tax software

There are only three options when it comes to filing taxes:

Manual filing: Manual tax filing is cut and dry. It is done by completing IRS Form 1040, known as the Individual Tax Return form. Once it is completed, it is mailed to the IRS. However, paper tax returns are the slowest to process. The IRS had a backlog of nearly three million amended tax returns and a processing time of 20 weeks in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Using a tax preparation service or tax professional: Numerous tax preparation services and professionals aid you in your quest during tax season. Some individuals opt for professional services to help them wade through the sea of forms and tax jargon -- tax credits and deductions.
Using tax software programs: Tax software programs are also a popular option. Many online programs are offered to help walk people through filing their taxes electronically. Of course, many of these software programs come with a cost, but it may be well worth the small investment to receive your tax refund faster. Plus, most tax software programs have fail-safe checks that ensure accuracy and maximize your deductions.

As of January 2026, the IRS has ended its free Direct File program. You can still file for free through the IRS using its fillable forms. Many tax software programs advertise free filing but it's usually only for simple filers using the standard deduction. Cash App Taxes is the exception, which lets you file for free in almost any tax situation but it's a long process with manual input needed.

Tax filing for the year of 2025 began on Jan. 26, 2026.

The sooner you file, the sooner you can expect to receive your refund if you're due one. Numerous tax preparation services and professional tax preparers are available to help you check off filing this tax season. Some services may come with a fee depending on the tax situation, and the more complicated your tax filing needs are (dealing with less common forms and schedules), the more likely you will benefit the most from professional tax services.

The tax process can be simple, manageable, and potentially free for individuals with less complicated tax filings, such as W-2 employees. Many top-tier tax preparation services offer free editions for simple tax filers who qualify.

Whether you file using online tax software or a tax professional, you still have to do most of the legwork to get organized. Make tax filing easier by getting organized in advance in a few ways:

Find and review the previous year's tax return: Last year's tax return can be a good starting point to determine what type of deductions you took and what figures and documents you may need to collect for the current year.
Save and categorize your receipts: If you plan on taking deductions for specific categories such as medical or work-related expenses, keep your receipts organized by categories such as uniforms, dry cleaning, prescription drugs, and more.
Download your tax forms: You could always wait to receive your 1099s in the mail or download them for free from the financial institution issuing them. Some of the most common 1099s you may receive are for your investments and interest earned through your bank or credit union.
Store all of your information in a safe, accessible place: Prepping your information beforehand will do you no good if you can't find it later.

Tax filing for the year of 2025 officially began on Jan. 26, 2026.

It's best to file your taxes as soon as possible for a few reasons. Not only are you more likely to see a speedier return the earlier you file, but filing well before the deadline gives you plenty of time to prepare payment for any taxes you may owe. And if you're expecting a return, IRS data shows that taxpayers who file by late February receive larger refunds than those who file later.

Filing as sooner also gives you extra time should there be any errors or mistakes that may need to be corrected. Early filing can provide additional protection to avoid being a victim of tax refund fraud as well. Filing early won't 100% ensure fraud protection, but an identity thief will have a slimmer chance of using your Social Security number before you do.

Most large tax services provide a limited free version of their software for simple tax filings without too many credits or deductions. In most cases, the tax service only offers free federal taxes, which means filing state taxes will incur an additional fee. Individuals with substantive investments or freelancer workers may also need to pay other fees for more complicated tax filings not supported by basic offerings.

The "best" tax software will ultimately come down to your individual needs for tax filing. What may be the best service for you might not be best for someone else. However, Cash App Taxes, formerly Credit Karma Tax, offers free tax filing for the broadest range of solutions, credits, and deductions. ZDNET's research revealed several other solid options incorporated into this list.

Typically, a simple tax return typically contains a single W-2 income, may include limited interest and dividend income, and doesn't require itemized deductions (standard deductions only). This definition may differ across filing programs, but a simple tax return is in essence, the most basic type of tax return you can file.

Generally, most online tax software services will give you the option to make changes to a tax return if you've spotted a mistake or filed incorrectly. You'll need to log onto your platform of choice and look for the option to amend the return. In some instances, you may need to contact customer service for help and assistance in filing an amended return.

The quickest way to receive a tax refund is by filing your return online and selecting direct deposit as the refund method of choice. The process will take less than three weeks per the IRS, and you won't have to worry about the check getting lost in the mail. If you would rather mail in your tax return, your refund will take about six to eight weeks after it's received by the IRS.

Other tax software

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TurboTax is popular because it guides you through even the most complex tax situations. It has a host of sophisticated tools, but many of them aren't included in the lowest price tier. It's possible to file your taxes for free with TurboTax's "Do It Yourself" version, just watch out for the unexpected charges.

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