Best Free Online Tax Software

When tax season rolls around, so does the responsibility of filing taxes. However, you are not alone. With the best free online tax software, you can file your taxes DIY-style so you can save on tax preparation fees. If you need to file your taxes now or simply want to get a head start on next year’s return, these are the best free online tax software platforms to help you out.

Consult a financial advisor to determine the best way to minimize your tax liability this year.

Data and Methodology

We identified the software below through exhaustive research and analysis of the of the free tax software market. They are listed in an order that’s in direct correlation with their individual composite score based on our methodology, which includes consumer ratings from multiple app stores as well as taking into account the number of reviews for each score.

1. Cash App Taxes

Cash App Taxes, formerly known as Credit Karma Tax, has emerged as one of the best free online tax software platforms available today. For those already using Cash App, the integration is seamless. You can access Cash App Taxes directly within the app, making it easy to store both your tax and financial data in one place.

While competitors like TaxSlayer and H&R Block only offer a free tier for the simplest returns, Cash App Taxes provides free federal and state filing for all supported forms – and without upselling you into a paid plan. This makes it a rare option for filers who have slightly more complex situations, such as itemized deductions, investment income or self-employment, while still wanting to avoid software fees.

Guided questions help you complete your filing without complicated tax jargon hindering the process. To simplify the process, the software imports prior-year returns if you filed them through the software. While the interface feels modern and mobile-friendly, it also works well on desktop for those who prefer a larger screen.

Despite its strengths, Cash App Taxes does have limitations. For example, it does not support multiple state filings and nonresident state returns, as well as more specialized forms like those for foreign earned income.

Additionally, while the guidance is solid for straightforward returns, it lacks the depth of tax advice available from some paid platforms.

2. H&R Block Free

H&R Block Free delivers on its promise of allowing many taxpayers to file their federal and state returns at no cost. They can complete online tax filings at home while benefiting from the reputation and reliability of one of the most established names in tax preparation.

The free version supports common tax situations, including W-2 income, unemployment tax benefits, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and more simple deductions, such as student loan interest. For first-time filers or those with straightforward returns, it offers a balance of usability and trust that is hard to overlook.

While generous for simple returns, the free version does have its limits. Taxpayers with self-employment income, rental properties or certain investment transactions will need to upgrade to a paid tier to access the necessary forms. Additionally, more complex credits and deductions are restricted to premium versions, so it is important to compare plans before signing up to help avoid surprises later.

H&R Block Plans

Plan	Monthly Cost	State Included	Key Features
Free Online	$0	✔	W-2 and unemployment incomeForm 1040Allowed schedules: Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Student Loan Interest and Retirement Plan Distributions
Deluxe	$60(+ $49 fee per state)	✘	Free Online, plus:Health Savings Account (HSA)Live expert helpChildcare expensesHomeownersItemized deductionsFreelancers and gig workers
Premium	$100(+ $49 fee per state)	✘	Deluxe, plus:Rental income and deductionsStock and bond investmentsCryptocurrency sales
Self-employed	$125(+ $49 fee per state)	✘	Premium, plus:Business income reporting and deductionsSmall business or side hustle expenses

3. TurboTax Free

TurboTax Free Edition is one of the most recognized options in online tax filing, known for its polished interface and intuitive, interview-style guidance.

The free plan is designed for the simplest returns, which typically limits you to W-2 income, standard deductions and certain credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit. For filers who qualify, it offers an exceptionally streamlined experience that makes navigating tax forms feel less intimidating.

The main drawback of TurboTax Free is its narrow qualification criteria. As soon as you have self-employment income, itemized deductions, rental properties or certain investment transactions, you will need to upgrade to a paid plan. This can be frustrating for users who assume that the free software applies to all situations, only to find out otherwise after investing time in data entry.

Turbo Tax Plans

Plan	Monthly Cost	State Included	Key Features
File your own taxes	$0	✘	Self-filing100% accurate calculation guaranteeAudit support guaranteeMaximum refund guarantee
File taxes with expert help	$79+(+ state fee up to $69)	✘	File Your Own Taxes Guarantees, plus:Unlimited expert supportFinal expert review
Let an expert file your taxes	$129+(+ $69 fee per state)	✘	File Tax with Expert Help, plus:Expert does your taxesExpert signs and files return for you

4. TaxCaddy

TaxCaddy stands out from other best free online tax software because it is not a DIY tax filing platform in the traditional sense. Instead, it is a secure digital workspace that connects you directly with a tax professional—often your existing CPA—while streamlining the document collection and communication process.

The service is free for taxpayers when their accountant provides access. It makes the software an attractive option for those who prefer professional preparation without the hassle of mailing or manually uploading dozens of forms.

Because TaxCaddy’s primary purpose is to enhance collaboration with a professional, it is not designed for filing your taxes alone at home. If you want to prepare your own taxes from start to finish, another free online filing tool will be more suitable.

However, if you already rely on a CPA or enrolled agent, TaxCaddy can save time, reduce errors and simplify what can be the most frustrating part of tax season—gathering and sending your information.

5. TaxAct Free

While it may not have the same brand recognition as some competitors, TaxAct delivers a reliable and efficient filing experience for those who qualify. TaxAct Free is designed for taxpayers with the most basic filing needs, offering no-cost federal and state returns for W-2 income, unemployment benefits, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and the Child Tax Credit.

Its desktop software is clean and functional, with a focus on guiding users through the process in a logical, step-by-step manner. Taxpayers with self-employment income, itemized deductions, rental properties or certain investment transactions will need to upgrade to a paid plan to access additional forms and schedules. These upgrade prompts can appear mid-process, so it is worth reviewing eligibility before committing time to data entry.

That said, TaxAct’s paid plans tend to be competitively priced, making it a reasonable next step if your situation is slightly more complex than the free tier allows.

TaxAct Plans

Plan	Monthly Cost	State Included	Key Features
Free Federal	$0(+ $54 fee per state)	✘	W2 & UnemploymentCurrent StudentsChild Tax Credit
DeluxeHome & Family	$54.99(+ $64.99 fee per state)	✘	Free Federal, plus:Home ownershipChild & dependent careHealth Savings Account (HSA)
PremierInvestments	$94.99(+ $64.99 fee per state)	✘	Home & Family, plus:Sale of stocks Sale of cryptoSale of a homeRental income
Entrepreneur	$109.99(+ $64.99 fee per state)	✘	Premier, plus:Freelance or side gig incomeSole Proprietor or LLC

6. IRS2Go

IRS2Go isn’t a tax preparation platform in the traditional sense, but it is an official mobile app from the Internal Revenue Service that can complement your filing process.

Available for both iOS and Android, the app is free to use and serves as a convenient tool for checking your refund status, making secure tax payments and accessing helpful tax tips directly from the IRS.

For taxpayers who want information straight from the source, IRS2Go offers direct access without third-party intermediaries.

Bottom Line

Overall, the best free online tax software software is convenient, but it is generally only useful if you are using Form 1040A. Any other situation, such as those who are self-employed or have rental income, will likely benefit from either paid software or another tax service. Whatever you choose, be sure to prepare your taxes before the filing deadline so you do not risk fees and other penatlies.

Tips for Filing Your Taxes

Not quite sure you know enough about tax deductions? A financial advisor can help you optimize your tax strategy for your investments and retirement goals. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
If you don’t know whether you’re better off with the standard deduction versus itemizing your deductions, you might want to read up on it and do some math. You might find that you’d save a significant amount of money one way or another, so it’s best to educate yourself before the tax return deadline.
You’re not limited to free tax software. If you need more options or have a complex filing situation, paid options may be a better bet. We reviewed the overall best tax software.