Paying taxes is hard enough, but paying a fee to do your taxes only makes it worse.
The good news is that millions of taxpayers can file their federal returns — and even their state returns — without paying a single cent extra.
Before you pay to file your tax year 2024 returns, consider the many competing software services that allow you to deal with the IRS for free. The following is an overview of the eight best free tax software providers that can help you complete your 2024 tax returns for free.
Each form has different features, qualification criteria and limitations. So make sure you know which forms you’ll use, what credits and deductions you’ll claim, and what sources of income you’ll need to report before making a decision.
Popular now: Suze Orman’s Secret to a Rich Retirement: Did You Make This Money Change?
Key features to look for in free tax software
Make sure you choose a reputable provider. When you find a few you like, you can Google their names with terms like “fraud,” “lawsuit,” or “scam.”
For example, a major software vendor recently settled a lawsuit with attorneys general in all fifty states over its use of deceptive advertising that led taxpayers to believe they qualified for free services even though they did not.
The main features to look out for include:
-
Support for all forms, documents, credits, deductions, income sources and situations that apply to you.
-
Seamlessly upload returns from previous years.
-
Timely status updates of e-files
-
Refund calculator that updates as you enter
How long does it take to file tax returns with Free Software?
Everyone’s tax situation is unique and every taxpayer files their tax return at their own pace. However, if you are eligible to use free tax software, it is likely that you will file a simple return, i.e. a Form 1040 with employee-based wages, standard deductions, minimum supplemental income, etc.
With that in mind, H&R Block estimates that most people filing simple returns can get things done within two hours.
What happens if I make a mistake using free tax software?
Regardless of how you file or how much or little you pay for the service, you must correct any errors with the IRS. To do this, you must file an amended return using Form 1040-X. Failure to do so may result in interest charges and other penalties.
The best free tax software
Here’s a look at the eight best free tax software options you can use now to help you minimize your tax liabilities, maximize your refund, and avoid costly mistakes.
-
IRS free file
-
TurboTax Free Edition
-
H&R Block Free online
-
TaxAct-free
-
Cash App Taxes
-
FreeTaxUSA
-
TaxSlayer Simply free
-
MilTax
Keep reading to learn more about each of these options so you can find the right option for you.
1. IRS Free File
When choosing free tax software, why not go straight to the source? The IRS Free File program provides taxpayers with state-of-the-art tax preparation software through an organization called the Free File Alliance. A number of commercial software companies are members of the alliance, including TaxAct and TaxSlayer.
Every year, millions of taxpayers use Free File to complete their returns quickly, securely and accurately. For tax year 2024, filers with incomes of $79,000 and below can take advantage of the guided tax preparation option and electronically file a federal return for free through an IRS partner site.
Those with income above the $79,000 threshold can still use the IRS site to complete their federal returns via free-fillable forms. The IRS provides free electronic federal tax forms that anyone can use for free, but higher income earners should know how to prepare their own tax returns using IRS publications and form instructions.
2. TurboTax Free Edition
TurboTax consistently receives high marks from users who appreciate its user-friendly interface. The free version of this popular software includes many of the same features as the paid editions. In the event of an IRS audit, TurboTax provides guidance and advice from an experienced tax professional.
TurboTax Free Edition is ideal for customers who have W-2 income and take the standard deduction. Taxpayers who itemize deductions or have multiple types of income can still file online or download the TurboTax Deluxe, Premier or Self-Employed bundles for a fee.
3. H&R Block online for free
H&R Block stands behind all of its tax preparation software, including H&R Block Free Online, with a maximum refund guarantee, professional audit support, and a promise of 100% accuracy. Like the paid software, H&R Block’s free online option uses an interactive question and answer interface to guide taxpayers through the filing process. While some users report that it may not be as easy to use as TurboTax, it remains an excellent choice for taxpayers looking for the best free tax software.
Users who do not meet the qualifications for free filing can receive personalized service at a local H&R Block office or can purchase more comprehensive versions of H&R Block software for a fee, depending on the complexity of their tax situation.
4. TaxAct-free
TaxAct guarantees the accuracy of all versions of its software, including the free version, and also guarantees that you will get your maximum refund when you use TaxAct to file your returns electronically. TaxAct aims to simplify the process of preparing and filing your returns and gives returning customers a head start by importing data directly from last year’s return. Before you file a return, TaxAct Alerts double-checks your return to ensure it is error-free and takes advantage of every tax benefit you qualify for. Additionally, it provides audit protection.
The free version of TaxAct is suitable for filers with W-2, unemployment, or retirement income, and you can use it to claim deductions or credits for family expenses and college expenses.
5. Cash App Taxes
To use Cash App Taxes, simply download Cash App to your phone and create an account. Then you can make your return on your phone, via the app or your computer. There is now the added benefit of Cash App features such as peer-to-peer payments, cash management and investment tools.
Unfortunately, not all tax forms are supported by the platform, so not all filers can use the service.
6. Free TaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA has a history dating back to 2001 as a founding member of the Free File Alliance. State returns cost $14.99 and users have to fill out many tax forms manually, but otherwise there’s not much we don’t like about FreeTaxUSA.
It’s a logical choice for those with simple returns and an increasingly logical choice for taxpayers with more complex needs. For example, the site is free even for people with:
Either of these situations could land you at a paid tier with competitors like TaxSlayer, TurboTax, and H&R Block.
7. TaxSlayer Simply free
Only those with the most basic returns qualify for TaxSlayer Simply Free, which lets users file both federal and state returns for free but limits them to W-2 income, student loan deductions, and not much else.
For example, those claiming the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Credit will have to pay to play, and the free version isn’t available to anyone making $100,000 or more, including side hustle or unemployment income.
8. Mil tax
MilTax is a free resource provided by the Department of Defense to the military community. It is a set of tax services available to eligible military personnel, veterans and their families, with no income limits or restrictions on income types. MilTax was designed with the complexities of military life in mind, including training and combat pay, housing, rent, deployments and multi-state filings. The package includes personal tax support from professional advisors, electronic filing software and tax preparation services.
|
Software platform |
Returns from the Free State |
Itemized deductions |
Maximum income limit |
|---|---|---|---|
|
IRS free file |
Varies by state |
Yes |
$79,000 |
|
TurboTax Free Edition |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
H&R Block Free online |
Yes |
No |
No |
|
TaxAct-free |
No |
No |
No |
|
Cash App Taxes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
|
FreeTax USA |
No |
Yes |
No |
|
TaxSlayer Simply free |
Yes |
No |
$100,000 |
|
MilTax |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
What is the best free tax software for you?
As long as your tax situation is relatively simple, you can take advantage of some of the best free tax preparation software and e-file options available online through these reputable providers. Which one is best depends on your tax situation and your comfort in using software to complete your returns.
Frequently asked questions
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about free tax software.
-
Is TurboTax better than IRS Free File?
-
The Free File platform is offered by the IRS, but state registration is not necessarily free depending on the Free File option you use, and not all states participate. You can file state returns using the other options, and TurboTax and Cash App Taxes can even help you take control of other areas of your finances. Depending on where you live, TurboTax may be the better option because it is more widely available.
-
-
What is the best software to do your own taxes?
-
Is TurboTax Actually Free?
-
Is H&R Block actually free?
Alicia Bodine and Caitlyn Moorhead contributed reporting for this article.
Editor’s note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings, or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any entity mentioned in this article.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: Best Free Tax Software of 2025
