The best software for tax filing depends less on which company has the biggest name and more on what is included for your specific return.

TurboTax is our best overall choice because of its guided interview, document importing, broad form support, and polished filing process. However, FreeTaxUSA is the better value for many taxpayers, while H&R Block is particularly strong for people who want access to a human tax professional.

TaxSlayer, Cash App Taxes, Jackson Hewitt, TaxAct, and IRS Free File can also be better choices in particular situations.

This guide covers U.S. individual income tax returns for tax year 2025, filed during 2026.

Filing deadline notice: The regular federal deadline for most 2025 individual returns was April 15, 2026. Taxpayers who requested an extension generally have until October 15, 2026, to file. An extension gives you more time to file, but it does not extend the deadline for paying taxes owed.

The best tax software at a glance

• Best overall: TurboTax
• Best value: FreeTaxUSA
• Best for built-in expert help: H&R Block
• Best for complex returns on a moderate budget: TaxSlayer
• Best completely free option for a supported single-state return: Cash App Taxes
• Best predictable flat price: Jackson Hewitt Online
• Best for taxpayers who also need business-return options: TaxAct
• Best government-supported free route: IRS Free File

Tax software comparison

Prices were checked on July 26, 2026, and apply to online filing for 2025 returns unless otherwise stated. Prices, promotions, state fees, and support add-ons can change. Confirm the final price before filing.

Tax software	Best for	Federal price	State price	Main limitation
TurboTax	The easiest guided filing experience	Free for qualifying simple returns; Deluxe $79; Premium $139	Additional fee for paid products	Free Edition covers only qualifying simple returns
FreeTaxUSA	Broad form support at the lowest price	$0	$15.99 per state	Professional tax help and audit defense cost extra
H&R Block	Taxpayers who want live expert help	Free; Deluxe $65; Premium $105; Self-Employed $130	$49 per state on paid online plans	More expensive than value-focused alternatives
TaxSlayer	Complex returns without TurboTax pricing	Simply Free is limited; Classic $44.99; Premium $64.99; Self-Employed $74.99	$47.99 per state	The state fee can substantially increase the total
Cash App Taxes	Completely free federal and one-state filing	$0	$0	No multiple-state, part-year, or nonresident state returns
Jackson Hewitt Online	One simple, predictable price	$25	Included	The $25 product is DIY filing, not full tax preparation by a professional
TaxAct	Taxpayers who also need separate business-tax products	Limited Free Edition; paid products vary	Additional	Expert help and business returns may require separate products
IRS Free File	Eligible taxpayers seeking guided filing for $0	$0 for eligible users	Some partners include state filing	2025 AGI must generally be $89,000 or less, with additional partner rules

1. TurboTax: Best overall tax software

Our verdict

TurboTax is the best choice for taxpayers who prioritize ease of use, clear explanations, automatic document importing, and a highly guided filing process.

It is not usually the cheapest option. Its value comes from reducing confusion, particularly when a return includes investments, self-employment income, homeownership, or rental property.

Why TurboTax stands out

TurboTax presents tax questions as a guided interview rather than forcing users to navigate individual IRS forms. Its document tools can import or extract information from W-2s and other tax documents, while its paid Premium product handles investments, cryptocurrency, rental income, and self-employment income.

TurboTax Deluxe was advertised at $79 for a federal return, while Premium was advertised at $139, with state filing costing extra. Premium combines the former investor and self-employed use cases into one product.

TurboTax also lets users begin entering information before paying. The price is finalized when the return is printed or filed and can depend on the tax forms required.

What TurboTax Free Edition covers

TurboTax Free Edition includes federal and state filing for qualifying simple Form 1040 returns. It can cover W-2 income, the standard deduction, certain tax credits, student loan interest, and some retirement income.

It generally does not cover itemized deductions, self-employment income, stock or cryptocurrency sales, rental income, or many additional schedules. TurboTax estimates that roughly 37 percent of taxpayers qualify for its Free Edition.

TurboTax is best for

• First-time filers who want extensive explanations
• Homeowners claiming deductions
• Investors importing brokerage information
• Cryptocurrency traders
• Rental property owners
• Freelancers and sole proprietors
• Taxpayers willing to pay more for convenience

Who should choose something else

Consider FreeTaxUSA or Cash App Taxes when price is your main concern. H&R Block may be a better fit when you want live expert assistance included in a paid DIY plan.

Bottom line: Choose TurboTax when you want the most guided experience and are comfortable paying more for it.

2. FreeTaxUSA: Best value

Our verdict

FreeTaxUSA offers the strongest balance of price and form coverage. Federal filing is free even for many returns that would require an expensive upgrade elsewhere.

Its state return costs $15.99, making it considerably cheaper than the typical state fee charged by major paid competitors.

Why FreeTaxUSA stands out

FreeTaxUSA supports major individual tax situations, including:

• Itemized deductions
• Homeownership
• Dependents
• Investment income
• Schedule C self-employment
• Rental property
• K-1 income
• Education credits

Federal preparation and e-filing cost $0. A state return costs $15.99, while optional Audit Defense costs $19.99 and Pro Support costs $64.99.

This structure is easier to understand than products that move users into progressively more expensive tiers based on individual forms.

The potential downside

FreeTaxUSA includes basic customer support, but professional tax advice is not included in the free product. Users who want direct help from a tax professional must purchase Pro Support.

That makes it best for people who are comfortable answering tax questions themselves but do not want to pay extra simply because they own stocks, freelance, or have rental income.

FreeTaxUSA is best for

• Price-conscious taxpayers
• Self-employed workers
• Investors
• Rental property owners
• Homeowners who itemize
• People who need broad federal form support
• Taxpayers filing one state return

Who should choose something else

TurboTax may be worth the additional cost when you need stronger importing and more extensive guidance. H&R Block is preferable when included live expert help is a priority.

Bottom line: FreeTaxUSA is the best value for most confident DIY filers, especially those whose return is too complex for competitors’ free editions.

3. H&R Block: Best for expert help

Our verdict

H&R Block is the strongest choice for taxpayers who want to prepare their own return but also want convenient access to professional help.

Paid online versions include unlimited expert help, along with access to H&R Block’s AI Tax Assist. Users can also purchase a professional review or move to an office-based filing service.

H&R Block pricing

H&R Block’s 2026 online prices were:

• Free Online: $0
• Deluxe: $65 plus $49 per state
• Premium: $105 plus $49 per state
• Self-Employed: $130 plus $49 per state

Unlimited expert help is included with Deluxe, Premium, and Self-Employed.

H&R Block Free Online covers more than a basic W-2 in some circumstances. Its published form list includes unemployment income, certain retirement distributions, the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Tax Credit, and limited interest and dividend income.

Why H&R Block is different

The main advantage is the support structure. A taxpayer can:

1. Complete a return independently.
2. Ask questions while filing.
3. Add a Tax Pro Review.
4. Hand the return to a professional.
5. Visit an H&R Block office when in-person assistance is needed.

That gives H&R Block an advantage over online-only budget services for filers who are worried about making a mistake.

H&R Block is best for

• Taxpayers who want live help
• Parents and homeowners
• Retirees
• Self-employed filers with questions
• People who may eventually need in-person assistance
• Users switching from TurboTax

Who should choose something else

FreeTaxUSA is dramatically cheaper for many of the same tax forms. Cash App Taxes may cost nothing for a supported single-state return.

Bottom line: Choose H&R Block when access to a tax professional is more important than obtaining the lowest possible filing price.

4. TaxSlayer: Best for complex returns on a moderate budget

Our verdict

TaxSlayer is a good middle ground between low-cost software and premium products. Its Classic plan supports major tax forms without forcing users into a separate high-priced investor or freelancer tier.

TaxSlayer pricing

TaxSlayer’s published prices for the 2026 season were:

• Simply Free: $0
• Classic: $44.99 federal
• Premium: $64.99 federal
• Self-Employed: $74.99 federal
• State return: $47.99 per state on paid plans

Classic supports major IRS forms and tax situations. Premium adds access to a tax professional, live chat, priority support, and additional assistance. Self-Employed adds guidance for Schedule C filers and estimated-tax planning.

Be careful with the state fee

The Classic federal and one-state total is $92.98 before optional services. That may still cost less than some premium products, but it is much more expensive than FreeTaxUSA’s free federal return and $15.99 state return.

TaxSlayer’s Simply Free product is limited. It is aimed at filers with basic W-2 or unemployment income and does not cover every family or tax situation.

TaxSlayer is best for

• Filers who need broad federal form coverage
• Users who want optional professional help
• Investors and homeowners
• Self-employed taxpayers
• People looking for a TurboTax alternative

Who should choose something else

FreeTaxUSA offers a lower total price for most DIY users. H&R Block includes more extensive human support in its paid products.

Bottom line: TaxSlayer works best when you want flexible support and broad form coverage but do not want to pay TurboTax’s highest prices.

5. Cash App Taxes: Best completely free option

Our verdict

Cash App Taxes is the most compelling completely free product for taxpayers whose return is supported.

It does not charge for federal filing or a supported state return, even when the return includes 1099 income, self-employment, stock sales, or cryptocurrency.

What is included

Cash App Taxes advertises free federal and state preparation with no paid filing tier. It supports both simple and complex returns, including W-2s, 1099s, investments, and self-employment income. Users must have or create a Cash App account to access the service.

The major limitation

Cash App Taxes does not support:

• Multiple state returns
• Part-year state returns
• Nonresident state returns

This makes it unsuitable for many people who moved during 2025, lived in one state and worked in another, or received income from multiple states.

Users should check the complete unsupported-forms list before entering a large amount of information.

Cash App Taxes is best for

• Taxpayers filing one supported state return
• Employees and families
• Freelancers
• Investors
• Cryptocurrency sellers
• People who want to pay exactly $0

Who should choose something else

Use another product when you need multiple-state, part-year, or nonresident filing. FreeTaxUSA is the closest low-cost alternative for broader state situations.

Bottom line: Cash App Taxes can be the best free tax software, but only after confirming that every federal form and state situation you need is supported.

6. Jackson Hewitt Online: Best flat-price filing

Our verdict

Jackson Hewitt Online removes much of the pricing uncertainty associated with tiered tax software.

Its online DIY product costs a flat $25, with federal filing and state filing included.

Why the flat price matters

Many tax services initially advertise free or inexpensive filing, only to require an upgrade after the user enters investment income, deductions, or self-employment information.

Jackson Hewitt advertises a $25 online filing fee regardless of whether a supported return is simple or complex. Its promotion terms describe this as $25 for federal filing and $0 for state filing.

DIY filing versus professional preparation

The $25 price applies to the online self-preparation product. It does not mean a Jackson Hewitt tax professional will prepare the return for $25.

Jackson Hewitt’s remote professional preparation service was separately advertised at a $149 flat fee for supported tax situations.

Jackson Hewitt Online is best for

• People who dislike complicated product tiers
• Taxpayers who need a federal and state return
• Filers who want predictable pricing
• Users who may later want access to a Jackson Hewitt location

Who should choose something else

Cash App Taxes may be completely free, while FreeTaxUSA is less expensive for a federal return without a state filing requirement.

Bottom line: Jackson Hewitt Online is a strong choice when you want one clear price for federal and state DIY filing.

7. TaxAct: Best for personal and business filing options

Our verdict

TaxAct is worth considering when a taxpayer needs both a personal return and a separate product for a partnership, S corporation, corporation, estate, or trust.

It also offers traditional personal filing tiers and optional assistance from tax professionals.

Personal tax options

TaxAct has a limited Free Edition for qualifying Form 1040 returns. Its paid personal products cover homeowners, investors, rental property owners, and self-employed taxpayers.

Live Xpert Assist is available as an add-on. TaxAct advertised Xpert Assist packages starting at $45, with more expensive packages for investment and self-employment returns. State filing costs extra.

Business return support

A sole proprietor or single-member LLC that reports income on Schedule C normally uses an individual Form 1040 product.

A partnership, S corporation, C corporation, estate, or trust generally requires a different return and separate software. TaxAct offers dedicated products for these business and entity returns, including partnership and S corporation filing.

TaxAct is best for

• Experienced DIY filers
• Sole proprietors
• Owners of S corporations or partnerships
• Taxpayers who need personal and business products from one provider
• Users who want optional professional help

Who should choose something else

TurboTax provides a more guided consumer experience. FreeTaxUSA costs less for many individual returns. Highly complex entity returns may be safer with a tax professional.

Bottom line: TaxAct is most compelling when your needs extend beyond a standard personal return.

8. IRS Free File: Best government-supported free route

Our verdict

Before paying for tax software, taxpayers with qualifying income should check IRS Free File.

It connects eligible taxpayers with guided software from IRS-approved private-sector partners.

Who qualifies in 2026?

For the 2026 filing season, taxpayers with 2025 adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less could access guided federal tax software through IRS Free File.

There were eight trusted partners in the program. Each partner could apply additional eligibility conditions based on factors such as age, state, income, or military status. Some partners also included free state filing.

Taxpayers above the income threshold could use Free File Fillable Forms. However, these forms do not provide the same guided interview or tax assistance as commercial software.

Why the entry point matters

Access the offer through the IRS Free File system and review each partner’s eligibility requirements. A provider’s normal commercial website may have different free-product rules from its IRS Free File offer.

IRS Free File is best for

• Taxpayers with 2025 AGI of $89,000 or less
• People who want free guided federal filing
• Active-duty military members
• Filers willing to compare partner requirements
• Taxpayers who do not need premium assistance

Bottom line: IRS Free File should be the first stop for eligible taxpayers before purchasing commercial software.

How to choose the best tax filing software

1. Identify every form you need

A “simple return” usually means more than having only one employer.

Your required forms can change when you have:

• Unemployment compensation
• A Health Savings Account
• Stock or cryptocurrency sales
• Freelance income
• Rental property
• A K-1
• Itemized deductions
• Income from another state
• Foreign income or accounts

Check the product’s supported-form list before starting. Otherwise, you may enter most of your return before discovering that an upgrade is required.

2. Calculate the complete price

Do not compare products using only the advertised federal price.

Calculate:

Federal preparation + state filing + additional states + live help + audit protection + refund-payment fees

For example, TaxSlayer Classic costs $44.99 for federal filing, but adding one $47.99 state return brings the total to $92.98. FreeTaxUSA charges $15.99 for one state return, while Jackson Hewitt includes state filing in its $25 flat online price.

3. Examine the free-edition restrictions

There are three very different meanings of “free” in the tax-software market:

1. Free only for a qualifying simple return
2. Free federal filing with a paid state return
3. Free federal and state filing for all supported returns

TurboTax and H&R Block use the first model. FreeTaxUSA uses the second. Cash App Taxes uses the third but has state and form limitations.

4. Check your state situation

A single full-year resident return is usually straightforward.

Look more carefully when you:

• Moved during the tax year
• Worked in a different state
• Received rental income from another state
• Operated a business across state lines
• Need a nonresident return
• Need more than one state return

Cash App Taxes is not suitable for multiple-state, part-year, or nonresident state returns.

5. Decide how much help you need

Choose FreeTaxUSA when you are comfortable working independently.

Choose TurboTax when you want extensive software guidance.

Choose H&R Block when you expect to ask a tax professional questions.

Consider an enrolled agent, CPA, or tax attorney when the issue involves a dispute, audit, complex entity structure, or uncertain tax position.

Online versus downloadable tax software

Most taxpayers now use browser-based tax software. It works on Windows, macOS, and other supported devices without installing a full desktop program.

Online filing is convenient when you want to:

• Work from multiple devices
• Import documents
• Store progress automatically
• Use a mobile app
• Connect with a tax professional remotely

Downloadable desktop software may be preferable when you:

• Prepare returns for multiple family members
• Want local access to your tax file
• Have an unreliable internet connection
• Prefer working in a traditional desktop application

TurboTax Desktop lets users prepare multiple federal returns and e-file up to five federal returns without an additional federal e-file charge, although state e-filing can cost extra.

H&R Block’s downloadable software includes five federal e-files. Its 2026 Basic version was listed at $50, while Deluxe + State was listed at $70. State e-filing generally carries an additional fee.

Regardless of the format, download and purchase tax software only from the provider or an established authorized retailer.

When tax software may not be enough

Tax software can handle many complicated returns, but form support does not necessarily mean the software can evaluate every legal or strategic question.

Consider professional help when your situation involves:

• A partnership, S corporation, or C corporation
• Multiple K-1 forms
• Foreign businesses, income, or financial accounts
• Complicated stock options
• A business sale
• A major casualty or theft loss
• Several rental properties
• Prior-year returns that were never filed
• An IRS notice
• An audit or appeal
• A disagreement over how income should be classified
• Large multi-state business activity

Enrolled agents, CPAs, and attorneys have unlimited representation rights before the IRS. The IRS also maintains a directory of preparers with recognized credentials and qualifications.

How to file taxes using software

1. Gather your documents

Collect all W-2s, 1099s, mortgage statements, investment reports, business records, charitable contribution records, and relevant state documents.

Do not file before receiving all expected tax forms. Filing too early with missing information can require an amendment and delay processing.

2. Import last year’s return

Importing the previous return can transfer personal information, dependents, carryovers, and other recurring details.

Review imported information rather than assuming it remains correct.

3. Enter income before deductions

Complete all income sections, including employment, investments, retirement distributions, self-employment, rental income, and other taxable payments.

4. Complete the federal return

Answer each interview question accurately. Do not skip a section merely because it appears unlikely to apply.

5. Add every required state return

Your federal return usually supplies much of the information needed for state filing, but each state can have different income adjustments, deductions, and credits.

6. Run the error review

Resolve warnings concerning missing Social Security numbers, inconsistent income, incomplete forms, and invalid banking details.

7. Review the actual return

Do not rely only on the refund meter. Review the final Form 1040, income totals, dependents, bank account, routing number, and state returns.

Taxpayers remain responsible for the information on their return even when software or a paid preparer is used.

8. Save a complete copy

Download and securely store:

• The federal return
• Every state return
• Filing confirmations
• Payment confirmations
• Relevant worksheets
• Supporting records

Frequently asked questions

What is the best software for tax filing?

TurboTax is the best overall tax software for users who want a polished, guided process. FreeTaxUSA is the best value, while H&R Block is the better choice for people who want live professional help included with a paid DIY plan.

What is the best free tax filing software?

Start with IRS Free File when your 2025 AGI was $89,000 or less. Cash App Taxes provides free federal and one-state filing for supported returns. FreeTaxUSA provides free federal filing for broad tax situations but charges $15.99 for each state return.

Is FreeTaxUSA really free?

Federal preparation and e-filing are free. A 2025 state return costs $15.99. Audit Defense, professional support, printed copies, and paying filing fees from a refund are optional paid services.

Is TurboTax worth the price?

TurboTax can be worth the price for first-time filers, investors, self-employed workers, and users who value guided explanations and document importing. Confident filers may obtain the required form coverage at a considerably lower price from FreeTaxUSA.

Does every tax program calculate the same refund?

Accurate tax software should produce the same federal tax result when it receives the same complete information and applies the same tax law correctly.

Apparent refund differences usually result from missing information, different answers, unclaimed deductions, data-entry mistakes, or incomplete forms. A larger refund displayed before the return is complete does not prove that one product is better.

What tax software is best for self-employed workers?

FreeTaxUSA is the best low-cost option for Schedule C filers. TurboTax Premium provides more extensive guidance and importing, while H&R Block Self-Employed includes unlimited expert help. TaxSlayer Self-Employed is another mid-priced alternative.

Can tax software handle cryptocurrency?

TurboTax Premium, H&R Block Premium, FreeTaxUSA, TaxSlayer, Cash App Taxes, and TaxAct can handle common cryptocurrency tax situations.

Before choosing, check how the program imports transactions, whether it supports your exchange, and whether you need to upload a summary or enter transactions manually.

Can I use personal tax software for an LLC?

A single-member LLC taxed as a sole proprietorship commonly reports its business income and expenses on Schedule C with the owner’s personal Form 1040.

Partnerships, S corporations, and C corporations generally file separate business returns. Make sure you purchase the correct entity-specific product or consult a tax professional.

Can I still file my 2025 taxes after April 15, 2026?

Yes. Taxpayers who timely requested an extension generally have until October 15, 2026, to file. People who missed the regular deadline without an extension should normally file as soon as possible, particularly when tax is owed, because penalties and interest may continue to accumulate.

Does a tax extension give me more time to pay?

No. A federal extension generally provides more time to file the return, not more time to pay the tax. The estimated balance was still due by April 15, 2026, for most individual taxpayers.

Final verdict

TurboTax is the best overall tax filing software for people who want the smoothest guided experience and do not mind paying a premium.

However, it is not automatically the best purchase for every taxpayer:

• Choose FreeTaxUSA for the best combination of price and broad form coverage.
• Choose H&R Block when access to tax professionals is the priority.
• Choose TaxSlayer for flexible support and complex federal forms.
• Choose Cash App Taxes when your entire supported federal and single-state return can be filed for $0.
• Choose Jackson Hewitt Online when you want a predictable $25 federal-and-state price.
• Choose TaxAct when you also need separate business-return products.
• Check IRS Free File first when your income meets its eligibility threshold.

The most important step is to compare the complete checkout price, including state returns and support, after confirming that the product supports every form and state situation you need.

This article provides general information about tax-filing software and is not individualized tax, legal, or financial advice.