Not tax advice. Information here is general guidance. Tax laws change. Verify with the IRS or a licensed CPA for your specific situation.

Best Free Tax Software (2026)

Genuinely free filing — federal and state

Many 'free' tax software products charge $40-$80 if you need anything beyond a basic W-2. These 3 are genuinely free for most filers.

1. FreeTaxUSA — our pick

$0.00/year first year · renews $0.00/year · Web devices · Score 5/5

FreeTaxUSA is the **honest free tax software**. Free federal forever, $14.99 state. No deceptive upsells. Best for confident self-filers with complex returns who don't need hand-holding. Saves $80-$150/year vs TurboTax.

Get FreeTaxUSA → Full review →

2. IRS Free File / Direct File

$0.00/year first year · renews $0.00/year · Web devices · Score 5/5

IRS Free File and Direct File are the cheapest option for eligible filers. If your AGI is under $79K, you should use this before any paid software. Direct File (the IRS's own product) is expanding state-by-state and is even cleaner than Free File partners.

Get IRS Free File / Direct File → Full review →

3. Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax)

$0.00/year first year · renews $0.00/year · Web + Mobile devices · Score 4/5

Cash App Taxes is genuinely free — federal AND state. Best for simple-to-moderate returns. Requires a Cash App account. Limitations on multi-state returns and rare forms. Best for users already in the Cash App ecosystem.

Get Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) → Full review →