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Best Free Tax Software for March 2024

Updated
Dana George
By: Dana George

Our Taxes Expert

Nathan Alderman
Check IconFact Checked Nathan Alderman
Many or all of the products here are from our partners that compensate us. It’s how we make money. But our editorial integrity ensures our experts’ opinions aren’t influenced by compensation. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.

Paying money to file taxes never feels good. That's what makes free tax software such a great find. While most companies offer free filing for "some" taxpayers, there is strict criteria guiding who can (and cannot) file for free. Finding the best free tax software and the best free tax websites is a bit of a maze, so we've taken some of the frustration out of the process by examining free offers on your behalf to come up with a list of the best free tax software for 2024.

Cash App Taxes

Best for: Best overall

The only truly free tax software available in 2023.

  • 100% free to file
  • Simple-to-use interface
  • Limited tax filing functionality
  • No in-branch support
  • Sparse customer support

While Cash App Taxes does not cover every tax situation, it does work for the majority of American taxpayers. Since it's the only tax preparation software that is 100% free this year, it wins the title of "best overall."

Here are a few Cash App benefits:

  • Does not offer paid tiers or add-on services, so you don't have to worry about being pushed into a fee-based service.
  • Taxes can be completed via computer or smartphone.
  • Cash App checks over your return before it's filed and offers a Max Refund guarantee.

FreeTax USA

Best for: Beginners

Logo for FreeTax USA
Pricing

Federal: $0 | State: $14.99

An easy way to file federal returns for free.

  • Great for simple returns
  • Charges for state returns
  • Not robust for complex returns

Another company offering free federal tax filing for all filers is FreeTaxUSA. One difference between FreeTaxUSA and Cash App Taxes is that FreeTaxUSA charges for state returns, although it's only $14.99 per return. Here's what we like about FreeTaxUSA:

  • Tax returns don't have to be simple. In fact, FreeTaxUSA even allows self-employed individuals to file for free.
  • There's an optional add-on service called Deluxe. For $7.99, taxpayers receive unlimited free amended returns, the ability to jump to the front of the line if they have a question, priority support with live chat, and audit assistance if they are audited.
  • The software interface is easy to use with step-by-step on-screen directions.

H&R Block

Best for: Extras

Logo for H&R Block
Pricing

Federal: $0-$54.99 | State: $0-$44.99

An upgraded version of most free tax preparation software.

  • Upfront, transparent pricing
  • Expert, on-demand help available
  • Easy-to-follow directions
  • Excellent customer service and 12,000 locations worldwide
  • Free version is loaded with capabilities
  • HR Block Guarantees such as maximum refund, 100% satisfaction, audit support, and more
  • More expensive than other tax software on the market this tax season
  • Processing fee when services are paid for from refund

While most tax preparation companies strictly limit which returns can be filed for free, the H&R Block free version is a bit more robust. For example:

  • You can file for free even if you're claiming unemployment income, educational expenses, the Child Tax Credit, and student loan interest.
  • You can use the free version if you need to file a Schedule 1 or Schedule 3. That's not something you can do with most tax preparation software.

TurboTax

Best for: Easy navigation

Logo for TurboTax
Pricing

Federal: $0-$409 | State: $0-$64

Free use of one of the finest tax software programs on the market.

  • Expert, on-demand assistance available
  • Easy to follow prompts
  • Thriving user forum
  • Free version available
  • One of the most expensive tax software options
  • Extra fees for upgrades, like live assistance

For those with a simple tax return, it's tough to beat the ease of using TurboTax Free Edition. TurboTax offers a more limited version for free filers than H&R Block or Cash App Taxes, but for those with a truly uncomplicated return (W-2 income, small dividends and interest, standard deduction, Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit), it's a great option. Here's why we like it:

  • Easy to use. All you have to do is answer a series of questions.
  • Attractive graphics that are easy on the eyes.

TaxSlayer

Best for: Competitive pricing

Logo for TaxSlayer
Pricing

Federal: $0-$37.95 | State: $0-$36.95

Worst-case scenario, you can still have your taxes done at a bargain price.

  • Truly free filing for simple returns
  • Affordable pricing
  • Taxes are accessible on any device
  • Access to tax pros is limited to certain plans
  • No option to pay a tax professional to file your taxes

TaxSlayer Simply Free works well for simple returns. What's more, both federal and state returns are free. Here are some of the other benefits:

  • Phone and email support
  • Includes education deduction and credits
  • Allows you to upload your prior year return and to compare last year's return to this year's return so you don't overlook any deductions.
  • Offers a 100% accuracy guarantee.

Who is free tax filing right for? 

Taxpayers who file Form 1040 only are ideal candidates for free tax filing. Those with more complex tax returns are better off using tax prep software designed to walk them through the entire process. Here's a breakdown of the types of taxpayers who can take advantage of most free-file offers:

  • W-2 income to declare only
  • Claim the standard deduction (rather than itemizing)
  • Claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
  • Claim Child Tax Credit
  • Have limited interest and investment income
  • Have student loan interest to deduct

Here's an idea of the kind of taxpayer who is unlikely to qualify for most free tax prep offers:

  • Itemize deductions
  • Have business or 1099-NEC income
  • Rental property income
  • Stock sales
  • Unemployment income
  • Credits, deductions, and income reported on schedules 1-3 (although Cash App Taxes and H&R Block free file versions accommodate filers with these schedules)

Features of the best free tax software 

In compiling this list, we looked for tax software with the following characteristics:

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Access to a tax professional when needed
  • Strong customer support
  • Free file fillable forms
  • Audit support
  • Free filing of both a federal and state return

Are there hidden costs with free tax filing? 

It's important to know that you may run into fees if you need assistance. For example, if a problem arises and you need a tax professional to walk you through, there may be a fee involved.

Most tax preparation programs allow you to begin your taxes for free and it's only when you're deep into the return you learn you'll need to upgrade to a different program. If you go into tax preparation without knowing which type of return works best for you, you could be disappointed by having to spend more money than planned to complete your taxes. 

When paying for tax filing services makes sense 

While a free file program makes sense under some circumstances, it's not right for everyone. If you're not sure which way to go this tax season, ask yourself the following:

How has my life changed over the past year?

If you've had a child, purchased a home, retired, or experienced any other life change, it may be time to upgrade to tax prep software that can better accommodate your needs.

What's going on in my home?

If you've started a home business, even a small side hustle, paying for tax prep software will probably help you find hidden deductions.

What's my adjusted gross income?

If you have a relatively high adjusted gross income, you may have enough deductions to benefit from itemizing your tax return -- a task that will require paid tax prep software.

How do I make money?

How you make money matters. For example, anyone who owns rental property needs a more comprehensive tax return than free tax prep software provides.

How do I feel about completing my own tax return?

Even the best free tax filing software might not ease your tax filing fears. If the idea of doing your own taxes, even with a tax professional walking you through, is enough to make you break out in hives, it may be worth it to pay for full-service tax preparation. Your only job is to upload the documents needed for a tax expert to properly complete your return.

If you're eligible to file a tax return for free, taking advantage of the opportunity means leaving more in your bank account.

Offer Best For Pricing Next Steps
Cash App Taxes
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
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Simple tax returns

Federal: $0 | State: $0

FreeTax USA
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
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Simple tax returns

Federal: $0 | State: $14.99

H&R Block
Rating image, 4.60 out of 5 stars.
4.60/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
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= Excellent
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Online and in-person tax prep

Federal: $0-$54.99 | State: $0-$44.99

TurboTax
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Most robust tax prep provider

Federal: $0-$409 | State: $0-$64

TaxSlayer
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5 Circle with letter I in it. Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale. 5 stars equals Best. 4 stars equals Excellent. 3 stars equals Good. 2 stars equals Fair. 1 star equals Poor. We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair
= Poor
Competitive pricing

Federal: $0-$37.95 | State: $0-$36.95

Our Taxes Experts