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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.
Best for: Best overall
The only truly free tax software available in 2023.
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:
Best for: Beginners
An easy way to file federal returns for free.
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:
Best for: Extras
An upgraded version of most free tax preparation software.
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:
Best for: Easy navigation
Free use of one of the finest tax software programs on the market.
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:
Best for: Competitive pricing
Worst-case scenario, you can still have your taxes done at a bargain price.
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:
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:
Here's an idea of the kind of taxpayer who is unlikely to qualify for most free tax prep offers:
In compiling this list, we looked for tax software with the following characteristics:
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.
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:
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.
If you've started a home business, even a small side hustle, paying for tax prep software will probably help you find hidden deductions.
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 you make money matters. For example, anyone who owns rental property needs a more comprehensive tax return than free tax prep software provides.
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
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 |
Simple tax returns |
Federal: $0 | State: $0 |
|
FreeTax USA
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
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 |
Simple tax returns |
Federal: $0 | State: $14.99 |
|
H&R Block
Rating image, 4.60 out of 5 stars.
4.60/5
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 |
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
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
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
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