Best Free Tax Filing Software

What separates the picks on this page?

Three filers, three different ideas of "free." FreeTaxUSA scores 8.6 and charges $14.99 for the state return while every federal form is free. IRS Direct File scores 7.6 and costs nothing, but it handled only the W-2 family return in testing. Cash App Taxes also scores 7.6, costs $0 for all three returns including the state, and covers Schedule C, rentals and capital gains.

Accuracy and guidance carry 30 of the scoring weight, price 25, ease of use 20, support 15, and import and features 10. All three matched the CPA on the returns they could actually complete. The split shows up in coverage: IRS Direct File could not do the freelancer or investor return, while Cash App Taxes and FreeTaxUSA both could.

What should I check before buying?

Start with the forms you actually file. Schedule C, Schedule D and Schedule E decide the shortlist here.

• State coverage: IRS Direct File works in 25 states. Cash App Taxes has no multi-state, no foreign income and no part-year residents.
• Import: FreeTaxUSA has no brokerage import, so stock sales get typed or summarised.
• Account requirements: Cash App Taxes requires installing Cash App and creating an account.
• Guidance style: FreeTaxUSA runs a plainer interview and assumes you know what a form is. IRS Direct File offers live chat with IRS staff.
• Upsells: FreeTaxUSA has no upsell screens between sections, and IRS Direct File has none at all.

FreeTaxUSA

Best for freelancers and investors who want federal forms free and will pay $14.99 for the state. In testing, TurboTax charged $153 and $193 for the same returns.

IRS Direct File

Best for a straightforward W-2 household in one of the 25 states it covers, with no private-company account and live chat with IRS staff.

Cash App Taxes

Best for a single-state filer with Schedule C, rentals or capital gains who wants $0 federal and state and free audit defense, and does not mind installing Cash App.

For freelancers and investors, FreeTaxUSA keeps every federal form free and charges $14.99 for the state. A plain W-2 household in one of the 25 covered states can file through IRS Direct File at no cost. Cash App Taxes suits a single-state filer with Schedule C, rentals or capital gains who wants $0 federal and state and free audit defense.