Find the Best Free Tax Filing Option for You
Updated 27 March 2026
Compare every free tax filing program side by side. Check income limits, supported forms, free state filing, and find out exactly which options you qualify for before you start.
Free Tax Filing Options Compared
8 programs ranked by flexibility, supported forms, and true cost for state filing.
| Program | Income Limit | Forms Supported | State Filing | Audit Support | Ease of Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOP PICKIRS Free File (via partner) | $79,000 AGI | 1040, Schedules A/B/C/D/E | Free (most states) | No | Moderate | Income under $79k |
| FreeTaxUSA | No limit (federal free) | 1040, all common schedules | $14.99 per state | Paid upgrade | Easy | Self-employed filers |
| Cash App Taxes | No limit | 1040, most schedules | Free | Audit defense included | Very Easy | Simple to moderate returns |
| TaxAct Free Edition | Simple returns only | 1040 (no schedules) | $39.99 per state | No | Easy | W-2 only filers |
| H&R Block Free Online | Simple returns only | 1040, Schedule A | Free | No | Very Easy | W-2 + basic deductions |
| TurboTax Free Edition | Simple returns only | 1040 (limited schedules) | Free | No | Very Easy | Very simple W-2 returns |
| TaxSlayer Simply Free | Simple returns, income under $100k | 1040 (basic) | Free (one state) | No | Easy | Students and first-time filers |
| OLT.com Free Edition | Under $65,000 AGI or military | 1040, most schedules | Free | No | Moderate | Military and lower-income filers |
Income limits, supported forms, and state filing fees change each tax year. Verify directly with the provider before filing.
Eligibility Checker
Enter your details to see which free filing options you qualify for.
Why pay when free options exist?
Major tax software companies spend heavily on advertising, which can make it feel like you need to pay for a quality filing experience. In reality, programs like FreeTaxUSA and Cash App Taxes offer the same IRS e-file submission as paid software. The key is knowing which free option actually covers your situation.
Watch out for upsell traps
Some programs advertise free filing but switch you to a paid tier the moment you add a Schedule B, C, or D. TurboTax and H&R Block are most commonly flagged for this behaviour. If a prompt says you need to upgrade, switch to FreeTaxUSA or Cash App Taxes before you enter any more data.
State filing costs vary widely
Free federal filing does not automatically mean free state filing. Cash App Taxes includes free state filing and is the best option for filers who want truly zero cost for both. FreeTaxUSA charges $14.99 per state. If you live in a no-income-tax state like Florida or Texas, the state filing question is irrelevant.