The best free tax software of 2026

## Summary
ZDNET Recommends Cash App Taxes | Best overall for 100% free tax filing Best overall for 100% free tax filing Cash App Taxes View now View at Cash App Taxes H&R Block Free Online Filing | Get 20% off when you file on your own Featured Deal What is this? Get 20% off when you file on your own H&R Block Free Online Filing View now View at H&R Block TaxSlayer | Best free tax software for active-duty military Best free tax software for active-duty military TaxSlayer View now View at TaxSlayer TaxACT | Best free tax software with per-session support Best free tax software with per-session support TaxACT View now View at TaxAct TurboTax | The best free and easy to use tax software The best free and easy to use tax software TurboTax View now View at TurboTax FreeTax USA | Best alternative free tax software for federal returns Best alternative free tax software for federal returns FreeTax USA View now View at FreeTax USA Show more (3 items) What is the best free tax software right now? Sort by All The best free tax software of 2025 Show less Kayla Solino/ZDNET View now at Cash App Taxes Cash App Taxes is legitimately 100% free. Best free tax software Free state return Free federal return Income threshold Cash App Taxes Yes Yes No TaxSlayer Yes Yes $100,000 H&R Block Free Online Yes Yes No TaxAct No Yes No *Based on lowest, freely available tier option.

## Article Content
Finance
Updated on: March 26, 2026 at 7:36 AM PDT
Home
Finance
Taxes
Updated on: March 26, 2026 at 7:36 AM PDT
The best free tax software of 2026
Tax season is open. Our top picks for free online tax software services provide guidance and filing for those with simple returns.
Written by
Kayla Solino,
Editor
Editor
Reviewed by
Allison Murray
ZDNET experts put every product through rigorous testing and research to curate the best options for you. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.
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This year,
tax filings and respective payments
are due on April 15, though the IRS began accepting filings starting on Jan. 26. If you haven't filed your taxes yet, there's no time like the present. Tax filing takes preparation, time, and careful attention, so understanding the tools available is key to completing your taxes with ease.
Using a
tax preparation service
or hiring a professional tax specialist is a great strategy if it's within your budget and time frame. However, there are also free tax filing software options available online if you're looking to complete a simple tax file.
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ZDNET Recommends
Cash App Taxes | Best overall for 100% free tax filing
Best overall for 100% free tax filing
Cash App Taxes
View now
View at Cash App Taxes
H&R Block Free Online Filing | Get 20% off when you file on your own
Featured Deal
What is this?
Get 20% off when you file on your own
H&R Block Free Online Filing
View now
View at H&R Block
TaxSlayer | Best free tax software for active-duty military
Best free tax software for active-duty military
TaxSlayer
View now
View at TaxSlayer
TaxACT | Best free tax software with per-session support
Best free tax software with per-session support
TaxACT
View now
View at TaxAct
TurboTax | The best free and easy to use tax software
The best free and easy to use tax software
TurboTax
View now
View at TurboTax
FreeTax USA | Best alternative free tax software for federal returns
Best alternative free tax software for federal returns
FreeTax USA
View now
View at FreeTax USA
Show more (3 items)
What is the best free tax software right now?
ZDNET rounded up some of the best free tax software options for simple filing that can aid you this season. Our pick for best free tax software overall is
Cash App Taxes
for its range of service options and smooth filing process. You can also check out alternatives and see how they compare for your needs. Remember, Tax Day is getting closer, but there's never a better time to get ahead than right now.
Sort by
All
The best free tax software of 2025
Show less
Kayla Solino/ZDNET
View now at Cash App Taxes
Cash App Taxes is legitimately 100% free. There are no paid tiers, subscriptions, add-ons, or other costs when you submit your return. You can file your federal taxes and one state return for free. Free, actually meaning free, really is uncommon these days, but not with Cash App Taxes.
Keep in mind that there's no extra support from a pro here. No options to level up. Manual entry is also required for most forms.
Why we like it:
Cash App Taxes has no pricing tiers, and all filing services are free.
Who's it for:
Cash App Taxes is perfect for someone who's a simple filer who wants to 100% DIY. It's great for simple filing, like a W-2 job and standard deduction. If you have other complex situations (like itemized deductions or self-employment income), this is still a great option, you just

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
N/A

### Areas for Consideration
- Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Kayla Solino/ZDNET View now at TaxSlayer Tax Slayer's Simply Free plan is popular, but the problem is most of us won't qualify to use that and will need to upgrade.
- Pros Free federal filing for simple filers Free federal filing for active duty military members (any tax situation) import tools Supports most federal tax forms Tools for freelancers, self-employed filers and small business owners Cons Fee for state returns (except for Simply Free plan) Limited access to tax pros Limited access to customer service TaxSlayer Best free tax software for active-duty military Kayla Solino/ZDNET Tax Slayer's Simply Free plan is popular, but the problem is most of us won't qualify to use that and will need to upgrade.
- However, you're using the free version and run into a problem, you can pay on a per-session basis, instead of upgrading to a more expensive tier.

### Implications
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- This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay.
- If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers free, tax, filing topics. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 2610.