“What are the best free tax filing services available?”

For U.S. individual returns, the best option depends on your tax situation. For 2025 returns filed during the 2026 tax season, I’d start with these:

My quick picks: Try IRS Free File first if you qualify and want step-by-step guidance. Choose FreeTaxUSA if you’re comfortable filing yourself and want broader tax-form coverage while keeping federal filing free. Choose VITA/TCE if you’d rather get in-person or volunteer assistance.

Timing note: It’s October 2026, between filing seasons. The IRS’s listed Free File partners and eligibility are for the 2026 season; check IRS.gov when the next season opens for filing 2026 tax-year returns. Direct File is not listed among the options for 2025 returns. (irs.gov)

The best free tax filing service depends on whether you want the easiest experience, the broadest free coverage, or free state filing too. The strongest overall truly free option is usually Cash App Taxes, while IRS Free File is the best government-backed option for eligible taxpayers, and FreeTaxUSA is often the best free federal-filing option if you don’t mind paying for state filing.²⁵⁶⁸¹⁰

• Cash App Taxes — Best if you want free federal and state filing with broad form support; it is described as the only service that offers comprehensive federal and state preparation and filing at no cost.⁵⁸⁹
• IRS Free File — Best if your AGI is $89,000 or less and you want no-cost guided software from IRS partner companies; some partners also include free state filing.¹⁴⁶¹⁷
• FreeTaxUSA — Best for free federal filing if you’re comfortable paying a small fee for state returns; CNBC and PCMag both highlight it as a top free federal option, with state returns priced separately.²⁵¹⁴
• H&R Block Free Online — Best for a simple return if you want a familiar brand and free federal/state filing for qualifying simple returns.²⁸¹³
• TurboTax Free Edition — Best for usability if your return is simple enough to qualify for the free tier.²²⁰
• TaxAct Free Edition — Best if you want live support options in a free or low-cost workflow, though the free tier is limited to simple returns.²¹⁶

A practical way to choose:

• If you want the most completely free option, start with Cash App Taxes.⁵⁸⁹
• If your income is under the IRS threshold and you want guided help, check IRS Free File first.¹⁴⁶
• If you have a more complex return but can pay a little for state filing, FreeTaxUSA is a strong choice.²⁵¹⁰

If you want, I can also narrow this down by your situation, such as simple W-2 only, self-employed, student, unemployed, or needs free state filing.

Best Free Tax Filing Services for 2026

Here's a breakdown of the top free options, since "free" can mean very different things depending on your income and tax situation:

1. IRS Free File (Best for income-based free filing)

This is a partnership between the IRS and private tax software companies. IRS Free File offers eligible taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income of $89,000 or less in 2025 access to tax preparation software at no cost, with eight IRS Free File trusted partners for 2026. The participating providers are 1040.com, 1040Now, EzTaxReturn, FileYourTaxes.com, FreeTaxUSA, OnLine Taxes, TaxAct and TaxSlayer.

Keep in mind: each private partner sets extra filters like age, state residency, or military status, and some may charge for state returns or for filers who don't meet their criteria. For those above the income limit, Free File Fillable Forms are available regardless of income, though they're better suited for people comfortable preparing their own taxes without guidance.

2. Cash App Taxes (Best for 100% free filing, no income limits)

Cash App Taxes lets you file state and federal returns at no cost with access to nearly every IRS form and schedule, though there's no real professional support, so it's best suited for filers who know what they're doing. It's the only major tax software that is completely free across every feature, every form, federal and state—with the catch that you must use Cash App and some states are unsupported. It even covers more complex situations: it handles self-employment income (Schedule C), investment income (Schedule D), rental property (Schedule E), itemized deductions, HSA, and cryptocurrency — all for free.

3. FreeTaxUSA (Best for free federal filing regardless of complexity)

Federal filing is completely free for all tax situations with no income limits and no restrictions on complexity — you only pay for state filing if you need it, typically $15 or less.

4. H&R Block Free

H&R Block offers a free online tax filing service that includes free state tax prep, Earned Income Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), retirement plan distributions and deductions for student loan interest. However, it has limits: its free tier only covers W-2, student loans, and retirement, with upsells required for deductions or investments.

5. TurboTax Free

The free version covers federal and state returns (Form 1040 + limited credits), with TurboTax claiming 37% of taxpayers are eligible. This is the most restrictive option — best only for very simple W-2 returns.

6. TaxAct

It's a member of the Free File Alliance that makes free returns available to eligible taxpayers; if you don't qualify, you can pay with your refund for a $54 processing fee.

7. MilTax (For military members)

Coast Guard members and certain veterans can prepare and e-file federal and up to five state tax returns for free through this Department of Defense program.

8. VITA/TCE (For low-income, elderly, or disabled filers)

Free in-person help is available through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs, which offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.

Quick Recommendation Guide:

• Simple W-2 return, under $89K income → IRS Free File
• Want zero cost no matter what, even with investments/self-employment → Cash App Taxes
• Complex return but don't want to pay for federal → FreeTaxUSA (just pay ~$15 for state)
• Prefer a well-known brand → H&R Block Free or TurboTax Free (if you qualify for simple returns)
• Need in-person help or are low-income/elderly → VITA/TCE

One important caveat worth noting: some companies advertise "free" tax-filing services that are only free for very few people, and not all of them allow you to file both state and federal returns for free — so it's worth double-checking eligibility before you start.

Start with IRS Free File (the official program)

If your adjusted gross income (AGI) was $89,000 or less, you can use IRS Free File's guided tax software for free — available in all 50 states and DC, supporting all major tax situations, with free state return offers for most states (irs.gov). The program prohibits upselling, hidden fees, and deceptive design, and partners must pay any IRS penalties or interest caused by their software's calculation errors (irs.gov).

If you earn more than $89,000 — or just prefer to fill out forms yourself — Free File Fillable Forms is available to anyone regardless of income (irs.gov).

The 8 IRS Free File partners and their criteria

Source: irs.gov

Note that several partners apply the same criteria to filers with a foreign address (irs.gov). Active-duty military get a free federal return from any guided provider as long as their AGI is within the program threshold (irs.gov), and CNBC notes eligible service members and veterans can e-file a federal return plus up to three state returns free (cnbc.com).

Best standalone free options (outside IRS Free File)

These aren't part of the IRS program, so the terms differ — but they're worth knowing about:

• Cash App Taxes — Completely free federal and state returns with nearly every IRS form and schedule, plus free audit defense. The trade-offs: no support from tax professionals, most information must be entered manually, and you can't file returns for multiple states (cnbc.com). Refunds can arrive several days early if deposited to a Cash App account.
• FreeTaxUSA (direct) — CNBC's pick for itemizers, since it's one of the few free options that lets you itemize at no extra charge and automatically compares that against the standard deduction. Federal is free for most situations; state returns are $15.99 (cnbc.com). Important: this is the commercial free tier — the IRS Free File version has the $51,000 AGI cap but includes a free state return.
• TurboTax Free Edition — Best for usability, with step-by-step Q&A guidance, explainers, and videos. Free federal and state for simple returns; roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify (cnbc.com).
• H&R Block Free — Free federal and state for simple returns. You can't itemize, but you can report unemployment income, limited interest/dividends, and claim student loan interest, the Child Tax Credit, and the Earned Income Tax Credit (cnbc.com).
• TaxAct (direct) — Best for live support: U.S.-based Xpert Assist, 24/7 phone and chat, and an accuracy guarantee covering legal fees up to $100,000. Free federal for simple returns, but state returns run $39.99–$62.99, and returns with freelance or investment income don't qualify for the free plan (cnbc.com).

Free in-person help

• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) — Free preparation for people with income of $67,000 or less, people with disabilities, or those with limited English skills. Sites are typically in libraries, schools, and community centers (cnbc.com).
• TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) — Free preparation for filers 60 and older, including help with retirement-related questions. Find a location via the IRS or AARP Tax-Aide site locator, or call 888-227-7669 (cnbc.com).

Quick guidance

• Income ≤ $51,000: FreeTaxUSA or OLT via IRS Free File — free federal and state in all states.
• Income $51,000–$89,000: Check the partner table above for age/state restrictions; TaxAct and 1040.com have the broadest age ranges.
• Itemizing deductions: FreeTaxUSA.
• Simple return, want hand-holding: TurboTax Free Edition.
• Multiple states or complex forms, want $0: Cash App Taxes (but no professional support).
• Income over $89,000: Free File Fillable Forms, or a commercial free tier if your return is simple.

One caution from CNBC: free tiers usually carry limitations — often restricted to simple returns, and frequently excluding state returns (cnbc.com). Verify your eligibility with each provider before starting, since criteria (AGI bands, age, qualifying states) vary significantly.

The best free tax filing service depends on the complexity of your tax situation, your income level, and whether you also need to file state taxes for free.

The most reliable, genuinely free tax preparation services fall into clear categories:

1. Best Truly 100% Free Service: Cash App Taxes

(Formerly Credit Karma Tax)

• Cost: $0 Federal, $0 State.
• Best for: Anyone who wants both federal and state returns filed completely free, including self-employed individuals and investors.
• Pros: Unlike many "free" tiers that force you to upgrade as soon as you have student loans, freelance income, or investments, Cash App Taxes supports most common forms (W-2, 1099-NEC, Schedule C, crypto, stock sales) at no cost.
• Cons: Requires a Cash App account to access. It does not support filing in multiple states or certain obscure IRS forms. Customer support is primarily automated/chat-based.

2. Best for Complex Returns & Transparency: FreeTaxUSA

• Cost: $0 Federal; ~$15–$16 per State return.
• Best for: Filers with investments, rental income, or small business income who don’t mind paying a small fee for state filing.
• Pros: FreeTaxUSA supports virtually all federal IRS forms and schedules for free—including self-employment, HSA contributions, and itemized deductions—without aggressive upsells or hidden tiers. It is widely considered the most straightforward, no-nonsense DIY software.
• Cons: State returns are not free unless you access the software through the IRS Free File partner portal and meet income limits.

3. Best Direct Government Option: IRS Direct File & IRS Free File

• Cost: $0 Federal; state options vary.
• Best for: Filers looking for government-backed, ad-free filing.
• IRS Direct File: A service developed directly by the IRS that allows eligible taxpayers in participating states to file directly with the government for free.
• IRS Free File Alliance: If your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is below a specific threshold (typically around $79,000), you can access free commercial software (such as TaxSlayer, TaxAct, and ezTaxReturn) via IRS.gov/freefile.
• Pros: Guaranteed no upselling when accessed via the official IRS portal.
• Cons: You must start from the IRS.gov website (navigating directly to the brand's commercial site often leads to paid tiers).

4. Best for Very Simple W-2 Returns: H&R Block Free & TurboTax Free Edition

• Cost: $0 Federal, $0 State (only for "simple" returns).
• Best for: Filers with a basic W-2, standard deduction, and standard credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit).
• Pros: Highly polished interfaces, excellent mobile apps, and step-by-step guidance.
• Cons: Very strict definitions of a "simple return." If you have HSA contributions, freelance 1099 income, stock sales, or need to itemize deductions, these platforms will require you to upgrade to paid tiers that can exceed $100.

5. Best Free In-Person & Specialized Programs

If you prefer human assistance or belong to a qualifying group, several programs offer completely free preparation:

• MilTax (Military OneSource): Free tax prep and e-filing for active-duty service members, military spouses, and certain veterans. Covers one federal return and up to three state returns regardless of income.
• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): An IRS-sponsored program offering free basic tax preparation by certified volunteers for taxpayers generally earning $67,000 or less, individuals with disabilities, or those with limited English proficiency.
• TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly): Focuses on filers age 60 and older, specializing in pension and retirement-related tax questions.

Summary Recommendation:

• Choose Cash App Taxes if you need both federal and state returns 100% free and have freelance or investment income.
• Choose FreeTaxUSA if you have a complicated tax return and don't mind paying around $15 for your state filing to get a reliable, ad-free experience.
• Choose H&R Block Free if you have a standard W-2 job and prefer a polished, guided interview format.
• Check IRS.gov/freefile first if your income is below the IRS threshold to unlock premium commercial tools for free.

I'll search for the best free tax filing options to compare what's available.

I found several strong candidates — now I'll verify the details on IRS Direct File and a few other options.

For the 2026 filing season - 2025 tax year - these are the best truly free options:

1. IRS Free File - Best official gateway

Taxpayers with Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $89,000 or less qualify for the IRS's Free File program.

• It is not IRS-built software - the IRS partners with eight companies — including TaxAct, TaxSlayer, and FreeTaxUSA — that offer their software for free through the program.
• For tax year 2025 filed in 2026, Free File is available to taxpayers with AGI of $89,000 or less.
• Start at IRS.gov/freefile and use the “Find your trusted partner” tool. Answer questions about income, age, state, and military status, and the IRS sends you to a partner that fits.
• The free deal only applies when you enter through the IRS portal.
• Some partners also offer free state tax return preparation and filing , but you must check - some charge separately for state.

Use this first if your AGI is under the cap.

2. Cash App Taxes - Best completely free federal + state for everyone

Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) is the price disruptor: federal and state filing for $0, with no upsell ladder, covering schedules C, D and E plus crypto.

• Advertises free federal and state preparation with no paid filing tier. It supports both simple and complex returns, including W-2s, 1099s, investments, and self-employment income.
• Other reviews note it is free even with 1099 income, self-employment, stock sales and bitcoin with no income limits.
• Limits: one state only, no multi-state or part-year returns, no foreign earned income, and you need a Cash App account.
• Specifically does not support: Multiple state returns, Part-year state returns, Nonresident state returns

Pick this if you have a single-state return and want $0 federal + $0 state with no upsells.

3. FreeTaxUSA - Best cheap option for complex returns

FreeTaxUSA's free tier is the exception among the traditional players: every federal situation, free, with state at $15.99.

• Priced as $0 fed + $15.99/state with Federal always free.
• Federal return is genuinely free for all situations, and its own site lists rental income under the features covered at $0.
• Also described as free federal filing and a flat $15.99 per state.

Pick this if Cash App Taxes doesn't cover your forms, you need rental / self-employment / investments, and you can pay ~$16 for state.

4. Company “Free Editions” - Good only for simple returns

• Comparison tables list TurboTax Free (simple returns) and H&R Block Free (simple returns) with No strict limit (but limited features).
• TurboTax Free Edition (about 37% of filers qualify, per TurboTax), TaxAct Free (about 40%, per TaxAct)

In other words, starting a “free” return then adding a 1099, investments or rental often triggers an upgrade. If you have anything beyond W-2 + standard deduction + basic credits, Cash App Taxes or FreeTaxUSA via IRS Free File is usually cheaper.

TaxSlayer also has a narrow free tier: Simply Free $0 (narrow eligibility); Classic $44.99 federal; Self-Employed $74.99 federal; State $47.99

5. VITA and TCE - Best free in-person help

VITA sites offer free basic tax preparation services to individual taxpayers who generally make $69,000 or less, those with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency. TCE sites offer free federal and state tax preparation assistance to taxpayers who are 60 and older

• Described generally as VITA and TCE: free basic tax preparation by IRS-certified volunteers for qualifying taxpayers.
• VITA and TCE are programs with IRS-certified volunteers. They explain tax credits and prepare basic tax returns.

Best if you want a person to prepare it, are 60+, have a disability, or need language help.

6. MilTax - Best for military

Department of Defense MilTax offers Active military, transitioning members, eligible veterans with Federal return plus up to 3 state filings.

• Available to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. It allows users to file one federal return and up to three state returns for free, regardless of income
• Includes software built for military edge cases: combat pay exclusion, multi-state moves within a tax year, deployment-related extensions.

If you qualify for military benefits, use this before any commercial free tier.

7. Free File Fillable Forms - Best if you're over the income cap

Those earning above this threshold can still utilize the Interactive Free File Forms, which are electronic versions of paper forms, suitable for those who prefer manual tax preparation.

No income limit, but almost no guidance - you do the calculations yourself.

What happened to IRS Direct File?

The IRS will halt its government-run Direct File program for the 2026 tax season, ending a short-lived effort to allow taxpayers to prepare and submit returns directly through the agency’s website.

The IRS told states Direct File “will not be available” next filing season, and that there is no timeline for bringing it back.

Use IRS Free File, Cash App Taxes, FreeTaxUSA, VITA/TCE, or MilTax instead.

Quick picker:

• Under $89K AGI and want guided software: IRS Free File
• Want $0 state too, single state: Cash App Taxes
• Complex federal but okay paying state: FreeTaxUSA
• In-person help, ≤$69K / 60+: VITA/TCE
• Military: MilTax

The best free option depends on your income, how complex your return is, and whether you need a free state return. These are the strongest choices for U.S. filers preparing 2025 returns (the 2026 filing season).

Start here if your AGI is $89,000 or less

IRS Free File is the official program. Guided software from eight trusted partners is free for federal returns if your 2025 adjusted gross income (AGI) is $89,000 or less. Some partners also include a free state return; others charge. Each partner sets extra rules (age, state, military status, and sometimes a lower income cap).

Important: start at IRS.gov/freefile, not a company’s regular website, or you may be charged the commercial price. Partners include TaxAct, TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA, 1040.com, 1040Now, ezTaxReturn, FileYourTaxes.com, and On-Line Taxes. [¹](irs.gov/newsroom/2026-tax-filing-season-open...) [²](nerdwallet.com/taxes/learn/free-tax-filing-h...)

IRS Free File Fillable Forms are free for anyone, at any income, but they are blank electronic forms with little guidance and no state filing. Use them only if you are comfortable preparing your own return. [¹](irs.gov/newsroom/2026-tax-filing-season-open...)

Best if you want truly $0 federal and state

Cash App Taxes is the standout commercial option for completely free filing. Federal and one state return are free with no income limit, including many situations other free tiers reject (self-employment/1099 income, investments, crypto, itemized deductions, and common credits). There are no paid upgrade tiers.

Limits: you need a Cash App account; multi-state, part-year, and some complex situations are not supported; and there is no live tax-pro review. [³](zdnet.com/finance/taxes/file-2025-taxes-free...) [⁴](cash.app/taxes) [⁵](pcmag.com/reviews/cash-app-taxes)

Best free federal filing for complex returns

FreeTaxUSA prepares the federal return free for essentially all individual situations and income levels. A state return is typically about $15–$16. Upselling is light compared with the big brands, which makes it a strong choice for Schedule C, investments, or itemizing if you are fine paying a small state fee. [²](nerdwallet.com/taxes/learn/free-tax-filing-h...) [⁶](bestfreetaxfiling.com)

Best free tiers from big-name software (simple returns only)

These are free only if your situation stays inside a narrow set of forms. Go beyond that and you are pushed into a paid product.

H&R Block’s free tier is generally more generous than TurboTax’s. Both are known for upsell pressure once your return is no longer “simple.” [²](nerdwallet.com/taxes/learn/free-tax-filing-h...) [⁷](turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/online/fr...)

Free in-person or specialized help

• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): IRS-certified volunteers prepare basic returns for free. Aimed at people who generally made about $67,000–$69,000 or less, plus people with disabilities and limited-English speakers. Sites vary; find one at IRS.gov/vita or call 800-906-9887. [²](nerdwallet.com/taxes/learn/free-tax-filing-h...) [⁸](facebook.com/IRS/posts/preparing-to-file-you...)
• TCE / AARP Tax-Aide: Free help focused on taxpayers 60 and older, especially retirement-related issues. [²](nerdwallet.com/taxes/learn/free-tax-filing-h...)
• MilTax: Free federal filing plus multiple state returns for eligible service members, Guard/Reserve, and certain family members, through Military OneSource. No income limit for the federal return. [¹](irs.gov/newsroom/2026-tax-filing-season-open...) [²](nerdwallet.com/taxes/learn/free-tax-filing-h...)

Quick picks

• AGI $89,000 or under: Start with IRS Free File.
• Want $0 federal and state, including side income or investments: Cash App Taxes (one state).
• Complex federal return, okay paying ~$16 for state: FreeTaxUSA.
• Simple W-2 return and you want a familiar brand: H&R Block Free (check eligibility before you invest time).
• Military: MilTax.
• Prefer a person to prepare the return: VITA or TCE.

IRS Direct File is not available this season. Always confirm current eligibility and supported forms on the provider’s site before you start, and use direct deposit for the fastest refund. This is general information, not tax advice.