IRS Free File

Short answer: top tax software most people should consider

For U.S. individual taxes, I’d shortlist these:

My recommendation

Most people should start with FreeTaxUSA. It’s the best balance of legitimacy, breadth, and price. If your return is W-2 income, dependents, student loan interest, itemized deductions, basic investment income, 1099 work, or a simple Schedule C, it’s usually enough.

Use TurboTax if you value the smoothest interface, auto-imports, lots of prompts, and don’t mind paying more.

Use H&R Block if you want the option to escalate to a real tax pro or visit an office.

Use Cash App Taxes if your return is simple and you want truly free federal + state filing—but check that it supports your state and tax forms before committing.

Use TaxSlayer or TaxAct if you want a cheaper paid product than TurboTax/H&R Block but still want a recognizable mainstream brand.

Quick decision guide

• Simple W-2 return: Cash App Taxes, IRS Free File, FreeTaxUSA
• Best cheap all-around: FreeTaxUSA
• Best user experience: TurboTax
• Need in-person help backup: H&R Block
• Freelancer / 1099 / Schedule C on a budget: FreeTaxUSA or TaxSlayer
• Lots of brokerage imports, RSUs, crypto, rentals, K-1s: TurboTax, H&R Block, or consider a CPA
• Income under IRS Free File limit: Check IRS Free File before paying anything

One note: prices and supported forms change each filing season, so before you enter everything, check the product’s current pricing page and confirm it supports your specific forms.

The best tax software depends on your tax situation, budget, and comfort level. Here are the top brands people actually use, based on popularity, features, and customer satisfaction.

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1. TurboTax (Intuit)

Best for: Ease of use and guided step-by-step filing; most popular in the U.S.

• Pros: Very intuitive, plain-English questions, excellent mobile app, good for beginners. Caters to simple and complex returns (investments, rental property, self-employment).
• Cons: Expensive, especially for state filing and self-employed versions. Upsells are aggressive.
• Pricing: Starts free for simple federal returns; state costs extra. Deluxe ~$69+, Self-Employed ~$129+ (prices vary by year).

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2. H&R Block

Best for: DIY filers who might want in-person help at a physical office.

• Pros: Similar ease of use to TurboTax, but often a little cheaper. Free version supports more forms than TurboTax Free. You can drop off your return at a local office if you get stuck.
• Cons: Pricing creeps up for complex situations. State filing costs extra on some tiers.
• Pricing: Free for simple federal/state; Deluxe ~$45+, Premium ~$80+.

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3. FreeTaxUSA

Best for: Value-conscious filers who need full tax features without the price tag.

• Pros: Excellent for a low cost; federal e-file is completely free for all situations (including self-employment, rental income, investments). Only $14.99 for state (as of 2024/2025). Supports nearly every IRS form.
• Cons: Interface is less polished than TurboTax or H&R Block. No phone support, but good web help/FAQs.
• Pricing: Federal $0; state $14.99.

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4. TaxSlayer

Best for: DIY filers and small business owners looking for an affordable alternative.

• Pros: Handles complex returns (including Schedule C, business income) well. Lower price than TurboTax. Also offers a professional version for tax pros.
• Cons: Not as beginner-friendly; interface feels dated. Customer support has mixed reviews.
• Pricing: Start at ~$0 for simple federal (with paid state); Self-Employed ~$40-60.

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5. Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax)

Best for: Absolutely free filing, including free state.

• Pros: No cost for federal and state filing on all major forms, including self-employment. Simple and mobile-friendly.
• Cons: Does not support very complex situations like foreign income or some multi-state considerations. No live tax expert support. Owned by Block (Cash App).
• Pricing: $0.

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6. Jackson Hewitt Online

Best for: People who like a familiar retail brand at a lower price.

• Pros: Flat-rate pricing for many situations; includes access to live tax professionals for guidance. Free options for W-2 + standard deduction filers.
• Cons: Not as feature-rich as TurboTax; fewer integrations.
• Pricing: Free tier; Deluxe ~$40+; full service options.

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7. TaxAct

Best for: Users who want professional-level power without the premium price.

• Pros: Good for itemized deductions, small business, and rental income. Pricing is lower than TurboTax/H&R Block.
• Cons: Interface is less polished and learning curve is steeper for beginners. Free version is limited.
• Pricing: Federal starts free; Premium ~$55+.

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8. IRS Free File

Best for: Low/moderate-income filers (adjusted gross income under a certain threshold, usually $79,000/year) who want free filing.

• Pros: Partnered with top software brands (including TurboTax, TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA). Totally free for eligible taxpayers.
• Cons: Not a separate software—you must use the IRS website to access the partner offer.
• Pricing: $0 (if eligible).

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Quick recommendation

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Final tip: Before you buy any paid software, check if your state has a free e-file option or if you qualify for IRS Free File. If your return is straightforward—one W-2, standard deduction—you likely don't need to pay anything.

TurboTax (by Intuit) is by far the most widely used tax software, holding roughly 60% market share in the U.S. consumer tax software market according to recent surveys. Other top brands people actually use and that consistently rank highly in expert reviews and user feedback include H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, and Cash App Taxes.

These recommendations focus on DIY online consumer software (the most common way people file). Choices depend on your situation: simple W-2 returns, self-employment/gig work, investments, need for support, or desire to minimize cost. Most offer free tiers for basic federal returns (with limitations), paid upgrades for more complex situations, state filing (often extra), accuracy/max refund guarantees, and e-filing. Prices fluctuate yearly and by complexity—always check current details, as free options have eligibility rules (e.g., income, forms).

Top Recommendations

1. TurboTax (Best Overall / Most Popular / Easiest to Use)

• Why people use it: Exceptional step-by-step guidance in plain language, strong help resources (including AI assist, videos, community, and paid live experts or full-service options), excellent mobile apps, broad form coverage (including complex investments/crypto and self-employment), and imports from prior years or competitors. It consistently wins “best overall” or “best for ease of use” from outlets like PCMag (Editors’ Choice, 5.0) and CNBC Select.
• Best for: Beginners, complex returns, investors, self-employed who want hand-holding, or anyone prioritizing a polished experience.
• Drawbacks: Most expensive (paid tiers can run $100+ federal + state fees; free edition is limited). Can feel pushy with upsells.
• Tiers: Free Edition (simple returns), Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed, plus Expert Assist/Full Service.

2. FreeTaxUSA (Best Value / Strong User Favorite for Affordability)

• Why people use it: Completely free federal filing for everyone (no income limits or forced upgrades for most forms/schedules, including itemized deductions, investments, rentals, self-employment/Schedule C, etc.), with state returns around $15.99. Supports major forms, easy interface, document imports (W-2s, some 1099s), and good accuracy guarantees. Highly praised on Reddit (r/personalfinance megathreads) and by users switching from pricier options; PCMag Editors’ Choice for free federal.
• Best for: Budget-conscious filers, self-employed, anyone with moderate-to-complex returns who doesn’t need extensive live pro support. Great TurboTax alternative.
• Drawbacks: Help resources are more limited (email/community; paid pro support available) than TurboTax or H&R Block.
• Note: Also participates in IRS Free File for qualifying lower-income users (sometimes free state too).

3. H&R Block (Best for Support Options / Strong All-Around Alternative)

• Why people use it: Solid free tier (covers more situations than some competitors, including some education/unemployment), good guidance, live chat/AI assist with paid plans, and seamless path to in-person or virtual pro help at thousands of offices. Frequently ranks high for overall experience or live support (e.g., Business Insider best overall in some years; strong PCMag scores).
• Best for: Those who may want pro assistance, multiple filing methods, or self-employed.
• Drawbacks: Can be pricey for higher tiers (similar to or a bit less than TurboTax); free tier has limits.
• Tiers: Free, Deluxe, Premium, Self-Employed.

4. Cash App Taxes (Best Completely Free Option)

• Why people use it: Free federal and state for a wide range of situations (supports most major forms; no income cap like some free editions). Fast, intuitive interface, free audit defense, and easy mobile experience. Often recommended for free filing by CNBC, PCMag, and others.
• Best for: Simple-to-moderate returns where you want $0 cost and are comfortable without pro support.
• Drawbacks: Limited/no live tax pro help; some advanced features or multi-state/part-year returns restricted; manual entry more common; requires Cash App account for some perks (e.g., faster refund).

5. TaxAct (Best Accuracy Guarantee / Solid Mid-Range)

• Strong coverage, deduction maximizer tools, good interface/mobile, and a robust accuracy guarantee (covers penalties, interest, and significant legal/audit fees). More affordable than TurboTax/H&R Block. Frequently praised for value and free tier options.
• Best for: Cost-conscious users wanting solid features and strong guarantees without the highest price.
• Good self-employed options.

6. TaxSlayer (Best Budget / Self-Employed Value)

• Affordable paid plans (often significantly cheaper than big names for self-employed), free tier for simple returns, solid form support, and extras like quarterly estimated tax reminders. CNBC pick for affordability; strong for freelancers.
• Best for: Self-employed/gig workers on a budget or military (special free options sometimes).
• Help can be less polished than premium brands.

Other Notable Mentions

• Jackson Hewitt: Flat low fee for online (e.g., ~$25 for federal + any states in some reviews); good in-person network.
• IRS Free File / Direct File: Completely free options via IRS partners (including some of the above) or the IRS’s own tool (availability varies by year/state/pilot status)—check IRS.gov if you qualify by income.
• Professional/desktop software (for CPAs or heavy users): UltraTax CS, Lacerte, Drake Tax dominate among tax pros.

Quick Advice for Choosing

• Simple W-2 only: Start with free options (Cash App Taxes, TurboTax/H&R Block Free, FreeTaxUSA, or IRS Free File).
• Want easiest experience + support: TurboTax or H&R Block.
• Maximize savings: FreeTaxUSA or Cash App Taxes (or TaxSlayer/TaxAct for mid-tier).
• Self-employed/investments: TurboTax Premium/Self-Employed, FreeTaxUSA, TaxSlayer Self-Employed, or TaxAct.
• Compare yourself: Most let you start a return for free and see the final price before paying/filing. Import prior returns where possible. Watch for state fees, add-ons (audit defense, etc.), and eligibility.
• Prices and features are for recent seasons (e.g., tax year 2024/2025 filings into 2025/2026); verify on official sites as tax laws and offerings change.

User reviews (especially Reddit) often favor FreeTaxUSA for value and lack of nickel-and-diming, while TurboTax wins for polish and popularity. Match the tool to your complexity and budget for the best experience. If your situation is very complex (multiple businesses, international, etc.), consider a tax professional.