FreeTaxUSA and TurboTax share the spotlight almost evenly, with FreeTaxUSA favored for low-cost value and TurboTax preferred for complex returns. For filers reporting sports betting winnings, H&R Block is the usual answer.
For a simple U.S. tax return, I'd start with IRS Free File or a free version of a tax-preparation service rather than paying for TurboTax or another premium product. If you have a regular W-2 job, take the standard deduction, and don't have complicated investments or business income, you may be able to file both federal and state taxes for $0.
Here's how I'd choose among the best options for the 2026 tax-filing season.
Best tax software for a simple return
1. IRS Free File
(Best place to start)
Best for: People who want to pay nothing and meet the eligibility requirements.
The IRS partners with tax-software companies that offer free guided tax preparation. For the 2026 filing season, the income limit was adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less for your 2025 tax return, although individual providers have additional eligibility rules.
Best for: First-time filers who want lots of guidance.
It walks you through questions in plain language and explains common tax terms. Its free edition is limited to qualifying simple returns, and some situations require a paid upgrade.
Cost: $0 if you qualify for the free edition; otherwise, paid plans may apply.
Best for: People who want a simple online experience with the option of in-person help.
Its free online edition covers many common situations, including eligible education credits and unemployment income. More complicated deductions and income types may require an upgrade.
Cost: $0 for qualifying federal and state returns.
Best for: People whose top priority is free federal and state filing.
It advertises free federal and state returns and supports a broad range of tax situations. However, professional tax-preparation support is limited, so it's less ideal if you want someone to guide you through every unusual detail.
Cost: $0 for eligible returns; check supported forms and state restrictions.
Best for: People who want low-cost filing without being limited to only the simplest tax forms.
Federal filing is free even for many returns involving investments, itemized deductions, or self-employment. State filing costs extra, so it may not be the cheapest choice if you need only a basic return and qualify for another service's free state option.
Cost: $0 federal; state filing generally costs extra.
For a simple tax return (usually meaning W-2 income, standard deduction, and maybe a little interest income), you shouldn't have to pay a dime for your federal return—and often very little for your state return.
Top-rated tax software options well-suited for a simple return include:
FreeTaxUSA : Best if your "simple" return has a few extra wrinkles (like HSA contributions or a small amount of crypto/stocks). Federal filing is free, and state filing is a flat, low fee (around $15), unlike major brands that try to bump you to a pricier tier.[](https://finance.yahoo.com/news/best-tax-software-2026-one-174300963.html)
TurboTax Free Edition : Best for absolute ease of use and a polished, beginner-friendly interface. It is truly free ($0 federal, $0 state, $0 to file), but note that it only covers simple W-2/1099-INT situations, and they will aggressively prompt you to upgrade if your situation changes.[](https://www.cnbc.com/select/best-tax-software/)
H&R Block Free Online : Great alternative if you want a clean, guided user experience with the security of a well-known brand, covering simple W-2/unemployment situations for $0 federal and state.
IRS Free File : If your adjusted gross income (AGI) falls under the annual IRS threshold (typically around $79,000–$84,000), you can access brand-name commercial software completely free by starting directly through the IRS Free File Portal.[](https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/browse-all-offers/)
If you want to narrow it down, let me know:
Do you have state filing requirements , or just federal?
Do you have any investment, freelance, or gig economy income to report?
I can help you pick the exact platform that won't charge you unexpected fees.
If you’re filing U.S. taxes online, you have several good options:
IRS Free File — the IRS’s official program. If your 2025 AGI was $89,000 or less, you can use participating tax software to prepare and e-file your federal return for free; some also include free state filing.
FreeTaxUSA — free federal filing and generally inexpensive state filing; it supports more complicated returns too.
TurboTax — very guided and beginner-friendly, with paid options if you need additional help.
H&R Block — online filing plus the option to get help from a tax professional or visit an office.
If your main goal is to pay as little as possible, I'd start with the official irs.gov and see which free option you qualify for. The IRS says Free File is available through October 15, 2026 for eligible filers.
If you tell me (1) W-2 or self-employed, (2) whether you have children, and (3) whether you need to file California state taxes, I can narrow it down to the most suitable app for your situation.
There are several popular, highly-rated apps and online platforms you can use to file your taxes yourself, depending on your budget and how complex your financial situation is:
The best tax software depends on how complicated your taxes are, whether you want to pay for expert help, and how much you want to spend.
For the 2026 tax-filing season, when you're filing your 2025 tax return, I'd compare a few leading options rather than automatically choosing the most popular one. The biggest differences are price, ease of use, support for self-employment or investments, and whether you qualify to file for free.
Best tax software compared
1. FreeTaxUSA
(Best overall value)
Great for most people who want to file independently without paying premium prices. Federal filing is free, including support for many complex tax situations; state filing is listed at $15.99.
Cash App Taxes : Completely free for both federal and state returns, with no hidden upsells or surprise fees, even for self-employment or investment income.
If you qualify based on your adjusted gross income, you can also check out the official IRS Free File Program to use brand-name software completely free.
To help narrow down the best option, tell me:
Do you have simple W-2 income , or do you need to file for freelance/self-employment/investments?
Are you looking for a completely free option, or do you want live expert help/support?
Excellent guided questions, document importing, and help understanding tax deductions. A strong choice if you value convenience over cost. Paid plans can become expensive, especially with investments or self-employment income.
A good middle ground if you want to prepare your own taxes but might need professional assistance. You can also access in-person tax preparation services.
Free for eligible simple returns; paid options available
For 2025 tax returns, taxpayers with adjusted gross income of $89,000 or less may qualify for free guided software through participating providers. State filing may also be free, depending on the provider.
