Best Tax Software of 2026: Compared by Price, Features, and Ease of Use

· Updated

Filing your own taxes can save you $200-$500 compared to hiring a CPA, and modern tax software makes it straightforward. Here’s how the major options compare.

Table of Contents

Tax Software Comparison

Software Free Tier Basic/Deluxe Self-Employed State Filing Best For
TurboTax Simple returns only $70-$130 $130+ $65/state Ease of use, complex returns
H&R Block Simple returns $55-$115 $115+ $45/state In-person support option
FreeTaxUSA All federal returns $0 $0 $15/state Best value
Cash App Taxes All returns free $0 $0 $0 100% free
TaxAct Simple returns $45-$95 $95+ $55/state Mid-range option
IRS Free File Income under $84K N/A N/A Varies Low-income filers
IRS Direct File Simple returns in select states N/A N/A N/A Simplest returns

Cost Comparison for Common Tax Situations

Scenario 1: Simple W-2 Return (Single, Standard Deduction)

Software Federal State Total
IRS Free File / Direct File $0 $0 $0
Cash App Taxes $0 $0 $0
FreeTaxUSA $0 $15 $15
H&R Block Free Online $0 $0 $0
TurboTax Free Edition $0 $0 $0

Scenario 2: Itemized Deductions + Investments

Software Federal State Total
Cash App Taxes $0 $0 $0
FreeTaxUSA $0 $15 $15
TaxAct Deluxe $65 $55 $120
H&R Block Deluxe $75 $45 $120
TurboTax Deluxe $90 $65 $155

Scenario 3: Self-Employment (1099-NEC/1099-K)

Software Federal State Total
Cash App Taxes $0 $0 $0
FreeTaxUSA $0 $15 $15
TaxAct Self-Employed $95 $55 $150
H&R Block Self-Employed $115 $45 $160
TurboTax Self-Employed $130 $65 $195

When to Use Each Software

Your Situation Recommended Software Why
W-2 only, standard deduction IRS Direct File or Cash App Taxes Free, simple
W-2 + student loan interest, HSA FreeTaxUSA Free federal, handles common forms
Homeowner with mortgage + property tax FreeTaxUSA or H&R Block Handles itemizing well
Investments (stocks, crypto) FreeTaxUSA or TurboTax Imports brokerage forms
Self-employed/freelancer FreeTaxUSA or TurboTax SE Deduction guidance
Rental property income TurboTax or H&R Block Complex depreciation calculations
Multi-state returns H&R Block or TurboTax Better multi-state handling
Want CPA review TurboTax Live or H&R Block Expert review available

Free Filing Options

IRS Free File

Feature Details
Income limit $84,000 AGI
Providers 7 participating software companies
State returns Usually included free
Forms supported Most common forms
Where to access irs.gov/freefile

IRS Direct File

Feature Details
Who qualifies Simple returns (W-2, Social Security, standard deduction)
Available states Limited but expanding
Cost Free
Limitations Doesn’t handle self-employment, itemizing, or complex situations

Tips to Save on Tax Software

  1. Start with the free version—upgrade only if the software tells you your situation requires it
  2. Check IRS Free File first if your income is under $84,000
  3. Look for promotions—many services offer early-season discounts
  4. Don’t pay for audit protection—it’s rarely worth the cost
  5. Use last year’s import feature—saves time and catches missed deductions
  6. File early—prices often increase as April approaches

The Bottom Line

FreeTaxUSA ($0 federal, $15 state) offers the best value for the vast majority of filers, handling everything from W-2s to self-employment to investments. Cash App Taxes is the only truly 100% free option for all situations. TurboTax’s premium pricing is only justified for very complex returns or if you value its polish and live CPA review. If your income is under $84,000, start with IRS Free File.