Truly Free Options
- Cash App Taxes — free federal and state filing with no income cap and no tiered upsells
- IRS Free File — a partnership between the IRS and several tax software providers, free for filers under the program's income threshold
- IRS Direct File — the IRS's own free filing tool, available in participating states for certain simple tax situations
- VITA/TCE programs — free in-person tax prep from IRS-certified volunteers for qualifying low-to-moderate income filers, seniors, and people with disabilities
Where 'Free' Tiers Get Complicated
TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct all advertise free tiers, but they typically only cover the simplest returns — a single W-2, no itemized deductions, no self-employment income. Add a 1099, HSA contribution, or itemized deductions, and most of these push you into a paid tier.
Who Qualifies for IRS Free File
IRS Free File is generally available to filers under an annual adjusted gross income threshold that the IRS sets each year — check irs.gov directly each season, since the exact figure changes annually and eligibility varies by partner software.
Free Doesn't Always Mean Free State Filing
Some 'free' federal filing options still charge for a state return — always confirm both before starting, especially if you owe state income tax. Cash App Taxes is notable for including state filing at no charge as well.
This page is for educational purposes and isn't personalized tax advice. Tax rules, brackets, and deadlines are set annually by the IRS and subject to change — confirm current figures at irs.gov or with a tax professional before filing.