On this page
- Free options at a glance
- IRS Free File
- What happened to IRS Direct File
- Cash App Taxes
- FreeTaxUSA
- H&R Block Free Online
- TurboTax Free Edition and TaxAct Free
- Free File Fillable Forms
- Volunteer tax help
- How to pick a free option
- When a free option may not be enough
- A quick way to decide
- Keep your records
- Free state filing programs
- Before you start
You can file a federal tax return for free in the United States, and many people can file a state return for free too. The catch is that “free” comes in several forms, each with its own limits. Some depend on your income, others on which forms you need, and some only on where you live. This guide explains every main route so you can choose one before you enter a single number.
Free options at a glance
Price snapshot checked October 20, 2026 for tax year 2025 returns filed in 2026. FreeTaxUSA currently lists federal returns at $0 and current-year state returns at $15.99; support add-ons and promotional tax-software prices vary. This is not a price quote for tax year 2026 returns, which are generally filed in 2027. Confirm the final amount on the provider’s own checkout page before filing.
| Option | Federal | State | Main limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Free File partners | $0 | Varies by partner | Income limit ($89,000 AGI for 2025 returns) |
| Cash App Taxes | $0 | $0 | One state per return, little human help |
| FreeTaxUSA | $0 federal for supported returns | $15.99 | State fee, plainer guidance |
| H&R Block Free Online | $0 for eligible simple returns | Check state eligibility | Simple returns only |
| TurboTax Free Edition | $0 | $0 | Simple Form 1040 only |
| TaxAct Free | $0 | Check current state fee | Simple returns, state fee |
| Free File Fillable Forms | $0 | Not supported | No guidance, federal only |
IRS Free File
IRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and private software companies. If your adjusted gross income was $89,000 or less for 2025 returns, you can reach partner software at no federal cost through the IRS website, and some partners include a state return. The partners and their eligibility rules differ, so read each one’s limits. Always begin from the IRS Free File page rather than a search ad, because the free version is only guaranteed through that route. The limit changes each year.
What happened to IRS Direct File
Direct File was an IRS-run filing tool tested in limited states. It is not available for the 2026 filing season. The Taxpayer Advocate Service reports that implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ended the program’s operation. For current free-filing options, start with IRS Free File or Free File Fillable Forms and check IRS.gov again before a later filing season because program availability can change.
Cash App Taxes
This is the broadest completely free product. Federal and state filing are free with no income limit, and it covers most common forms, including self-employment and investment income. Its limits are practical: one state per return and mostly self-service support. If you are a single-state filer who is comfortable on your own, it is the cheapest route.
FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA lists federal filing at $0 for supported returns, including many returns with self-employment or investment income. As of October 20, 2026, the current-year state return is $15.99; optional support add-ons are priced separately. This is not a $0 total if you need a paid state return. Check whether your forms and states are supported before filing.
H&R Block Free Online
H&R Block’s free plan covers W-2 income, unemployment income, the child tax credit, the Earned Income Tax Credit and student loan interest, and it includes a state return. It is a good fit for filers with straightforward returns who want a guided interview and an easy path to a pro if they need one.
TurboTax Free Edition and TaxAct Free
Both cover simple Form 1040 returns. TurboTax says about 37% of filers qualify, and TaxAct says roughly 40% to 44% qualified last year. If you have anything beyond the basics, you will be asked to move to a paid tier, so check the eligibility list first. TaxAct also charges for a state return even on its free plan.
Free File Fillable Forms
This is the IRS’s electronic version of the paper forms, open to all income levels. It offers no interview and does no checking for you, and it covers only federal returns. It is best for confident filers whose income is above the Free File limit.
Volunteer tax help
The IRS supports volunteer programs that prepare returns at no cost for people who qualify by income, age or disability. If you want a real person without paying a preparer, search the IRS website for a nearby site.
How to pick a free option
- Simple W-2, one state: Cash App Taxes or H&R Block Free Online.
- Self-employment or investments: Cash App Taxes or FreeTaxUSA.
- More than one state: FreeTaxUSA, since Cash App Taxes supports one.
- Income under the limit: an IRS Free File partner.
- Want someone to help: a volunteer program, or accept a paid add-on.
When a free option may not be enough
Free options are designed for ordinary individual returns. You may want paid software or a professional if you own a business with employees, have a partnership or trust, own foreign accounts that require extra reporting, or received an IRS notice. In those cases the time saved or the mistakes avoided can be worth the cost.
A quick way to decide
- If your AGI is under the Free File limit, look at the IRS Free File partners first.
- If not, check Cash App Taxes and FreeTaxUSA for your forms and number of states.
- If your return is simple, H&R Block’s free plan is another option with a state return included.
- If none fit, compare the cheapest paid tier and add the state fee.
Keep your records
Whichever route you choose, save a PDF of your finished return and the e-file confirmation. You will need your prior-year adjusted gross income next year, and the return can be useful for loan or financial aid applications.
Free state filing programs
Some states run their own free online filing tools, and some include a free state return through partner software. Check your state tax agency’s website before you pay for a state return, because a free route may exist for your state. If you owe money, also look at your state’s payment options, since fees for paying by card can differ from paying directly from a bank account.
Before you start
Read the eligibility list, gather your forms and confirm whether the state return is free. Then check the price screen before you submit. For more on the traps, read is free tax software really free.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best truly free tax software?
Cash App Taxes is free for federal and state with no income limit, though it supports one state. FreeTaxUSA lists federal filing at $0 for supported returns and charges a low state fee.
Is IRS Direct File still available?
No for the 2026 filing season: IRS Direct File is not operating. The Taxpayer Advocate Service reports that legislation ended the program’s operation. IRS Free File partners and Free File Fillable Forms are the current federal alternatives; check IRS.gov for later-season changes.
What is the IRS Free File income limit?
For 2025 returns filed in 2026 it was $89,000 of adjusted gross income. Limits change each year, so check IRS.gov for the current figure.
Can I file for free if I am self-employed?
Yes, with services such as Cash App Taxes or FreeTaxUSA, which support Schedule C for free at the federal level. Free editions from the big brands generally exclude self-employment income.
Official sources and references
Use these first-party pages to verify current plans, prices, features and eligibility. Offers and terms can change by country, billing period and date; confirm the details that apply to you before buying. Links below are provider documentation, not independent endorsements.