The IRS deadline to file your federal tax return was Tuesday, unless you live in a state that has an extension in place due to a recent natural disaster. If you didn't file your tax return or an extension by April 15, you may face penalties.
So far, the IRS has refunded $210 billion in refunds to taxpayers. Many Americans plan to use refunds this year to pay bills and unresolved debt, according to a CNET survey.
Whether you have a simple tax return (W-2, student loan interest and some other basic credits) or you're self-employed with deductions and credits to claim, online tax software can guide you through the tax filing process. Many services offer contextual help and support to answer your questions along the way.
This story is part of Taxes 2025, CNET’s coverage of the best tax software, tax tips and everything else you need to file your return and track your refund.
Tax services like TurboTax, H&R Block and TaxAct are now charging full price to file online, unless you qualify to file for free or opt for a budget service that lets you file for cheap. Certified public accountants and tax professionals may also charge more to file your return after Tax Day.
We reviewed the top eight online tax software options for ease of use, pricing guidance and more to help you find the best option for your tax situation.
TurboTax combines tax expertise with an easy to use interface that makes it accessible to both experienced filers and newcomers filing their taxes alone for the first time.
Like other online tax filing software, TurboTax will tell you exactly where to find the information it needs on your tax forms and alert you if something doesn’t look right. The service also informs you if you’ve added forms that will require you to upgrade tiers, so you’ll always know how much you stand to pay before filing.
TurboTax covers a range of taxpayers with its three tiers — TurboTax Free Edition (approximately 37% of taxpayers qualify. Form 1040 + limited tax credits only), Deluxe and Premium. Should you require assistance, Turbo offers TurboTax Live Assisted and TurboTax Live Full Service, where you can ask an expert questions or hand over your taxes to a tax professional.
TurboTax’s biggest downer remains its higher price tag compared to competitors. But for most filers — perhaps with the exception of freelancers and some investors — the price is digestible.
- Free to $139 for federal* (without TurboTax Live Assisted or TurboTax Live Full Service).
- Free to $64 per state filing.
- $79 to $209 for TurboTax Live Assisted (state additional).
- $129 to $349 for TurboTax Live Full Service (state additional)
*Approximately 37% of taxpayers qualify for TurboTax Free Edition. Form 1040 + limited tax credits only.
H&R Block has many things going for it. It boasts a great free filing option with more forms than TurboTax. Its paid tiers are also cheaper. And it even offers live customer support with paid tiers at no additional cost.
While not as smooth as its top competitor, H&R Block features a well-designed, interview-style system that helps you navigate the tax-filing process and avoid mistakes. Help screens and FAQs are also comprehensive.
H&R Block offers four tiers for filing their returns in 2025 — Free Online, Deluxe, Premium and Self-Employed — in addition to in-person assistance at a local branch and online help from a Live Tax Pro.
If you can justify paying for H&R Block’s Deluxe, Premium or Self-Employed tiers, you’ll also get access to H&R Block’s AI Tax Assist tool. The AI chatbot is a delight to use, but it’s not perfect. Downgrading tiers on H&R Block still requires you to contact the company directly. That should change by mid-February . But you will lose your progress and be required to start your return over.
- Free to $125 for federal.
- $0 to $49 for state.
- $55 to $220 for Live Tax Review; $49 per state.
- File with a tax pro starting $99; state is additional.
FreeTaxUSA offers free federal returns — no matter what your tax situation is. For many this makes it a great choice over services like TurboTax and H&R Block, if you aren’t too hung up on all the bells and whistles an online tax software service can provide.
Like most online tax software, FreeTaxUSA lets you upload your previous tax return to get you started. But the frills largely end there. You will be required to manually input a large amount of information. FreeTaxUSA’s online support is also lacking.
While federal returns are free, in line with the service’s name, FreeTaxUSA charges $15 per state tax return.
If you need assistance while working on your return, FreeTaxUSA offers a Deluxe version that grants access to a tax specialist via live chat and unlimited amendments to your tax return. Pro Support includes the benefits of Deluxe and adds access to a tax pro, phone support and live screen share.
- Federal tax return: Free.
- State tax return: $15.
- Deluxe Edition: $8.
- Pro Support: $40.
Cash App Taxes offers a fully free tax preparation service that doesn’t skimp on IRS forms and schedules. It provides one federal and one state tax return at no cost, with a maximum refund guarantee .
The lack of file importing and an unusual desktop login process (you have to download the mobile app first before starting your return online) might discourage some people from trying the service. But once you’re in, the software works like most programs: A simple, interview-style process collects information about your tax situation and uses it to populate IRS forms.
Cash App Taxes requires you to manually input most information. Technical support and tax help content are also limited. Because of this, we recommend Cash App Taxes to filers with a few forms and relatively simple tax situations.
Free. There are currently no paid versions of Cash App Taxes.
TaxSlayer is our choice for the best tax software for freelancers and gig economy workers.
TaxSlayer offers four levels of service — Simply Free, Classic, Premium and Self-Employed — that range from free to $73 to file a federal return under current promotional pricing.
Simply Free has many restrictions, including a $100,000 cap on taxable income and the inability to claim dependents. It does include a free state return, however, which is notable since its paid tiers charge $48 per state return.
You can file your taxes, no matter your tax situation, with TaxSlayer’s Classic tier. But you’ll have to pony up for its higher tiers if you need personalized assistance beyond basic phone and chat support. For example, in order to get priority support and access a tax pro, you must pay for its Premium tier. Freelancers needing assistance from tax professionals versed in self-employment taxes need to pay for the self-employed tier.
TaxSlayer’s interface and support content isn’t as polished as other top competitors, but it’s a bargain for self-employed filers who would otherwise pay well over $100 on TurboTax and H&R Block. It’s also an attractive option if you’re used to completing tax returns on your own or qualify for free.
- Free to $73 for federal.
- Free to $48 per state filing.
TaxAct’s major distinction continues to be its $100,000 Tax Accuracy Guarantee.
The service promises to get you an accurate refund and the maximum allowable by law. If it doesn’t, TaxAct will refund you up to $100,000 to cover the difference between your actual refund and what you missed out on after testing another service, as well as any associated software, legal or audit costs.
TaxAct doesn’t have the feature set of other online tax software options, but it offers a straightforward service at a discounted price compared to top competitors. This makes it a good choice if you don’t qualify to file for free on TurboTax and H&R Block, which are known to charge more for paid tiers. TaxAct does offer a free tier for federal filing, but requires $54 for a state return with the tier.
TaxAct’s one-on-one professional tax assistance service, Xpert Assist, is also available for $20 to $199 depending on the package you choose. Its free help tools for tax filers include a handy tax glossary and instructions for filling out a wide range of common tax forms.
- Free to $109 for federal*.
- $54 to $65 per state filing.
- $20 to $199 for Xpert Assist.
*S elf-employed tier only includes freelance income, sole proprietor and LLC.
Jackson Hewitt is a no-frills online tax software service. As an example, the service does not allow you to upload any tax documents, such as a W-2 form, and is in need of more robust customer help and support tools.
That said, Jackson Hewitt Online ‘s flat rate of $25 for a federal return and unlimited state returns is hard to beat. Unlike most competitors that feature different tiers, based on your tax situation, Jackson Hewitt Online lets you file for one price no matter how complicated your taxes are.
The company offers free IRS audit assistance and a Lifetime Accuracy Guarantee to protect against unexpected penalties or interest, in addition to a maximum refund guarantee, or your money back.
And if you want more one-on-one attention, you can file at a participating Walmart location or visit one of its 5,200 offices to file with a Tax Pro (prices vary depending on your filing situation and state of residence).
- $25 for federal and unlimited state filing.
What is tax software and how does it work?
Online tax software can help you file your taxes by guiding you through the process -- often for a fee -- and double-checking that you’ve filled out all of the necessary tax forms for your filing status and situation accurately.
It’s best to consider your options based on your budget and tax situation before choosing the service you file with. Some other things to consider are how well a service holds your hand throughout the tax-filing process and the level of live help and support you want.
In addition to companies on our best list, the IRS offers a Direct File service that launched in 2024. While the service is free, not all tax situations are covered. The agency is also once again partnering with tax services to offer IRS FreeFile to taxpayers who made less than $84,000 last year at no cost.
Most tax software options offer one of two types of systems: interview-based filing or form-based filing. Interview-based filing prompts you to answer questions about your finances and then inputs your answers into the correct tax forms. This is best if you’re new to filing your taxes or if you want guidance along the way. Most tax software, TurboTax, TaxSlayer and H&R Block, for instance, use a type of interview-style interface.
The form-based filing option can be a bit more complicated if you’re not familiar with the many tax forms based on how you earned income in the previous year. Some programs allow you to toggle back and forth between interview and form, which is a nice feature just in case you want to check your figures along the way.
Who should use tax software?
Though professionally prepared returns still outnumber self-prepared returns, the gap is shrinking as more people discover the convenience and cost savings of doing it themselves.
"With a simple return prepared by a professional averaging $200 to $300, many Americans are choosing to do it themselves at far less cost simply to save money," Jassen Bowman, an IRS enrolled agent, said in an email.
If you have a fairly simple tax return, meaning you have a W-2, want to claim some basic credits and don’t need to itemize your taxes, you may find tax software easy and helpful to complete this portion of your tax-filing responsibilities.
“Even for somewhat complex returns, which might include several tax credits, self-employment income, rental properties, capital gains from the sale of stocks or real estate, and other complex situations, modern tax prep software makes it fairly simple for the average person to complete their return,” Bowman said.
Instead of just offering digital versions of the IRS forms, all major commercial tax preparation software companies now offer a heavily simplified interview-based model. The software guides you through the tax return process by asking you easy-to-understand questions in plain language, rather than tax jargon.
While tax software can catch certain errors, it can’t catch everything. That’s why some tax software companies reimburse you for any potential penalties assessed due to a calculation error on the software provider’s part. Remember to always review your return for errors before submitting it.
Who shouldn’t use tax software?
Though tax software can also help you tackle more-complicated returns, people with self-employment income, itemized deductions, multiple real estate properties and other investments, or corporate business owners, might find it difficult to navigate even the most user-friendly tax software.
In this case, we recommend reaching out to a certified public accountant or visiting a tax preparer for virtual or in-person tax filing help. Going this route may also save you the possibility of missing out on an important deduction or credit you weren’t aware of.
"In short, the more complex your tax situation, the more likely it is that you should consult with a tax professional such as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA)," Bowman said.
You also don’t want to pay for tax software before checking to see if you qualify for free filing options elsewhere. If you have a simple tax return, you may be able to file your taxes with online software for free. If your adjusted gross income is under $84,000 for 2024, you may also qualify for free tax filing under the IRS Free File program. Seniors, those who speak limited English and filers with disabilities may also qualify for free filing services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program or Tax Counseling for the Elderly.
How to choose the best online tax software
Each tax software option works a little differently. You should compare different tax software based on your filing situation. Some other factors to consider include:
Ease of filing: Tax laws are constantly changing, and updates to software are embedded in the back end so the less you have to worry about when filing, the better experience you’ll have.
Tax forms offered: Not everyone has the same filing needs. If you need access to more tax forms , you’ll want to make sure the tax software option you’re considering offers all of the forms you need.
Price: Many tax software programs have some level of free filing for basic returns, but charge for more-complicated tax filing situations, state tax returns or customer support, audit protection and tax assistance. Compare costs among your filing options to make sure you don’t overpay. Once you’re paying more than a couple hundred dollars for tax software, it might be less expensive to reach out to a tax professional for a professional set of eyes on your return.
Customer support: If you’re stuck and need extra help, customer support is vital to filing an accurate return. Some tax software companies have different tiers of customer support, including in-person help or virtual assistance. Review customer support options, like live chat and call availability before narrowing down your choice.
FAQs
There are two main ways to file your taxes for free. The first is through the IRS File Free program , which includes private companies that provide their services for free in partnership with the IRS. To qualify, you need to earn less than $84,000 in adjusted gross income. The IRS also launched its Direct File program in 2024, but it doesn’t cover all tax situations.
The second is through the free programs of nonalliance members, like TurboTax and H&R Block. These services offer free products for simple filing situations, and as long as you don’t have complications like investment or rental property income, you can stick with the free products all the way through filing. Cash App Taxes and FreeTaxUSA also provide free federal filing, no matter your tax situation.
We recommend you stay clear of attempts by some companies to upgrade you to a service you may not need, especially if you have a simple return or don’t need assistance to file your tax return.
Almost all of CNET’s best tax software selections for 2025 include free options for simple tax returns. However, some of those free options only include your federal tax return — you’ll occasionally need to pay extra to file state tax returns or for additional support.
TurboTax , H&R Block , TaxSlayer and Cash App Taxes all provide free tax-filing services that include one federal tax return and one state tax return. FreeTaxUSA’s basic plan is free for federal and $15 for unlimited state returns, whereas TaxAct’s free plan charges $40 per state tax return.
Be careful to check for restrictions before you start the process of using free tax software at any of the providers. For example, TurboTax’s Basic plan only allows simple tax returns with 1040 forms — no unemployment income, stock sales or any itemized deductions like mortgage interest.
Yes, if you’re eligible, you can use online tax software to claim the Child Tax Credit. Depending on your tax situation, you might be able to file for free and claim this credit.
Read more: Find Out if You’re Eligible for the Child Tax Credit
Federal tax returns for 2024 are due for most taxpayers on April 15, 2025. Most state returns are also due on April 15, but some states have different deadlines. When a disaster or uncommon weather events affect a state, the IRS and states will often give residents of that state reasonable filing extensions without fees or penalties for submitting your return late. If you need more time to file, you can request an extension with most online tax software by April 15. If your extension is approved, you’ll have until Oct. 15, 2025, to file your 2024 taxes.
Keep in mind, filing an extension does not extend a tax bill due. If you find the result of your tax return is a payment due, an extension will still accrue possible fees and interest.
If you’re considering filing an extension because you can’t pay your full tax bill, consider setting up an installment plan with the IRS online or calling the IRS to ensure you’re aware of all of your options.
When you file only a single W-2 from an employer, it’s considered a simple tax return. With a simple return, you won’t be itemizing deductions, claiming investment income or rental property, reporting freelance income or claiming business expenses like a home office.
Companies like Intuit and H&R Block explain the added complexity commensurate with their higher-tier products, so if you aren’t sure, double-check their lists before purchasing. You can also start filing with a free return in most cases and upgrade your service level if needed.
The beauty of well-designed tax software is that most filers won’t need to pay extra for expert help. All of the answers you need should be only a click or two away.
If you find yourself constantly wanting to speak with a human tax expert or if you know your tax situation is complicated, you may be better off selecting tax software with tax expert support or simply hiring a CPA on your own.
As good as many software programs are, a human expert is often the way to go for complex tax returns.
Working with a CPA for your tax filing will cost $200 to $500, depending on the complexity of your return — how many schedules and extra forms need to be completed — the number of years you need to file and where you live, according to the 2020-21 Fees Practices Survey released by the National Society of Accountants. Each additional schedule, for things like rental income or investment gains, can cost around $100.
If you have self-employment income , itemized deductions or investments, the extra cost is likely to be worth it. It can also be easier to send off your forms to an expert, ask questions on more-complex areas of your return and know they’ll take care of everything. Remember that the extra amount you’re paying in fees ensures you are filing a complete and compliant return without the worry of overpaying your tax bill and under-calculating a potential refund, which makes the upfront cost a smart investment.
How we rate tax software
CNET reviews tax software by comparing products across set criteria. We use the software to prepare personal tax returns, examine tax products’ terms and offers, communicate with software representatives to resolve questions about products, compare feature sets and analyze software for its effectiveness in common tax situations.
We consider the features and functionality of the tax preparation software, the user experience, the software interface, website performance, quality of help and support, and the value based on price. We are also looking for and evaluating specific features, including file importing or photo capture of forms, number and type of available IRS forms and schedules, contextual help, professional tax assistance, maximum refund and accuracy guarantees, live support and security protections.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
