The right tax software depends on one thing: how complicated your return is. A simple W-2 return can be filed for free, while self-employment income, investments, or rental property usually push you into a paid tier. Before you pick, it helps to know roughly what you'll owe — our income tax calculator gives you a quick estimate so the software's numbers aren't a surprise.
We compared price, free-filing limits, self-employment support, audit defense, and how many forms each tool can import, then picked six that stand out for different situations.
1. FreeTaxUSA -- Best Overall Value
FreeTaxUSA files federal returns for free even when you have self-employment income — something most "free" tiers don't cover — and charges one of the lowest state fees around.
Why it stands out: Free federal filing that still handles 1099 and self-employed income, with state returns at just $14.99. For most people with a side hustle, it's the cheapest capable option.
Pros:
- Federal filing is always free
- Handles self-employed and freelance income at no federal cost
- Includes audit defense support
- State filing is just $14.99 per state
Cons:
- State returns still carry a fee
- Imports fewer form types than the largest brands
Key specs: Federal always free | $0 premium tier | $14.99/state | Self-employed supported | Audit defense included
2. TurboTax -- Best for Ease of Use
TurboTax's guided, plain-English interview and the widest import options make it the most hand-holding way to file, even for complex returns.
Why it stands out: The smoothest experience and the broadest form imports — W-2, 1099, 1098, brokerage forms, PDFs, and even photo capture — so data entry is mostly automatic.
Pros:
- Simple returns can be filed free
- Handles self-employed and freelance income
- Includes audit defense support
- Imports W-2, 1099, 1098, brokerage forms, PDFs, and photos
Cons:
- Premium tier runs $89, among the pricier options here
- State filing costs an extra $49 per state
Key specs: Simple returns free | $89 premium | $49/state | Self-employed supported | Audit defense included
3. H&R Block -- Best for In-Person Backup
H&R Block pairs capable DIY software with a nationwide network of physical offices, so you can hand off or get help in person if you get stuck.
Why it stands out: The only pick here with the option to walk into a local office mid-return — useful if your taxes get complicated and you'd rather have a human finish them.
Pros:
- Simple returns can be filed free
- Handles self-employed and freelance income
- Includes audit defense support
- Option to switch to in-person help at local offices
Cons:
- Premium tier runs $55
- State filing costs an extra $37 per state
Key specs: Simple returns free | $55 premium | $37/state | Self-employed supported | Audit defense included
4. Cash App Taxes -- Best Completely Free
Cash App Taxes files both federal and state returns for free with no upsells — rare for software that handles state filing at all.
Why it stands out: Truly $0 for federal and state, with no premium tier waiting to charge you at the finish line. Best for straightforward W-2 returns.
Pros:
- 100% free federal and state filing
- State filing is included at no extra cost
- No premium upsell tiers
Cons:
- Does not support self-employed returns
- No audit defense included
Key specs: 100% free federal + state | State included | Not for self-employed | No audit defense
5. TaxSlayer -- Best Budget Premium
TaxSlayer has the lowest premium price in this lineup while still covering self-employed income and audit defense.
Why it stands out: A $42 premium tier that still handles 1099 income and audit defense undercuts every big-name competitor for filers who need more than a free tier.
Pros:
- Lowest premium tier here at $42
- Simple returns can be filed free
- Handles self-employed and freelance income
- Includes audit defense support
Cons:
- State filing costs an extra $36 per state
- Imports fewer form types than the largest brands
Key specs: Simple returns free | $42 premium | $36/state | Self-employed supported | Audit defense included
6. TaxAct -- Best Mid-Range Value
TaxAct covers self-employed returns at a lower premium price than the big names, making it a sensible middle ground on cost and features.
Why it stands out: A balanced option — cheaper than TurboTax and H&R Block, with more brand recognition and support than the bargain tools.
Pros:
- Simple returns can be filed free
- Handles self-employed and freelance income
- Premium tier of $46 undercuts the larger brands
Cons:
- No audit defense included
- State filing costs an extra $40 per state
Key specs: Simple returns free | $46 premium | $40/state | Self-employed supported | No audit defense
How We Chose These Tools
We evaluated tax software based on:
- Price: Both the free tier's limits and what the premium tier actually costs
- Free filing: Whether free covers more than a bare-bones W-2 return
- Self-employment support: Handling of 1099, freelance, and side-hustle income
- State filing fees: The per-state cost that's easy to overlook until checkout
- Audit defense: Whether support is included if the IRS has questions
- Imports: How many forms the software can pull in automatically
Prices shown are current as of June 2026 and may change during tax season. Not sure what you'll owe first? Try our income tax calculator or read our state income tax guides. See our editorial standards for how we evaluate financial products.