Every year, millions of Americans pay $50–$150 to file tax returns that they could have filed for free. The free options exist. They're just not as aggressively marketed as the paid ones. If this is your first time filing, start with our step-by-step guide for first-time filers. Then come back here to pick the right tool.
IRS Free File
IRS Free File is the federal government's program that provides free tax filing for taxpayers with adjusted gross income under $89,000 (2026 threshold). It partners with commercial providers who offer their software for free through the IRS website. The catch: you must access these offers through irs.gov/freefile. If you go directly to the provider's website, you'll be steered toward paid versions.
IRS Direct File
IRS Direct File is the government's own filing tool, launched in pilot form and expanding each year. It handles simple returns (W2 income, standard deduction, common credits) with no third-party involvement. It's completely free, no income limit, and there's no one trying to upsell you. The downside is limited state coverage and limited support for complex situations.
FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA offers free federal filing for all taxpayers regardless of income. State returns cost about $15. There's no income cap and no feature restrictions on the free tier. You get access to all forms and schedules. The interface is functional rather than beautiful, but the math is accurate. For most filers, this is the practical sweet spot.
Cash App Taxes
Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) files both federal and state returns for free, with no income limits. It handles W2s, 1099s, itemized deductions, and investment income. The trade-off is that it's integrated into the Cash App ecosystem, and the support experience is limited compared to dedicated tax software.
Before you file: Use our Gross to Net Calculator to estimate what your total tax liability should look like. If the number on your W2 Box 2 is significantly higher than your estimated tax, you're likely getting a refund. If it's lower, , and read our guide on what to do if you owe taxes.
The rule: If your income is under $89,000, start at IRS Free File. If it's over that threshold, use FreeTaxUSA. Only pay for premium software if you have genuinely complex tax situations: rental properties, business income, stock options, or multi-state filings.