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Compare tax software side-by-side, use free calculators to estimate your refund, and get expert guides for your exact tax situation.

Compare Software Free Tax Tools
Unbiased reviews Free calculators 50 state guides Updated for 2026

How It Works

1

Compare Software

See features, pricing, and ratings for top tax software side by side.

2

Calculate Your Taxes

Use our free tools to estimate your refund, brackets, and deductions.

3

File With Confidence

Choose the right software for your situation and file before the deadline.

Tax Software Comparison

Compare the top tax filing services by price, features, and who they're best for.

SoftwareFree TierPaid PlansAudit SupportMax RefundBest ForRating
TurboTaxYes (simple)$69–$129YesYesFull-featured4.5
H&R BlockYes (simple)$55–$110YesYesIn-person + online4.3
TaxActYes (basic)$35–$70Add-onYesMid-range value4
TaxSlayerYes (basic)$23–$53Add-onYesBudget-friendly4.1
FreeTaxUSAFederal free$0–$15Add-onNoFree federal filing4.2
Cash App TaxesCompletely free$0NoNo100% free filing3.9
View all comparisons

Free Tax Tools

Calculate your taxes, estimate your refund, and plan your filing strategy.

Tax Bracket Calculator

See which federal bracket you fall into

Refund Estimator

Estimate your tax refund in minutes

Self-Employment Tax

Calculate SE tax on freelance income

Standard vs. Itemized

Find which deduction method saves more

Quarterly Payments

Plan your estimated tax payments

Guides for Your Situation

Tax advice tailored to your life — from freelancers to retirees.

FreelancersParents & FamiliesHomeownersRetireesInvestorsStudentsSmall BusinessFirst-Time Filers
View all situations
150M+
Returns Filed Annually
$3,200
Average Tax Refund
7
Software Options Compared
50+
State Tax Guides

What Filers Say

“The comparison tool saved me $45 on tax software. I switched from TurboTax to FreeTaxUSA and got the same refund.”

Sarah M.
Austin, TX

“As a freelancer, the SE tax calculator was a lifesaver. Finally understood my quarterly payment obligations.”

David K.
Portland, OR

“The state tax guide for Illinois helped me find a deduction I had been missing for years. Got an extra $380 back.”

Jennifer L.
Chicago, IL

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 tax filing deadline?
The federal tax filing deadline for 2025 tax returns is April 15, 2026. If you need more time, you can file for an automatic 6-month extension using Form 4868, but any taxes owed are still due by April 15.
Which tax software is best for simple returns?
For simple returns (W-2 income, standard deduction), Cash App Taxes and FreeTaxUSA offer completely free filing. If you want more guidance, TurboTax Free Edition and H&R Block Free Online also cover simple returns at no cost.
Should I use the standard deduction or itemize?
For 2025, the standard deduction is $15,000 for single filers and $30,000 for married filing jointly. You should itemize only if your total deductions (mortgage interest, state/local taxes, charitable contributions, etc.) exceed the standard deduction. Use our Standard vs. Itemized calculator to compare.
Do I need to file state taxes?
It depends on your state. Nine states have no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. If you live in any other state and earned income, you likely need to file a state return.
What happens if I miss the tax deadline?
If you owe taxes and miss the deadline, you may face a failure-to-file penalty (5% of unpaid taxes per month, up to 25%) and a failure-to-pay penalty (0.5% per month). If you are owed a refund, there is no penalty for filing late, but you should still file as soon as possible.

Ready to File?

Compare the best tax software, calculate your refund, and file before the deadline.

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