With so many online filing platforms available, the best tax software for you is the one that fits your tax situation, helps you file accurately and keeps costs reasonable. Some filers need only a simple free option, while others benefit from more advanced tools that handle multiple income sources, deductions and credits.
As you compare platforms, think about how complex your return is, whether you need live support and which features will help you capture every credit and deduction you qualify for. Free filing options are still available in some cases, but eligibility rules vary by provider — and it’s important to note that IRS Direct File is no longer available for the 2026 filing season — making it even more important to choose a platform that matches your filing needs.
How to Choose the Right Tax Software for Your Situation
The right choice ultimately depends on your specific tax situation, not just which platform ranks highest.
Before selecting a provider, consider how complex your return is, the types of income you need to report and whether you’ll need guidance along the way. A filer with a simple W-2 income may do well with a free or low-cost option, while someone managing freelance income, investments or multiple deductions may benefit from software that offers stronger guidance, audit support or access to live tax professionals. Choosing a platform that matches your filing needs can save time, reduce errors and help ensure you capture every deduction and credit available.
Tax Filer Profiles: Which Software Works Best for You
The best tax software often depends on how complex your return is. Use the guide below to quickly identify platforms that typically work well for different filer profiles.
| Filer Type | Recommended Software |
|---|---|
| Simple W-2 employee | Cash App Taxes, FreeTaxUSA, H&R Block Free* |
| Self-employed / freelancer / gig worker | TurboTax Self-Employed, TaxSlayer, TaxAct |
| Investors (stocks or cryptocurrency) | TurboTax Premier, H&R Block Premium |
| Landlords / rental income | TurboTax Premier, H&R Block Premium |
| Multi-state filers | TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct (depending on complexity) |
| Families claiming deductions and credits | TurboTax Deluxe, H&R Block Deluxe, FreeTaxUSA Deluxe |
*Free options may have income or feature limits. Review eligibility requirements before filing.
Top Tax Software Options for 2026
The following briefly introduces the key players, both free and paid, and highlights their strengths and weaknesses.
TurboTax
- Best for: Complex returns, investments and self-employment income
- Price: Roughly $0-$99 (basic tiers), $39-$159 (mid tiers), $150+ for advanced tiers, plus about $0-$49 per state return
- Strengths: Highly intuitive step-by-step filing experience, DIY, assisted and full-service options, and strong help resources including AI assistance and access to certified professionals in higher tiers
- Complexity: Upper-tier plans can handle even the most complex filing situations
- Considerations: Higher pricing than many competitors; free federal filing is generally limited to the simplest Form 1040 returns
H&R Block
- Best for: Filers seeking a balance of value, guidance and optional in-person support
- Price: Starting at $0, then approximately $55 and $89+ for higher tiers, plus about $0-$30 per state return
- Strengths: Strong guided filing experience and a nationwide network of physical offices for face-to-face assistance
- Complexity: Upper tiers support virtually all filing scenarios
- Considerations: Free edition is limited, and guarantee protections may include caps
TaxAct
- Best for: Cost-conscious filers who still need a broad range of features
- Price: About $0, $29.99, $49.99 and $74.99 for federal tiers, plus around $39.99 per state return
- Strengths: Affordable pricing across multiple tiers, with support for entrepreneurs, self-employed filers and investors
- Complexity: Good budget-friendly option for moderately complex returns
- Considerations: State filing can become expensive, and the user interface is less polished than some competitors
TaxSlayer
- Best for: Freelancers, gig workers and budget-focused filers
- Price: Approximately $0, $22.99, $42.99 and $52.99 for federal tiers, plus about $0-$39.99 per state return
- Strengths: Lower-cost filing, solid mobile experience and free state filing for the simplest returns
- Complexity: Designed primarily for less complex filing needs
- Considerations: Free tier is limited, and advanced features are less robust than premium competitors
Cash App Taxes
- Best for: Straightforward tax returns seeking a completely free option
- Price: $0 for federal and state filing
- Strengths: Truly free filing and a simple, easy-to-use interface that supports common tax situations, including some self-employment and crypto reporting
- Complexity: Suitable for simple to moderately complex returns
- Considerations: Limited live support and fewer advanced service tiers
FreeTaxUSA
- Best for: Budget filers whose returns are slightly more complex than most free tiers allow
- Price: $0 for federal filing and about $15.99 for state returns
- Strengths: Free federal filing across tiers with support for self-employment, investments and rental income
- Complexity: Handles many moderately complex returns at a low cost
- Considerations: Guidance tools and premium support options are more limited than higher-priced competitors
Which Tax Software Has the Features You Need?
The table below compares key features across major tax software platforms to help you quickly identify which options support your filing needs. Pricing and availability may vary by plan level.
| Feature | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct | TaxSlayer | Cash App Taxes | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal return support | ??” | ??” | ??” | ??” | ??” | ??” |
| State return support | ??” ($0-$49) | ??” ($0-$30) | ??” (from ~$39.99) | ??” ($0-$39.99) | ??” ($0) | ??” (~$15.99) |
| Self-employment support | ??” | ??” | ??” | ??” | Limited | ??” |
| Rental income support | ??” | ??” | ??” | ??” | ✘ | ??” |
| Cryptocurrency support (imports) | ??” | ??” | Limited | Limited | ✘ | Limited |
| Live expert help | Paid | Paid / in-person | Paid | Paid | Limited | Limited |
Note: Exact pricing, plan tiers and feature availability may vary by filing year and software package.
How Much Tax Software Costs
Tax software pricing can vary widely depending on how complex your return is and how much help you want along the way. Most platforms use tiered pricing, with higher-cost plans unlocking more guidance, advanced features and access to tax professionals.
In general, you can expect:
- $0 for basic editions designed for simple returns, such as a single W-2 with standard deductions
- $50 to $120+ for mid-tier plans that support common deductions, credits and some investment or self-employment income
- $120 to $220+ for advanced tiers built for complex returns, including freelancers, landlords and active investors
State returns are often priced separately, and many providers offer optional add-ons like live expert help, audit protection or refund advance services for an additional fee. Understanding what’s included at each tier can help you avoid paying for features you don’t need — or missing ones you do.
Real Scenarios: Which Tax Software Fits Your Situation?
The best tax software often depends on your income sources and filing complexity. These example scenarios show how different filer profiles may benefit from different platforms.
Sam — Freelancer With Gig Income and Crypto Activity
Sam earns freelance income reported on Schedule C and also needs tools that support cryptocurrency transaction tracking and reporting. Because his return involves both self-employment income and digital assets, he’ll benefit from software designed for more complex filings.
Good options:
- TurboTax Self-Employed
- TaxSlayer
Judy — Landlord With Investments
Judy owns rental property and also reports investment income such as dividends and capital gains. She needs software that handles rental income schedules and investment reporting while offering stronger guidance for multi-income returns.
Good options:
- TurboTax Premier
- H&R Block Premium
Alex — W-2 Employee With a Simple Return
Alex earns a standard paycheck and plans to take the standard deduction, making his filing needs straightforward. A reliable free or low-cost option will likely meet his needs.
Good options:
- Cash App Taxes
- H&R Block Free
When It Makes Sense to Use a Tax Professional Instead of Software
Tax software works well for many filers, but some financial situations benefit from professional guidance. If your taxes involve multiple income sources, complex reporting requirements or ongoing planning decisions, working with a CPA, CFP or other qualified advisor may help reduce errors and uncover savings opportunities that software alone may miss.
Signs You May Need Professional Tax Help
Consider working with a tax professional if you:
- Earn income from multiple sources, such as self-employment, rental properties, investments or cryptocurrency trading
- Need to file in more than one state or recently relocated
- Own a business or claim complex deductions
- Experienced large capital gains, inheritance income or stock-based compensation
- Want year-round tax planning, not just help filing an annual return
Choosing the Right Type of Tax Professional
Your needs will determine whether tax software alone is sufficient or whether a professional is the better choice:
- Tax software: Best for straightforward returns and cost-conscious filers comfortable preparing their own taxes
- CPA or tax accountant: Ideal for complex filings, compliance needs, audit situations and returns requiring detailed reporting
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP): Most useful when taxes connect to broader financial planning, such as retirement strategies, investment decisions or long-term wealth planning
What Professional Tax Help Typically Costs
Professional tax preparation fees vary by complexity, and many firms have increased pricing in recent years due to rising operating costs. Typical ranges include:
- Individual tax returns: About $400 to $599
- Business tax returns: Roughly $1,000 to $1,499
- Tax planning and advisory services: Often $2,000 or more annually
Although professional services cost more than software, they can often pay for themselves by preventing errors, identifying overlooked deductions and improving long-term tax planning outcomes.
A Middle-Ground Option: Software With Professional Review
Some filers choose a hybrid approach — preparing their return using tax software and then adding expert assistance or a final professional review. This option usually costs more than basic DIY software but less than full-service tax preparation. It can be a practical solution for people whose tax situation recently changed, such as starting a side business, selling investments for the first time or navigating a major life event like marriage or divorce.
As a general rule, tax software is the right choice for relatively simple returns, even those that include investment or moderate self-employment income. Professional assistance becomes more valuable as complexity increases, particularly for returns involving business ownership, foreign income, multi-state filing requirements or audit and compliance concerns.
IRS Free Filing Options for 2026
Before paying for tax software, check whether you qualify for a free filing option. The IRS Free File program is available to taxpayers with adjusted gross income (AGI) of $89,000 or less in 2026, regardless of filing status. Instead of offering its own retail tax software, the IRS partners with approved third-party providers — including several platforms highlighted in this guide — that allow eligible filers to prepare and submit their federal returns at no cost when they access the software through the IRS portal.
Keep in mind that IRS Direct File is no longer available for higher-income taxpayers, so eligible filers must use IRS Free File or private tax software to complete their returns.
Protecting Your Data When Using Tax Software
Tax returns contain highly sensitive personal and financial information, making security an important factor when choosing a filing platform. Most major tax software providers use bank-level encryption, secure data storage and multi-factor authentication to help protect user accounts, but your own habits also play an important role in keeping information safe.
To reduce security risks, follow these best practices:
- Use the software provider’s secure platform rather than emailing tax documents
- File taxes only on trusted, password-protected Wi-Fi networks
- Back up copies of your tax records in a secure location
- Consider obtaining an IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) to prevent fraudulent filings
- Stay alert to phishing scams and tax-related fraud attempts, especially during filing season
Bottom Line: Choose the Best Tax Software for Your 2026 Return
The best tax software is the option that fits your filing complexity, support needs and budget — not simply the lowest-priced platform. While cost matters, it’s equally important to evaluate how easy the software is to use, which features are included at each pricing tier and whether you’ll have access to live support if questions arise.
Taking a few minutes to match your income sources, deductions and filing needs with the right platform can save time, reduce errors and help ensure you capture every credit and deduction available for your 2026 tax return.