How we put this together: we compared what each company publishes on its own website, and checked the details on November 5, 2026. We haven’t tested these products ourselves, and the links in this article aren’t affiliate links. Prices and plans change, so confirm them before you sign up. This is general information, not personal financial or tax advice.
Many people pay to file a tax return when they could have done it for free. The catch is that “free” often has conditions, especially if you have side income or need to file a state return. Here’s how the main options compare, so you can plan ahead for the next filing season.
The quick comparison
| Option | Who it’s for | Things to check |
|---|---|---|
| IRS Free File guided software | Adjusted gross income of $95,000 or less, on the most recent terms | Closed now, with the IRS saying to check back in January 2027 |
| Free File Fillable Forms | Any income level | No guided help and no state filing |
| VITA | Generally people making about $70,244 or less | Sites may set their own limits |
| TCE | Taxpayers aged 60 and older | Availability depends on location |
| Cash App Taxes | Cash App users | Requires the Cash App to log in |
| TurboTax Free Edition | Simple Form 1040 returns only | Intuit says roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify |
IRS Free File
IRS Free File gives you access to guided software from private partners if your adjusted gross income is within the limit, listed as $95,000 or less on the current page. There’s also a Fillable Forms option for any income level, but it provides little guidance and doesn’t cover state returns.
Tip: start from the IRS website rather than a search result, so that you reach the correct offer. Each partner may have its own conditions, including on state filing. The limit may change for the new season, so check again when it reopens.
Free help from volunteers
The IRS’s VITA program offers free tax preparation, generally for people making about $70,244 or less, though individual sites may set their own limits. Its TCE program focuses on taxpayers aged 60 and over. These are good options if you’d rather have a person go through your return with you. Check what a site can handle if you have self-employment income, as there may be limits.
Cash App Taxes
Cash App Taxes says it’s free for federal and state returns. You need the Cash App to log in, and it promotes getting your refund early if you deposit it into Cash App. Check that the service covers your forms and state before you start, and consider whether you’re happy to use that app.
TurboTax Free Edition and other paid software
TurboTax Free Edition covers simple Form 1040 returns only. Commercial software can be a good fit if you want more guidance or have a more complex return, but read the fine print on what qualifies as “simple”. Side income, investments or itemized deductions can move you up to a paid tier, so check the final price, including any state fee, before you submit.
If you have side income
You generally need to report side income even if you didn’t receive a Form 1099. Self-employed returns often use Schedule C and Schedule SE, which some free offers may not cover. Before you start, check that your chosen tool supports these forms, and whether you’d benefit from paying a professional.
Get ready before filing season
- Save your last year’s return, as you may need its figures to e-file.
- Gather your Forms W-2 and 1099, plus records of side income and expenses.
- Have your Social Security numbers and bank details ready.
- Compare the total cost, including state filing and any add-ons.
- Check how much it would cost to file an amended return if you need to fix a mistake.
Once you’ve filed, the IRS’s Where’s My Refund tool shows your status about 24 hours after you e-file a current-year return, or four weeks after you mail a paper return. Be wary of any preparer who bases their fee on your refund, or who asks you to sign a blank return.
