Thankfully, most major tax software companies offer a free tier. There are usually limitations — such as only accepting ...

If you have a simple Form 1040 return only (no forms or schedules except as needed to claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, ...

The IRS is still offering its Free File program, which is one of several ways you may be able to file your taxes for free ...

Our savvy readers select their favorite (and least favorite) tax prep software based on their own filing experience. And the big names don't always come out on top.

The Trump administration may have shuttered Direct File – the IRS’s short-lived experiment in tax-preparation software – but it doesn’t mean you have to pay to file your taxes. There are plenty of ...

The IRS Direct File program was eliminated for the 2026 tax filing season. However, there are still several free tax preparation software options for some filers.

Natalie Campisi is a senior journalist who covers personal finance, balancing timely news with in-depth enterprise reporting. Her mission is to make complex financial issues clear and accessible for ...

U.S. taxpayers preparing to file returns for 2025 — deadline April 15, 2026 — have one fewer free option this year. Related Articles Lawsuit forces tax measure ballot language change in Contra Costa ...

Many taxpayers can prepare and file their federal tax returns for free using IRS Free File, available only through IRS.gov.

New to filing taxes? Learn how to avoid common mistakes, pick the right software and stay organized so you can file ...

We compared the top free tax software options to help the do-it-yourself tax filers find the cheapest option in 2026.