Top 8 FREE Online Tax Filing Options (See Why #5 is a Reader Favorite!)
Looking to file your taxes for free? Here are the best free tax filing options for 2026!
Taxes need to be filed (or an automatic extension filed) by Wednesday, April 15th, 2026, so don’t wait! This year, the IRS is urging taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the information they need.
Here are 8 FREE electronic tax filing programs that are quick and easy, so you can check income tax filing off your to-do list in the most painless way possible!
1. Enjoy peace of mind with Tax Slayer’s prior year comparison, plus FREE federal & state tax filing!
TaxSlayer Simply Free Plan
FREE!
File your federal and state returns for FREE online!
TaxSlayer Classic Plan
Only $22.99!
Includes all free plan features plus all forms, credits, and itemized deductions.
2. E-File is FREE for qualified customers, or use our exclusive promo code to save on upgraded service!
E-File Free Federal Basic Software $32.99
Use promo code 2SAVE (exp 4/15)
Final cost $26.39!
*Note that E-file.com offers FREE federal filing for those who qualify!
Not able to complete your tax return before the deadline? File a tax extension to get an additional 6 months to file, and use the E-File.com software to prepare your return at no additional cost whenever you’re ready (valid with all tax extensions).
3. Looking for a name you know? File simple federal and state tax returns for FREE with TurboTax.
TurboTax Free Edition
FREE!
FREE edition for simple 1040 forms only. Includes state and federal tax returns.
TurboTax Assisted or Full Service
As low as $39!
4. Got deductions? File FREE online with H&R Block – even with select deductions.
Simple Tax Filing
FREE!
Includes deductions for student tuition, payments, and loan interest.
Deluxe Tax Filing w/ Credit & Deductions
Only $35 (reg. $65)!
Includes all free features plus HSA, marketplace insurance, and childcare expenses.
5. FreeTax USA gives you access to advanced features at no additional cost.
FreeTax USA
Try ANY plan for FREE – includes basic, advanced, premium, or self-employed filing!
OR add a state return for just $15.99.
Hip Tip: This site has been highly recommended by our Hip2Save readers for its easy-to-use platform and no-nonsense pricing! ⭐️
6. Surprise filing fees? Not with Credit Karma Tax.
Credit Karma Tax
FREE!
Includes free federal AND state returns. If you filed with Credit Karma Tax last year, you can file even faster by importing your past returns from Credit Karma Tax.
Don’t fear an audit! Credit Karma Tax guarantees 100% accurate calculations, and you’re covered by their 100% FREE Audit Defense.
7. Cash App has outstanding reviews, and federal and state filing is FREE!
Cash App Free & Easy Filing
FREE!
Includes state and federal tax returns.
WOW! Cash App has a 4.6-star rating from over 26,000+ reviews on TrustPilot! ⭐️
8. Get a maximum refund guarantee with TaxAct.
TaxAct Free Federal Plan
FREE!
TaxAct Deluxe Federal Plan
Only $29.99!
Upload a previous tax year’s return, even if you had a different provider. Plus, add a state return for just $39.99.
Check out a few more Hip tips for free tax filing options!
- If your income is $89,000 or less, you can head directly to IRS.gov and file your federal taxes for free!
- Check the daily deal sites. Groupon has offered up significantly reduced vouchers for online tax preparation products in the past, and they will likely have similar offers throughout this year’s tax season.
- Ask your local college or university. One reader reported that the accounting students at her local college will complete tax returns for free. They’re then reviewed by the professor to ensure accuracy.
- The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free help for older taxpayers and people with limited incomes. Find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site in your community by visiting the AARP website.
- If you’re in the military, check out Military One Source for more information about the different tax filing resources available.
- Check your local library. Some readers have scored free tax filing at select library branches.
- Check for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites near you. Those who generally make less than $67,000 per year, persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers, and the elderly may qualify for assistance through the VITA and TCE Programs. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Find a VITA Volunteer site in your community by visiting the IRS tax prep website.
When it’s time– learn how to check the status of your federal income tax return HERE!
Note that the IRS issues more than 90% of federal tax refunds within 21 days of accepting them, but sometimes it can take longer.
I’ve used Cash App for the last 2 years. As long as you don’t have a “difficult” return it’s easy peasy.. I prefer it over all the others listed.
Thanks for sharing your experience, Becky! Sounds like Cash App has been a reliable option for straightforward returns for you over the years. 🙌💕 Appreciate you chiming in with your preference!
I’ve used FreeTax for about 5 years. It’s a dream. It calculates taxes with 1099’s of all sorts, K-1’s, figures self employment taxes and depreciation on rental properties. I was very leery the first year but it leads you through everything.
I’ve used online taxes (olt. com) for the past 5 years. Very easy to use and they have waived the $10 charge for state every year. Would recommend.
We have complex taxes and can never utilize the free online options, so would love to see if there are any deals on the desktop version of TurboTax this year!
We’ll keep an eye out! 👀