📋 This guide is for educational purposes only and not financial advice. Tax situations vary widely, so consult a licensed tax professional for advice tailored to your circumstances.
When tax season rolls around, finding the right software to file your returns can save you time, stress, and even money. With dozens of options available, it's hard to know which one will suit your needs. Below, we've compared the leading tax software for individuals, highlighting their key features, pricing, and ease of use.
Top Tax Software Options for 2026
TurboTax, Best for Ease of Use
TurboTax, owned by Intuit, has long been a favorite among individuals for its user-friendly interface and step-by-step guidance. It's perfect for anyone filing a simple return but also includes solid options for freelancers and self-employed individuals.
- Cost: Starts at $59 for the Deluxe version, $119 for Self-Employed.
- Standout Features: Smart AI assistance, integration with QuickBooks, and a "live expert" option for real-time help.
- Drawback: Can get pricey if you need advanced features or live CPA support.
H&R Block, Best for In-Person Support
H&R Block combines the convenience of online filing with the option for in-person consultations at one of their 9,000+ locations. This makes them a great choice if you want face-to-face advice.
- Cost: Free for basic returns, $35 for Deluxe, $85 for Self-Employed.
- Standout Features: Free online plan for simple filings, excellent customer support, and audit protection.
- Drawback: Limited features compared to TurboTax for advanced users.
TaxAct, Best Value
TaxAct is geared toward budget-conscious filers who still need a solid software offering. While it may lack the polish of TurboTax or H&R Block, it delivers excellent functionality at a lower cost.
- Cost: Free for simple filings, $39.95 for Deluxe, $79.95 for Self-Employed.
- Standout Features: PriceLock guarantee ensures you pay the price advertised at sign-up, even if rates increase later.
- Drawback: Interface can be less intuitive for first-time users.
Cash App Taxes, Best Free Option
If you're looking for a free software that doesn't charge for premium features, Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) is worth considering. It supports most filing situations and has no hidden fees.
- Cost: 100% free.
- Standout Features: Free for all filers, including self-employed, and integrates with the Cash App.
- Drawback: Limited customer support and less guidance compared to paid options.
| Software | Starting Price | Free Option | Best For | Key Features | |------------------|----------------|-------------|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------| | TurboTax | $59 | No | Ease of use | Smart AI, live expert help, QuickBooks sync | | H&R Block | $35 | Yes | In-person support | Free basic filing, audit protection | | TaxAct | $39.95 | Yes | Value | PriceLock guarantee, solid functionality | | Cash App Taxes | Free | Yes | Free filing | Free for all, Cash App integration |
Choosing the Right Tax Software
Your choice depends on your tax situation. If you're a freelancer juggling multiple income streams, TurboTax's Self-Employed plan can simplify the process. For those who need reassurance, H&R Block's in-person option is a great safety net. On the other hand, if you're mostly dealing with a W-2 form and want to save money, Cash App Taxes is unbeatable.
Surprisingly, many overlook TaxAct despite its budget-friendly pricing and solid set of features. It's often a better choice for those who don't need bells and whistles but still want reliable support for deductions and credits.
Don't forget the importance of data security. Filing taxes involves sensitive information, and all the software listed above use encryption to protect your data. If identity theft concerns you, check out our guide on avoiding identity theft for additional tips.
Key Features to Watch For
When comparing tax software, focus on a few essential features:
- Audit Support: Some platforms offer assistance if you're audited, which can be invaluable.
- Import Options: Software that allows you to import last year's return saves time.
- Mobile Access: Apps like TurboTax and H&R Block make filing on-the-go possible.
- Live Expert Help: For complicated filings, having access to a CPA or EA can save hours.
If you're new to budgeting and managing finances, consider pairing your tax software with tools like best budgeting apps to streamline your financial life year-round.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-06-20 by Editorial Team
FAQ
How much does TurboTax Self-Employed cost in 2026?
TurboTax Self-Employed costs $119 for the federal return plus $59 per state filing in 2026. Adding Live Expert access, where a CPA or enrolled agent reviews your completed return, pushes the federal price to around $209. For freelancers with Schedule C income, the built-in QuickBooks sync and mileage tracker make the premium justifiable compared to hiring a local accountant, who typically charges $200 to $400 for the same filing.
Is Cash App Taxes really free for self-employed filers?
Yes. Cash App Taxes charges nothing for federal or state returns, even for self-employed filers claiming Schedule C income, home office deductions, or cryptocurrency gains. The only meaningful limitation is support: there is no live chat or phone line, only a help center. It is a strong pick if your return is straightforward and you don't need step-by-step guidance through unfamiliar deductions.
Does H&R Block's free online plan cover student loan interest deductions?
H&R Block's Free Online plan covers W-2 wages, unemployment income, and student loan interest reported on Form 1098-E. It does not cover Schedule A itemized deductions, investment income on Schedule D, or self-employment income. For those situations, the Deluxe plan costs $35 federal plus $37 per state, which is still cheaper than TurboTax Deluxe at $59 federal.
What exactly is TaxAct's PriceLock guarantee?
TaxAct's PriceLock guarantee locks in the price shown when you start your return, even if TaxAct raises rates before you file. This protects against mid-season increases that TurboTax and H&R Block have historically applied between January and April each year. The guarantee covers both federal and state filing fees within the same tax season, with no action required on your part once you begin.
Which tax software handles cryptocurrency gains best in 2026?
TurboTax has the most complete crypto integration, connecting directly to Coinbase, Kraken, and more than 20 other exchanges to auto-import transactions and generate Form 8949. H&R Block supports crypto via CSV upload. Cash App Taxes handles basic crypto reporting but requires manual entry for most exchanges outside of Cash App itself. TaxAct covers the essentials through Form 8949 but lacks direct brokerage connections.
