The best free tax software of 2025

There are only three options when it comes to filing taxes:

• Manual filing: Manual tax filing is cut and dry. It is done by completing IRS Form 1040, known as the Individual Tax Return form. Once it is completed, it is mailed to the IRS. However, paper tax returns are the slowest to process. The IRS had a backlog of nearly 3 million amended tax returns and a processing time of 20 weeks in the fourth quarter of 2021. 

• Using a tax preparation service or tax professional: Numerous tax preparation services and professionals aid you in your quest during tax season. Some individuals opt for professional services to help them wade through the sea of forms and tax jargon — tax credits and deductions. 

• Using tax software programs: Tax software programs are also a popular option. Many online programs are offered to help walk people through filing their taxes electronically. Of course, many of these software programs come with a cost, but it may be well worth the small investment to receive your tax refund faster. Plus, most tax software programs have fail-safe checks that ensure accuracy and maximize your deductions.

For the 2025 tax filing season, individuals who made $84,000 or less in 2024 can file for free with the IRS. This income threshold applies to all tax filing statuses, and the income limit refers to your adjusted gross income (AGI), not your gross income. 

Tax filing for the year of 2024 began on Jan. 27, 2025. 

And the sooner you file, the sooner you can expect to receive your refund (if you’re due one). Numerous tax preparation services and professional tax preparers are available to help you check off filing this tax season. Some services may come with a fee depending on the tax situation, and the more complicated your tax filing needs are (dealing with less common forms and schedules), the more likely you will benefit the most from professional tax services. 

The tax process can be simple, manageable, and potentially free for individuals with less complicated tax filings, such as W-2 employees. Many top-tier tax preparation services offer free editions for simple tax filers who qualify. 

Whether you file using online tax software or a tax professional, you still have to do most of the legwork to get organized. Make tax filing easier by getting organized in advance in a few ways:

• Find and review the previous year’s tax return: Last year’s tax return can be a good starting point to determine what type of deductions you took and what figures and documents you may need to collect for the current year.  

• Save and categorize your receipts: If you plan on taking deductions for specific categories such as medical or work-related expenses, keep your receipts organized by categories such as uniforms, dry cleaning, prescription drugs, and more. 

• Download your tax forms: You could always wait to receive your 1099s in the mail or download them for free from the financial institution issuing them. Some of the most common 1099s you may receive are for your investments and interest earned through your bank or credit union. 

• Store all of your information in a safe, accessible place: As you gather everything you need to do your taxes, set aside your stash in a safe, easily accessible place. Prepping your information beforehand will do you no good if you can’t find it later. 

Tax filing for the year of 2024 officially began on Jan. 27, 2025.

It’s best to file your taxes as soon as possible for a few reasons. Not only are you more likely to see a speedier return the earlier you file, but filing well before the deadline gives you plenty of time to prepare payment for any taxes you may owe. And if you’re expecting a return, IRS data shows that taxpayers who file by late February receive larger refunds than those who file later.

Filing as soon as you can also gets it off your to-do list and gives you extra time should there be any errors or mistakes that may need to be corrected. Early filing can provide additional protection to avoid being a victim of tax refund fraud, too (filing early won’t 100% ensure fraud protection, but getting ahead of your tax filing means an identity thief will have a slimmer chance of using your Social Security number before you do). 

Most large tax services provide a limited free version of their software for simple tax filings without too many credits or deductions. In most cases, the tax service only offers free federal taxes, which means filing state taxes will incur an additional fee. Individuals with substantive investments or freelancer workers may also need to pay other fees for more complicated tax filings not supported by basic offerings. 

The “best” tax software will ultimately come down to your individual needs for tax filing. What may be the best service for you might not be best for someone else. However, Cash App Taxes, formerly Credit Karma Tax, offers free tax filing for the broadest range of solutions, credits, and deductions. ZDNET’s research revealed several other solid options incorporated into this list. 

Typically, a simple tax return typically contains a single W-2 income, may include limited interest and dividend income, and doesn’t require itemized deductions (standard deductions only). This definition may differ across filing programs, but a simple tax return is in essence, the most basic type of tax return you can file. 

Generally, most online tax software services will give you the option to make changes to a tax return if you’ve spotted a mistake or filed incorrectly. You’ll need to log onto your platform of choice and look for the option to amend the return. In some instances, you may need to contact customer service for help and assistance in filing an amended return. 

The quickest way to receive a tax refund is by filing your return online and selecting direct deposit as the refund method of choice. The process will take less than three weeks per the IRS, and you won’t have to worry about the check getting lost in the mail. If you would rather mail in your tax return, your refund will take longer — about six to eight weeks after it’s received by the IRS.

Yes, there are other free tax software options if you’re looking for online filing. Here are more alternatives.