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

CNBC Select has run more than a dozen tax software programs through their paces to find the best in a variety of categories.

Figuring out which is the best tax software for you comes down to a few factors. First, you'll want to understand the complexity of your taxes. Simple taxes typically include W-2 income and the ...

Even though the tax agency's free pilot program is no longer available, there are other free tax filing options this season.

Tax software evolves year to year, and your needs may have too. Whether you’re filing a simple W-2 return or managing freelance income and deductions, there’s a platform that fits. Read Next: 3 Sneaky ...

Tax season officially starts on January 26, and this year brings major changes thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025. These changes affect your 2025 return filed in ...

Tax season is here, and while it’s not necessarily an occasion most people celebrate, you don’t have to struggle over your taxes anymore. Thanks to tax software programs, you can file your taxes in ...

It's officially tax season, and while you technically have until April 15 to file your tax returns, the time is now to hone your strategy. Will you DIY your return or go to a tax professional? Or, ...

We may earn a commission from links on this page. That’s why so many people use tax prep software and services to file their taxes in order to avoid making costly mistakes. But that tax prep doesn’t ...

The IRS's new, free filing software for relatively simple tax returns is now available in 12 states. The Direct File service, which is being piloted for the first time for 2023 tax-year returns, is ...

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Lars Peterson joined Investopedia in 2023 as a senior editor of financial product ...

Tax season is on the horizon, which means it’s time to research and revisit the many competing software providers to find the one that best suits your needs for your unique tax situation. You might be ...