TurboTax Alternatives 2026: 5 Free Options

TurboTax today: Free (Free Edition: $0 federal, $0 state, $0 to file, simple Form 1040 returns only; the page says roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify) (TurboTax pricing, checked 2026-10-23).

Why people look for TurboTax alternatives

TurboTax advertises Free Edition at $0, but it covers only simple Form 1040 returns and excludes itemized deductions, self-employment income, stock or crypto sales and rental income. If your return needs one of those, you must move up to a paid product, which the page prices from $0 to $139 for Do It Yourself, with state filing additional on every paid tier. Expert Assist is $59 to $209, and a $40 fee may apply if you pay from your refund. The final price depends on the forms your return ends up using.

Cash App Taxes

Compared with TurboTax: The page says it is free for state and federal returns. You need a Cash App account with phone verification, and guarantees have exclusions; TurboTax's Free Edition is limited to simple returns.

Price: Free (The page says it is free for state and federal returns; you need a Cash App account with phone verification) (Cash App Taxes pricing, checked 2026-10-23).

Platforms and license: Web, Mobile app. Proprietary SaaS.

Best for: Filing free with fewer limits listed.

Worth knowing: Guarantees have eligibility rules and exclusions. Early refund benefit needs the refund deposited into Cash App.

FreeTaxUSA

Compared with TurboTax: Federal returns are free, and state returns are about $15.99 each per search excerpts of its pages. TurboTax's Free Edition covers $0 state too, but only for simple Form 1040 returns.

Price: Free (Federal returns are free; state returns about $15.99 each); paid from $15.99 per per state return (FreeTaxUSA pricing, checked 2026-10-23).

Platforms and license: Web. Proprietary SaaS.

Best for: Free federal for complex returns.

TaxAct

Compared with TurboTax: Free federal for filers who qualify by income and deductions (about 40% do, per the page); Deluxe is $59.99 federal with state extra. You can start paid products and pay when you e-file.

Price: Free (Free federal for people who qualify by income and deductions; the page says about 40% of users qualify; state costs extra); paid from $59.99 per federal return (Deluxe); state is additional (TaxAct pricing, checked 2026-10-23).

Platforms and license: Web. Proprietary SaaS.

Best for: Comparing a familiar paid brand.

OpenTaxSolver

Compared with TurboTax: Free to download for Windows, macOS and Linux, with optional donations. It calculates and prints forms for mailing, so you lose TurboTax's guided interview and e-filing.

Price: Free (Free to download; optional donations) (OpenTaxSolver pricing, checked 2026-10-23).

Platforms and license: Windows, macOS, Linux. License not stated on the project page.

Best for: Self-preparers who mail returns.

IRS Free File

Compared with TurboTax: Guided software is free for adjusted gross income of $95,000 or less; Fillable Forms has no limit but no state filing. The page says it is closed until January 2027.

Price: Free (Guided software is free for adjusted gross income of $95,000 or less; Fillable Forms has no income limit but no state filing; closed until January 2027) (IRS Free File pricing, checked 2026-10-28).

Platforms and license: Web. Government program.

Best for: Income-eligible filers next season.

Which one to pick

• You want a free federal and state return: Cash App Taxes
• You have a more complex return and want free federal: FreeTaxUSA
• You want to compare a paid familiar brand: TaxAct
• You are comfortable mailing a return you prepare: OpenTaxSolver
• Your income is under the IRS limit and you are filing next season: IRS Free File