How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- FreeTaxUSA files federal returns for $0 in every tax situation, with state at $15.99, making it the best value alternative for confident DIY filers.
- Cash App Taxes is 100 percent free for federal and state filing with no paid tiers, making it the best no-cost option for straightforward to moderate returns.
- H&R Block is the best mainstream paid alternative, with a credible free tier and in-person backup at offices nationwide.
- TurboTax prices climb as the April deadline nears, so early-season filing is cheaper than peak season for every paid tool here.
- This article is general information only, not financial or tax advice. Tax law and software pricing change yearly, so confirm current prices for filing and rules with the provider and a tax professional before filing.
Quick comparison
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The best alternatives to TurboTax
#1H&R Block
Best for: Mainstream paid alternative4.0/5 on
G2 (21 reviews, checked Oct 2026)
Visit hrblock.com
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
H&R Block is the best mainstream paid alternative to TurboTax, offering a free tier with $0 federal and state for simple returns plus in-person backup that no online-only tool can match. October 2026 online tiers run Deluxe from $65, Premium from $105, and Self-Employed from $130, though seasonal repricing applies.
For filers who want guided help with a physical office fallback, H&R Block is the strongest paid pick here. Confirm the current price before filing, since prices climb toward the deadline.
What we like- Most credible mainstream alternative
- Free tier with $0 federal and state for simple returns
- In-person backup at offices nationwide
- Deluxe from $65 and Premium from $105 in October 2026 online tiers
- Expert help available
Watch out for- Prices climb as the April deadline nears
- State filing adds to cost on paid tiers
- Seasonal repricing applies
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
TaxAct suits budget-conscious filers who still want a mainstream guided product. Its free tier covers W-2 employees, students, and Child Tax Credit filers, while paid tiers run Deluxe $59.99 federal, Premier $99.99 federal, and Self-Employed $109.99 federal.
It is a solid mid-range option, especially for partnerships and S-corps. For a mainstream product at a lower price than TurboTax, TaxAct is the best pick here.
What we like- Budget-friendly mainstream guided product
- Free tier for W-2 employees, students, and Child Tax Credit filers
- Deluxe $59.99 federal, Premier $99.99 federal, Self-Employed $109.99 federal
- Strong for partnerships and S-corps
Watch out for- State filing extra per state, about $64.99 on Premier
- Free tier limits apply
- Interface less polished than TurboTax
Starting price$0 federal
Free planYes
FreeTaxUSA is the best value alternative, filing federal returns for $0 in every tax situation with state at $15.99 and a Deluxe upgrade at $7.99 federal. For landlords, it files rental property returns for $0 federal, which makes it the obvious first look for straightforward rentals.
It suits confident DIY filers who know their return and want the cheapest accurate filing. For value without sacrificing form coverage, FreeTaxUSA is the best pick here.
What we like- Federal filing free for every tax situation, including self-employment, rentals, and investments
- State at $15.99
- Deluxe upgrade $7.99 federal
- Cheapest accurate return for confident filers
Watch out for- Less hand-holding than TurboTax or H&R Block
- State fee applies per state
- No live expert tier at the same level as paid rivals
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
TaxSlayer sits in the middle for value shoppers with moderately complex returns, offering expert support at lower prices than TurboTax. Simply Free covers simple situations, while Classic runs $44.99 federal and Self-Employed $74.99 federal, with state at $47.99.
Military filers get free federal filing. For value with expert support, TaxSlayer is the best pick here.
What we like- Value with expert support included
- Simply Free tier for simple situations
- Classic $44.99 federal, Self-Employed $74.99 federal
- State $47.99
- Military free federal
Watch out for- Simply Free has strict simple-situation rules
- State fee applies
- Interface less polished than TurboTax
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
Cash App Taxes is genuinely free: $0 federal and $0 state for all forms, with no paid tiers and no upsells. It suits cost-minimalists with straightforward to moderate returns who want to file without paying anything.
It lacks live expert help and the deepest guidance, so highly complex returns may fit better elsewhere. For a completely free return, Cash App Taxes is unmatched.
What we like- 100 percent free federal and state filing for all forms
- No paid tiers and no upsells
- No income cap
- Straightforward to moderate returns covered
Watch out for- No live expert help tier
- Fewer guidance features than TurboTax
- Best for straightforward to moderate returns rather than highly complex ones
Starting price$25 flat
Free planNo
Jackson Hewitt Online charges $25 flat for federal and state included across all tax situations, making it the lowest flat price for multi-state filers. In-person pro preparation is also available for filers who want a professional to handle the return.
There is no free plan, so simple returns cost more than Cash App Taxes or FreeTaxUSA. For multi-state filers who want one flat price, Jackson Hewitt is the best pick here.
What we like- Flat $25 for federal and state included, all tax situations
- Best for multi-state filers
- In-person pro preparation available
- No per-state add-ons
Watch out for- No free plan
- Online product less polished than TurboTax
- $25 flat is the entry price, not a free tier
Starting price$34.99 flat
Free planNo
1040.com charges one flat $34.99 for federal and state no matter how complex the return, which is the simplest pricing in the industry. There are no tiers, no per-state add-ons, and no surprise upsells during filing.
It lacks a free plan and the deepest guidance, so simple returns are cheaper elsewhere. For filers who hate tier pricing and want one predictable price, 1040.com is the best pick here.
What we like- One flat $34.99 for federal and state no matter how complex the return
- Simplest pricing in the industry
- No per-state add-ons
- No tier confusion
Watch out for- No free plan
- Fewer guidance features than TurboTax
- Less well known than mainstream rivals
Starting priceFree
Free planYes
IRS Free File is the official free option for low-to-moderate income filers, covering 2025 adjusted gross income at or under $89,000 through partner software. It is the best first check for any filer who qualifies, since it costs nothing.
The income cap excludes higher earners, and state filing varies by partner. Note that the IRS discontinued its own Direct File tool ahead of the 2026 filing season, so confirm at irs.gov whether any government-run alternative has launched since. For qualifying filers, IRS Free File is the best official pick here.
What we like- Official IRS program
- Free for filers with 2025 adjusted gross income at or under $89,000
- Partner software covers many situations
- No cost for qualifying filers
Watch out for- Income cap applies
- State filing varies by partner
- The IRS discontinued its own Direct File tool ahead of the 2026 filing season, so confirm whether any government-run alternative has launched
How we chose
We compared tools on real 2026 pricing from official pages and guides, free tier eligibility, form coverage, state fees, expert help, and in-person backup. We flagged pricing conflicts rather than presenting one figure as certain, since TurboTax and H&R Block prices climb as the April deadline nears. We excluded the discontinued IRS Direct File tool and noted the FTC order barring Intuit from advertising free filing unless it is free for everyone or discloses the share who qualify, roughly a third. We weighted free tier eligibility heavily, since a free tier that excludes your situation is not free at all.
How to pick an alternative to TurboTax
Start with your return complexity. Simple W-2 returns file free with Cash App Taxes, FreeTaxUSA, H&R Block Free Online, or TurboTax Free Edition, though TurboTax free eligibility is narrow. Self-employment, rental, and investment returns file cheapest with FreeTaxUSA at $0 federal. Multi-state filers should check Jackson Hewitt at $25 flat or 1040.com at $34.99 flat. Filers who want in-person backup should pick H&R Block.
File early and check the total price
Early-season filing is cheaper than peak season for TurboTax and H&R Block, so file as soon as your documents arrive. Always check the total price including state filing before submitting, since federal prices quoted alone hide state fees of $15.99 to $64.99 per state. This article is general information only, not financial or tax advice, and a tax professional can help with complex situations like multi-state income, business deductions, or amended returns.
Check accuracy guarantees and audit support
Most paid tools offer an accuracy guarantee and audit support, but coverage varies: some cover calculation errors only, while others include IRS notice guidance or representation. Free tools vary more, with Cash App Taxes offering no paid expert tier at all. Read the guarantee terms before filing, and keep copies of every document you entered, since an audit months later depends on records you can still find.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest alternative to TurboTax?
Cash App Taxes is cheapest at $0 federal and $0 state for all forms, with no paid tiers. FreeTaxUSA is next at $0 federal plus $15.99 per state. For qualifying filers with 2025 adjusted gross income at or under $89,000, IRS Free File is also free. Multi-state filers should compare flat-rate options before paying per-state fees.
Is FreeTaxUSA really free?
Yes for federal filing in every tax situation, including self-employment, rentals, and investments. State filing costs $15.99 per state, and a Deluxe upgrade runs $7.99 federal. It suits confident DIY filers who want the cheapest accurate return.
Does TurboTax free filing cover everyone?
No. TurboTax Free Edition covers simple Form 1040 returns only, and Intuit is under an FTC order since January 2024 barring it from advertising free filing unless it is free for everyone or discloses the share who actually qualify, roughly a third. Check eligibility before starting.
Which alternative has in-person help?
H&R Block offers in-person backup at offices nationwide, and Jackson Hewitt offers in-person pro preparation. Online-only tools like FreeTaxUSA, Cash App Taxes, and 1040.com do not offer walk-in help.
What happened to IRS Direct File?
The IRS discontinued its own Direct File tool ahead of the 2026 filing season, so it is not included here. Confirm at irs.gov whether any government-run alternative has launched since, and check IRS Free File for the official free program.
When should I hire a tax professional instead?
Hire a professional for multi-state income, business deductions, amended returns, audits, or complex investment situations. Tax software handles most straightforward returns well, but a professional can catch deductions and risks that software may miss. This article is general information only, not financial or tax advice.
Sources we checked (8)
- https://www.hrblock.com
- https://www.taxact.com
- https://www.freetaxusa.com
- https://www.taxslayer.com
- https://www.cashapp.com
- https://www.jacksonhewitt.com
- https://www.1040.com
- https://www.irs.gov
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.
TaxAct
FreeTaxUSA
TaxSlayer
Cash App Taxes
Jackson Hewitt
1040.com
IRS Free File