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Best Free Tax Software in 2026

Data compiled by Toolradar Updated How we rate

The 12 best free tax software we track: 3 completely free and 9 with a free plan alongside paid tiers. Ordered by Toolradar's ranking score (review volume and rating on G2, Capterra, Trustpilot and other sites, plus media mentions), not by vendor pitches; every rating shows its date.

Key Takeaways
  • efile4Biz is our free pick for tax software in 2026, and our overall pick.
  • We screened 15 tax software with a free plan to build this list.
  • 12 tools offer free plans.
Publications that cover the tools tracked here
  • TechCrunch
  • Bloomberg
  • The Information
  • Fortune
  • The Verge
  • 15 free tools screened
  • 3 100% free
  • 9 free plan + paid

Top 5 free tax software at a glance

Top 5 free tax software: free plan type, user rating and best use, as of November 2026
Tool Type Rating Best for
efile4Biz 100% free 4.8 (9,609) as of Aug 2026
IRS-approved online platform for filing 1099, W-2, and 1098 forms.
Crunch Free plan 4.0 (1,722) as of Oct 2026
Online accounting software and expert advice for UK sole traders and limited companies.
CoinLedger Free plan 4.6 (88) as of Aug 2026
Unlock crypto insights for smarter investing and tax optimization
FreeAgent Free plan 3.6 (223) as of Sep 2026
UK cloud accounting for limited companies and sole traders
Found Free plan 4.5 (6) as of Mar 2026
Smarter banking, bookkeeping, and tax management for small businesses and freelancers.

Ratings from G2, Capterra, and other public review sites. Each cell shows the snapshot date so a cited number is never an undated one.

Toolradar data

The tax software market in numbers

Toolradar data: Toolradar tracks 46 tax software as of November 13, 2026. 33% of the tax software on Toolradar are free, freemium or open source. Toolradar re-checked the pricing of 78% of tax software in the last 90 days. Toolradar aggregates 16,776 public user reviews (G2, Capterra, Trustpilot and other review sites) across 16 rated tax software. The most cross-shopped tax software is Lili, listed as an alternative to 15 other tools on Toolradar. The most compared tax software on Toolradar over the last 90 days is TaxCycle, with 75 side-by-side comparisons. Computed from the Toolradar catalog and on-site activity.

  • 46 tax software tracked
  • 33% are free, freemium or open source
  • 78% of prices re-checked in the last 90 days
  • 16,776 public user reviews aggregated across 16 rated tools
Most cross-shopped tax software on Toolradar, as of November 2026 Listed as an alternative to the most other tools on Toolradar
Rank Tool Listed as an alternative to
1 Lili 15 tools
2 Found 8 tools
3 ProfitWell 8 tools
Most compared tax software on Toolradar, last 90 days to November 2026 Side-by-side comparisons by visitors, last 90 days
Rank Tool Comparisons
1 TaxCycle 75
2 Lili 59
3 FreeAgent 52

Source and method: live tax software statistics

The 12 best free tax software

Order: Toolradar ranking score, which is the public review volume times the average rating on G2, Capterra, Trustpilot and other review sites, plus media mentions (recent ones count more). Paid placements are labelled and never change the score. How we rank.

efile4Biz logo
1.

efile4Biz

100% free

IRS-approved online platform for filing 1099, W-2, and 1098 forms.

4.8/5 on Trustpilot · 9,609 ratings, Aug 2026

efile4Biz is an IRS and SSA approved e-file provider specializing in year-end information returns, including 1099s, W-2s, 1098s, and ACA forms. The platform offers a full-service solution where users can enter data manually, via Excel templates, or by importing from accounting apps like QuickBooks and Xero, and then efile4Biz handles processing, printing, mailing, and e-filing. Designed for tax professionals, CPAs, and business owners, it provides a cloud-based interface with automatic validations, multi-client management, and team permission controls, eliminating the need for annual software downloads or managing IRS credentials.

Crunch logo
2.

Crunch

Free plan

Online accounting software and expert advice for UK sole traders and limited companies.

4.0/5 across G2, Capterra and Trustpilot · 1,722 ratings, Oct 2026

Crunch provides online accounting software combined with expert accountancy services tailored for UK sole traders and limited companies. The platform aims to simplify financial management, tax compliance, and bookkeeping, allowing business owners to focus on their core activities. It offers tools for invoicing, expense tracking, bank reconciliation, and integrates with HMRC for Making Tax Digital (MTD) requirements. Beyond just software, Crunch distinguishes itself by offering unlimited access to certified accountants and dedicated experts. This human support helps users with tax filings, VAT returns, Self Assessment, proactive tax savings advice, and general financial guidance. The service is designed for both beginners and experienced business owners seeking to streamline their accounting processes and ensure compliance. Crunch caters to a wide range of small businesses, from freelancers and contractors to growing limited companies, providing different plans that scale with business needs. It emphasizes ease of use, reliability, and personalized support to take the stress out of managing business finances.

CoinLedger logo
3.

CoinLedger

Free plan

Unlock crypto insights for smarter investing and tax optimization

4.6/5 across G2 and Trustpilot · 88 ratings, Aug 2026

CoinLedger is a platform that decrypts cryptocurrency intelligence, providing users with insights into their crypto assets. It helps individuals and businesses understand their cryptocurrency holdings, transactions, and tax implications through advanced data analysis and reporting. The tool is designed for crypto investors, traders, and accountants who need accurate portfolio tracking and tax optimization.

FreeAgent logo
4.

FreeAgent

Free plan

UK cloud accounting for limited companies and sole traders

3.6/5 across G2, Capterra and SourceForge · 223 ratings, Sep 2026

FreeAgent is UK cloud accounting for limited companies, sole traders, landlords, and accountants. Limited-company prices on freeagent.com/pricing, excluding 20% VAT: monthly is £33, or £16.50 for the first six months. Annual is £330, or £165 for the first year (the site shows that as £13.75 a month). The account is free if you keep a NatWest, Royal Bank of Scotland, or Ulster Bank business current account, or a Mettle account with at least one transaction a month. Optional add-ons: Smart Capture Unlimited £5 a month, Amazon UK Marketplace £6 a month. A 30-day trial exists. The product files MTD VAT, Self Assessment, PAYE, and company accounts to HMRC. It is UK-centric; US buyers should look at Wave or QuickBooks instead.

Found logo
5.

Found

Free plan

Smarter banking, bookkeeping, and tax management for small businesses and freelancers.

4.5/5 on G2 · 6 ratings, Mar 2026

Found is an all-in-one financial platform designed for small business owners, freelancers, and independent contractors. It combines business banking with integrated bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax management tools to simplify financial operations. Users can manage income and expenses, automatically set aside money for taxes, track write-offs, and send unlimited invoices and contractor payments. The platform aims to consolidate various back-office functions into a single, seamless experience, helping users save time and stay tax-ready. Found offers features like automatic expense categorization, real-time tax estimates, and the ability to manage cash flow through sub-accounts. It also includes an AI-powered assistant to answer financial questions and automate tasks, making it easier for small business owners to focus on their core business activities.

Lili logo
6.

Lili

Free plan

Online banking and financial management designed for small businesses and freelancers.

Lili provides a comprehensive financial platform tailored for small businesses, freelancers, and independent contractors. It combines banking services with integrated tools for bookkeeping, invoicing, and tax preparation, aiming to simplify financial management for entrepreneurs. The platform offers features like high-speed payments, business credit options, and a high-yield savings account, all accessible through a single interface. The service emphasizes ease of use, security, and cost-effectiveness, with a core bank account offering no monthly fees and no minimum balance requirements. It also provides robust security features, real-time transaction alerts, and FDIC insurance up to $3 million through a sweep network. Lili is designed to help small business owners manage their finances efficiently, track spending, and prepare for taxes, allowing them to focus more on their core business activities.

CalcolaFiscale logo
7.

CalcolaFiscale

100% free

Calculate, decode and validate codice fiscale online in your browser

Free online codice fiscale calculator, decoder and validator that runs in your browser. An independent, unofficial tool: the official codice fiscale is issued only by the Agenzia delle Entrate.

TurboTax logo
8.

TurboTax

Free plan

Online tax filing from Intuit, ranging from free DIY returns to full-service expert prep.

TurboTax is Intuit's online tax preparation software for individual and self-employed filers in the United States. A Free Edition covers simple Form 1040 returns with no schedules beyond specific credits, and Intuit says roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify. Paid Do It Yourself tiers (Deluxe, Premium) add step-by-step guidance, document snap-and-import, an AI-powered Intuit Assist helper, and a CompleteCheck accuracy scan. Expert Assist tiers layer on unlimited on-demand help from a credentialed tax expert plus a final review before filing, while Expert Full Service hands the whole return to an expert who prepares and files it. TurboTax bills on a pay-when-you-file basis rather than upfront, and it does not publish fixed prices for paid tiers online; the exact fee is set based on the forms your return needs. It suits individuals, families, homeowners, investors, and the self-employed who want guided software with optional human backup.

H&R Block logo
9.

H&R Block

Free plan

Online tax filing with a free tier, unlimited expert help, and built-in AI Tax Assist.

H&R Block Online is tax preparation software with four published tiers: Free Online ($0 federal + $0 per state) for simple W-2 returns, Deluxe ($65 federal + $49 per state) for homeowners and households with more factors, Premium ($105 federal + $49 per state) for investors and rental-property owners, and Self-Employed ($130 federal + $49 per state) for business owners. H&R Block says about 52% of filers qualify for the free tier. Deluxe, Premium, and Self-Employed all include unlimited live expert help plus free access to AI Tax Assist. A separate Tax Pro Review add-on lets DIY filers have a professional check their return before filing, with a 100% accuracy guarantee. H&R Block also offers a downloadable desktop product and in-person filing at its retail offices, alongside the online product covered here.

TaxAct logo
10.

TaxAct

Free plan

Online tax filing with DIY, expert help, and full-service tiers, free for simple returns.

TaxAct offers three online filing paths for individuals: a Do It Yourself tier that's free for simple W-2 returns and includes a deduction finder and accuracy/maximum-refund guarantees; Xpert Assist, which pairs DIY filing with unlimited expert chat and phone calls plus an expert review before filing, starting at $45 federal; and Xpert Full Service, where a credentialed tax professional handles preparation end-to-end, including audit support, starting at $99 federal. State filing is an additional fee on every tier. TaxAct also runs limited-time promotional pricing, such as a $55 combined federal-plus-state offer for new customers who file early. It targets individuals and the self-employed who want a lower-cost alternative to TurboTax or H&R Block, with the option to add live expert help only when needed.

Cash App Taxes logo
11.

Cash App Taxes

100% free

100% free federal and state tax filing built into the Cash App for any tax situation.

Cash App Taxes is a completely free federal and state tax filing service built into the Cash App, with no upsells, hidden fees, or paid tiers regardless of how complex the return is. It supports W-2 income as well as more complex situations such as self-employment, 1099 income, and sales of stocks or bitcoin. Filers get step-by-step guidance on phone or computer, an Accurate Calculations Guarantee and a Max Refund Guarantee, and the option to receive a refund up to five days early when depositing it into a Cash App account. Cash App Taxes is an IRS-authorized e-file provider and says it has filed more than 12 million returns at zero cost to filers. It's aimed at anyone who wants free tax filing, including self-employed and gig workers and investors, and who is comfortable filing through the Cash App ecosystem rather than a standalone tax product.

Partnertax AI logo
12.

Partnertax AI

Free plan

Tax answers backed by cited authority, plus client-ready federal tax plans

Partnertax AI is an AI tax assistant for tax professionals. Every answer cites the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury regulations, IRS rulings, case law and state law, with links to the official text. Tax Planning mode calculates federal tax and savings from a client's facts and saves client-ready PDF plans. Each client entity has its own workspace for documents and standing facts, and QuickBooks and Xero can be connected. A free plan is available.

Related

Why choose free tax software?

Free tax software are an excellent way to get started without financial commitment. Whether you're a startup, freelancer, or small business, these tools offer essential features at no cost.

What to look for in free tax software

  • Feature limitations: Understand what's included in the free tier vs paid plans
  • Usage limits: Check for restrictions on users, storage, or API calls
  • Data ownership: Ensure you own your data and can export it
  • Support: Free tiers often have community-only support
  • Upgrade path: Consider future needs if you outgrow the free tier

Free vs Freemium: what's the difference?

100% free 100% free, no payment ever

Completely free with no paid upgrades available. Best for simple, focused workflows that don't require advanced features.

Free plan Free tier + paid upgrades

Generous free tier with optional paid plans that unlock advanced features, higher limits, or team collaboration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free tax software in 2026?

efile4Biz is our free tax software pick in 2026. efile4Biz offers completely free access: IRS-approved online platform for filing 1099, W-2, and 1098 forms.

Is efile4Biz really free forever?

Yes. efile4Biz is 100% free with no paid upgrades and no credit card required. You will not be billed at any point.

What does the free tier of tax software typically include?

Free tax software typically include the core workflow features needed to evaluate the product. Paid plans usually unlock higher usage limits, team collaboration, advanced analytics, integrations, and priority support. The specific cap differs per tool.

When should I upgrade from a free tax software?

Upgrade when you hit one of the free tier ceilings: usage quota (output count, storage, contacts, projects), team size, or a paid-only feature your workflow depends on.

Are there tax software that are 100% free, not just freemium?

Yes. We found 3 completely free tax software (no paid upgrade path) and 9 tools with a permanent free tier alongside paid plans. efile4Biz, CalcolaFiscale, Cash App Taxes are 100% free.

Are free tax software good enough for business use?

Yes, for most startups, freelancers, and small teams. efile4Biz and Crunch both offer free tiers robust enough for production workflows. Larger teams typically upgrade when they need SSO, audit logs, advanced permissions, or usage past the free quota.

Last updated: November 10, 2026

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