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Taxes / Filing help
Match the route to your return. A one-state W-2 return and a three-state travel return with a 1099 need different things.
Rules for tax year 2026 unless a line says otherwise. Written November 2, 2026.
For general information only. This is not tax, legal or financial advice, and we are not your tax preparer. Rules change and your facts decide how they apply, so consult a qualified tax professional before you act on it.
Who: Adjusted gross income of $95,000 or less, and each partner sets its own limits on income, age and state residency
Limit: Some partners include a free state return; many multistate returns will not fit. The IRS page says it reopens in January 2027.
Who: Any income
Limit: You do the work on online forms, with no guided questions. Check how you will file each state separately.
Who: Generally about $70,244 or less, plus people with disabilities and limited-English speakers
Limit: Volunteer sites choose what they prepare. Ask about travel, multistate and self-employment before you go.
Many states run their own free filing. The state directory links them.
Prices and features below are for 2025 returns, as we read them November 2, 2026. Next season's will differ, so confirm the tier and final price before you enter anything. Listed alphabetically.
| Product | Federal | Each state | Several states | Part-year, nonresident | Schedule C | Audit help |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cash App Taxes One-state returns only | $0 | $0 | No | No | Not confirmed | Conflict: marketing says free audit defense; terms put audit defense and costs on you Site blocked direct reading; recheck in a browser. Fits only a one-state return. |
| FreeTaxUSA Check your forms first | $0 | $15.99 | Yes, charged per state | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Paid Audit Defense add-on $19.99; coverage not read Site blocked direct reading; recheck in a browser. The site blocked direct reading, so every figure needs a recheck in a browser. |
| H&R Block Self-Employed Check your forms first | $130 (search snippet) | Conflicting snippets: $39.95 or from $75 | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Self-Employed tier for business expenses (search snippet) | Conflicting snippets on what is included Site blocked direct reading; recheck in a browser. The site blocked direct reading and the year is not confirmed. |
| Jackson Hewitt Online Check your forms first | $25 | $0 for any number of states | Yes, per the product page | Not addressed on the page | Not named. The page says gig and freelance income can be reported; the forms list was not read | Not included as described. A separate paid Worry-Free add-on exists Read on the product's own page. Confirm Schedule C and part-year support before relying on it. |
| TaxAct Self-Employed Check your forms first | From $109.99 | $64.99 | Yes, charged per state | Not confirmed | Yes | Accuracy guarantee covering software errors; representation not confirmed Read on the product's own page. Confirm part-year and nonresident forms and the Xpert Assist price. |
| TaxSlayer Self-Employed Check your forms first | $74.99 | $47.99 | Yes, charged per state | Not confirmed | Yes, on this tier | Conflict: one page claims defense and representation for 3 years; a support page says Audit Assistance excludes Schedule C and cannot represent you Site blocked direct reading; recheck in a browser. The site blocked direct reading, and its audit pages conflict. |
| TurboTax Premium Check your forms first | $139 shown; the same page also shows starting at $79 | Separate charge; amount not on pages read | Not confirmed | Not confirmed | Yes on Premium. Free Edition cannot; Deluxe sends 1099 filers to Premium | Free audit guidance; representation needs the paid Audit Defense add-on Read on the product's own page. Prices reconcile only at checkout. Per-state cost not confirmed. |
Anyone with an IRS preparer number, called a PTIN, can prepare returns for pay. That number is not a credential. CPAs, enrolled agents and tax attorneys hold credentials that let them represent you before the IRS without limits on the type of return. Check with the IRS directory, or your state board of accountancy or bar. Then ask:
Walk away from a fee based on your refund, a promise of a bigger refund than anyone else, or a preparer who will not sign. Circular 230 generally bars contingent fees for those it covers. If a preparer does harm you, the IRS explains how to complain on its preparer page.
We have not vetted any firm yet, so none is named here. A firm earns a place only after we check its credentials and discipline record with the proper authority, and its travel healthcare work, states, fees and support. Paying us will never substitute for that.
Checked November 2, 2026. Everything here is free, and paid links never change these answers.