If you need to file a U.S. individual income tax return for tax year 2025, choose a service based on the forms you need, the total federal and state cost, and whether you want human help—not just its advertised “free” price. The IRS’s general deadline for 2025 tax returns was April 15, 2026, so this is now a guide to filing a late return. Different deadlines may apply to some taxpayers, including people affected by federally declared disasters and certain people abroad or in combat zones.
Which tax year does “2025” mean?
Tax-service comparisons published for “2025” can refer either to the 2025 filing season, when people filed returns for tax year 2024, or to tax year 2025 returns filed during 2026. This guide covers tax year 2025: the IRS refers to those as “2025 tax returns,” which were generally due April 15, 2026. The IRS lists exceptions for some taxpayers, so check its current filing guidance if you may qualify for a different deadline.
Because the general deadline has passed, confirm that a provider supports the specific tax year and forms you need before starting. Current product pages and prices can change, and a service’s current offer should not be assumed to match what it charged during the 2025 filing season.
Best filing options by situation
| Option | Who it may suit | Cost and coverage to check | Support or requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRS Free File Guided Tax | Taxpayers who meet an eligible partner’s criteria and want guided federal preparation | The IRS’s current guidance sets an AGI limit of $89,000 or less for Guided Tax for the applicable tax year. Partner criteria differ; some offer free state filing and others charge. | Start at IRS.gov/freefile and review the specific partner offer, including state fees. A state return is not required to receive a free federal return. |
| IRS Free File Fillable Forms | People above the Guided Tax income limit who are comfortable preparing their own federal return | Federal fillable forms are available through the IRS Free File program; the IRS says some partners offer free state returns and others charge. | This is a self-preparation route, not guided tax advice. Check the current IRS Free File directory for eligibility and details. |
| H&R Block Free Online | People whose return fits the service’s defined simple-return criteria | The current product page lists Free at $0, including federal and state filing for qualifying situations. It lists Deluxe at $65, Premium at $105, and Self-Employed at $130; these are page prices accessed in 2026, not guaranteed 2025-season prices. | H&R Block describes its free edition as covering Form 1040 with specified schedule exceptions. The provider estimates approximately 52% of filers qualify; that is its estimate, not an independent measurement. |
| TurboTax Free Edition | People with eligible simple Form 1040 returns | The provider lists $0 federal and state filing for eligible returns. Paid product prices depend on the product and tax situation; the company says the price is determined when printing or filing and may change. | TurboTax specifies exceptions to the free edition, including EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A. Its estimate that roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify is a vendor estimate. |
| FreeTaxUSA | People whose forms are supported who want a no-charge federal preparation option and are willing to pay separately for state filing | Its pricing page lists $0 for a federal 2025 return and $15.99 for a state 2025 return. It lists optional Deluxe support at $7.99 and Pro Support at $64.99. These are prices on the provider’s 2025 return page accessed in 2026 and can change. | Optional support charges are separate from the federal preparation price. Verify current state availability and any optional service before checkout. |
| Cash App Taxes | People whose state and forms are supported who already use, or are willing to create, a Cash App login | The provider advertises free federal and state filing. Confirm that the exact forms and state return you need are supported. | A Cash App login is required. Its coverage and no-cost claims are provider statements; check the service’s current terms and supported-return details. |
| IRS-certified VITA/TCE volunteer assistance | Eligible taxpayers who want help from a volunteer tax-preparation program | The IRS says assistance may be available to people earning $69,000 or less, people with disabilities, people age 60 or older, or people who need language support. These are eligibility criteria, not a guarantee of a nearby appointment. | Local availability and eligibility vary. Check current IRS program information before relying on this option. |
| Tax professional or paper forms | People who prefer paid professional assistance or paper filing | Fees for professionals and the cost of any assistance are not stated in the IRS guidance summarized here. Paper forms are an IRS-listed filing alternative. | Confirm the professional’s qualifications, fee, and tax-year experience directly. The IRS lists tax professionals and paper forms among filing alternatives. |
How to choose without being surprised by the price
- Identify the tax year and return. Confirm that you are filing a 2025 return, not a 2024 return from the 2025 filing season, and that the service accepts the applicable tax year.
- List the forms your situation requires. Check for self-employment income, investments, rental property, credits, and other non-simple items. Match each item to the provider’s supported forms before entering your information.
- Check the complete price. Add federal preparation, state filing, and any charges for expert access, review, or other optional services. A free federal return does not necessarily mean a free state return or free support.
- Compare support and access. Decide whether self-guided software is sufficient or whether you need volunteer or paid professional help. Check device, account, and data-import requirements on the provider’s current page; these details are not specified consistently across the product information summarized here.
- Review the return and confirm acceptance. Software can help prepare and transmit a return, but it does not remove your responsibility to check the information. Cash App Taxes’ terms say a return is not considered filed until the relevant tax authority accepts it.
What the free editions do—and do not—mean
“Free” is conditional on the return fitting the provider’s eligibility rules. H&R Block and TurboTax describe their no-cost online products as intended for qualifying simple Form 1040 situations and list exceptions. Their published estimates of how many taxpayers qualify—approximately 52% for H&R Block and roughly 37% for TurboTax—are each company’s own estimates, not independent comparisons.
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IRS Free File is a separate route from a provider’s generally advertised free edition. The IRS says Guided Tax is available to taxpayers with AGI of $89,000 or less for the applicable tax year, but each partner sets additional criteria. Above that threshold, taxpayers comfortable preparing a federal return themselves may be able to use Free File Fillable Forms. Check the IRS partner directory for the offer that fits your circumstances and for any state-return fee.
When human help may be a better fit
If your return is unfamiliar or you want help from a person, check whether you qualify for IRS-certified VITA or TCE assistance. The IRS identifies people earning $69,000 or less, people with disabilities, people age 60 or older, and people who need language support as groups who may be eligible. Local availability and program eligibility should be confirmed before you rely on a site or appointment.
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- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you own a home, have charitable donations, high medical expenses and need to file both Federal & State Tax Returns
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
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You can also consider an IRS-approved tax professional or paper filing. The right route depends on the help you need and your comfort with preparing a return; the IRS lists both among filing alternatives.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Desktop software for multiple federal returns
For people who prefer installed software, H&R Block’s desktop software page describes five included federal e-files and periodic updates for IRS changes. Confirm the exact tax-year edition and current availability before buying; the desktop option is distinct from its online service and should not be assumed to have the same price or terms.
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- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you have a partnership, own an S or C Corp, Multi-Member LLC, manage a trust or estate, or need to file a separate tax return for your business
- Includes 5 Federal e-files. Business State forms sold separately via download. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary).
- Prepare and file your business or trust taxes with confidence
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- TurboTax Desktop Edition is download software which you install on your computer for use
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later (Windows 10 not supported)
- Recommended if you are self-employed, an independent contractor, freelancer, small business owner, sole proprietor, or consultant
- Includes 5 Federal e-files and 1 State via download. State e-file sold separately. Get U.S.-based technical support (hours may vary)
- Live Tax Advice: Connect with a tax expert and get one-on-one advice and answers as you prepare your return (fee applies)
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- Premium: Windows 10 or higher and Business: Windows 11
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- Quickly import your W-2, 1099, 1098, and last year's personal tax return, even from TurboTax and Quicken software
- Five free federal e-files and unlimited federal preparation and printing
- Free e-file included for most business forms
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