The Five Best Tax Filing Services for 2025

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It's officially tax season. While you're probably eligible to file your taxes for free, with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right service. Here are some of the most popular tax filing services, their pros and cons, and who they might be best suited for.

Intuit TurboTax

TurboTax is one of the most well-known and widely used tax filing services. It offers a range of options, from free filing for simple returns to more comprehensive packages for those with more complex tax situations.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface and step-by-step guidance

• Extensive help resources, including live support

• Ability to import data from previous years or employers

• Guaranteed maximum refund or reimbursement of fees

Cons:

• Can be expensive for more complex returns

• Upselling of additional services or products

Best for: Those with relatively straightforward tax situations who value convenience and a user-friendly experience.

H&R Block

H&R Block is another major player in the tax filing game, offering both online and in-person services.

Pros:

• Robust online platform with solid support resources

• Option for in-person assistance at local offices

• Free filing for simple returns

Cons:

• Online product can be more expensive than competitors

• In-person service fees can add up quickly

Best for: Those who prefer the option of in-person assistance or have more complex tax situations that may require professional guidance.

TaxAct

TaxAct is a more affordable online option that still offers a range of features and support.

Pros:

• Lower prices compared to some competitors

• Good support resources, including live chat and video tutorials

• Free filing for simple returns

Cons:

• Interface may not be as user-friendly as some others

• Fewer hand-holding features for complex situations

Best for: Budget-conscious filers with relatively straightforward tax situations who are comfortable with a more DIY approach.

FreeTaxUSA

As the name implies, FreeTaxUSA offers free federal tax filing for all filers, with paid state filing options.

Pros:

• Truly free federal filing with no income limits

• Clean, straightforward interface

• Good support resources

Cons:

• Limited hand-holding for complex situations

• State filing fees, though relatively low

Best for: Those looking for a solid, no-frills free option for federal filing, especially those with simple tax situations.

Cash App Taxes

Cash App Taxes (formerly known as Credit Karma Tax) is the go-to example of truly free tax filing. If you're determined to file your taxes for free, Cash App Taxes is the way to go.

Pros:

• Really, truly free

• Supports major IRS forms and schedules

• Simple, understandable website and mobile app

Cons:

• Missing some forms and situations

• No expert tax help

• Requires a Cash App account to use

Best for: People who have only W-2 income and a few deductions and credits.

Tips for getting the most from your tax software

The best thing you can do is get started on your taxes as soon as possible. Gather all necessary documents before beginning, and even take advantage of early-bird pricing when available.

The more time you give yourself, the more likely you'll be to really maximize deductions. Use the service's deduction-finding tools, and consider upgrading to premium versions if they offer additional deduction-finding features.

Finally, keep records of everything. Here's my guide to creating the ultimate spreadsheet for your taxes now, so that next year will be a breeze.

The closer it gets to the deadline, the harder it will be to get support from tax filing services if you run into issues or have questions. Their customer service lines and live chat queues will be overloaded. Start now and beat the last-minute rush. And if you run into trouble, here's how to finally reach a real human on the phone at the IRS.

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