TaxRefundProFree Calculator
Start Calculator
2025 Budget Guide

5 Best Free Tax Software
Ranked (2025)

Don't pay $100+ to file. We reviewed FreeTaxUSA, Cash App, and IRS Free File to find the best free options for your 2025 refund.

💡

Pro Tip: Estimate First, File Second

Most "Free" software will try to upsell you later. We recommend using our Free Tax Estimator first to know your exact refund number.

Editor's Choice
#1

TaxRefundPro

Best for Planning & Privacy

Pros

  • ✓ Instant Estimates
  • ✓ No Account Needed
  • ✓ Private (Local Data)
  • ✓ AI Audit Check

Cons

  • ✗ Does not file returns (Estimator only)
⚖️
Verdict
"Use this FIRST to know your numbers before you file."
Start Calculation
#2

FreeTaxUSA

Best Value for Filing

Pros

  • ✓ Free Federal (All Forms)
  • ✓ Cheap State Filing
  • ✓ Supports Crypto/Stock
  • ✓ Clean Interface

Cons

  • ✗ No import from competitors
  • ✗ Limited support
⚖️
Verdict
"The community favorite for affordable filing."
Visit Site
#3

Cash App Taxes

Best Completely Free

Pros

  • ✓ 100% Free (Fed + State)
  • ✓ Mobile Friendly
  • ✓ Fast Interface

Cons

  • ✗ Mobile-first (can be clunky on PC)
  • ✗ Requires App download
⚖️
Verdict
"Unbeatable price if you live on your phone."
Visit Site
#4

IRS Free File

Best for Income <$79k

Pros

  • ✓ Official IRS Partners
  • ✓ Guided Interface
  • ✓ Brand Name Trust

Cons

  • ✗ Strict Income Limits ($79,000)
  • ✗ Confusing options
⚖️
Verdict
"Great if you qualify, confusing if you don't."
Check IRS.gov
#5

TurboTax Free

Best UX (Simple Returns)

Pros

  • ✓ Best User Experience
  • ✓ Import Data Easily
  • ✓ Live Help Available

Cons

  • ✗ Aggressive Upsells
  • ✗ Only for VERY simple returns
⚖️
Verdict
"Good for students, bad for investors."
Read Comparison

Why "Free" isn't always Free

The term "Free Tax Software" is often a marketing trap. TurboTax and H&R Block heavily advertise free filing, but roughly 60% of users get bumped to a paid tier because of "complex forms".

FreeTaxUSA and Cash App Taxes are different—they truly offer free federal filing for almost all tax situations.

We built TaxRefundPro to be the neutral ground. We don't file taxes, so we have no incentive to upsell you. Use our free tax calculator to validate your numbers.

JS
Verified Tax Expert

James Sterling, CPA, MST

Senior Tax Strategist with over 15 years in federal tax planning and IRS compliance. James holds a Master of Science in Taxation and has helped thousands of taxpayers optimize their 2025 tax refund estimator results.
Member of AICPAIRS Enrolled AgentTax Law Reviewer 2025