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Best tax software for your 2024 returns: 5 simple ways to file — from free to premium options
Tax season is just around the corner. And while you only file your personal return once a year, we know firsthand how stressful it can be to even think about April 15th — and how daunting it can be to choose tax software that meets all of your filing needs (and we've tried a lot of them). This is especially true for seniors and retirees, who may have unique tax situations involving retirement income, Social Security benefits and required minimum distributions.
To help you prepare for the 2025 tax season, we’ve narrowed down the best tax software you can use to file with confidence, balancing ease of use with accuracy and value. Among these top tax software solutions are affordable options that work best for simple, straightforward returns as well as somewhat pricier options that offer professional guidance for those with more complex tax situations.
Let’s explore the benefits and drawbacks of each of our best picks, including who they might be best for.
1. Best for comprehensive guidance: TurboTax
TurboTax
💰 Costs
• DIY federal tax return: $0 to $190
• Assisted federal tax return: $89 to $219
What TurboTax offers
Among the most comprehensive tax software packages, TurboTax simplifies filing your return with tax tips, visual cues and detailed explanations. It offers multiple service tiers that include a free version for simple tax returns with regular W-2 income or retirement plan distributions. The premium options work well for people who are self-employed, have their own businesses or have investment income. TurboTax excels at handling benefits from pensions, annuities and Social Security. It can also guide you through estate taxes, but you’d need to download TurboTax Business to get started.
Why we like TurboTax
We love TurboTax’s intuitive design. It guides you through all the steps you need to successfully complete your tax return. TurboTax allows you to upload your W-2 forms from your job and connect your investment platforms to import your tax documents. This saves you the time and effort needed to enter your data manually. You can also connect with an expert who can walk you through your forms at any point during your tax preparation for an additional cost.
Where TurboTax falls short
TurboTax typically comes at a cost for many filers, as its free version supports only a few basic tax situations. Depending on the forms you need to file, the DIY option can cost up to $190 for federal returns, while the assisted solution costs up to $219. While these fees may be worth it for seniors with complex tax situations, those with simpler tax returns may prefer one of the more affordable options below.
- User-friendly interface simplifies filing taxes
- Comprehensive tax filing guidance, including tips, explainers and professional help
- Handy document import tool reduces manual work
- Free version supports only a few basic tax situations
- Costs for premium features are high compared to competitors
2. Best for free tax filing: FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA
💰 Costs
• DIY federal tax return: $0
• Assisted federal tax return: $8 to $50
What FreeTaxUSA offers
FreeTaxUSA is a part of the Free File program run by the Internal Revenue Service. It provides free federal tax filing for all tax situations, including income from retirement, investments, rentals and self-employment. This makes FreeTaxUSA one of the most economical options available. FreeTaxUSA’s interface is clean and straightforward — without upsells, thanks to its simple pricing structure. At $7.99, the Deluxe version includes chat support, while the $49.99 Pro version gives you access to a tax professional that can walk you through your filing process over a phone call or through a screen share.
Why we like FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA provides a refreshing approach to filing taxes. Its $0 fee for federal tax returns is hard to beat and offers incredible value for people with various tax situations. This standout feature can help people with complex returns save money compared to other options. The clean interface makes it easy to focus on filing your taxes, and the low-cost Deluxe and Pro versions can offer extra peace of mind for those who want it.
Where FreeTaxUSA falls short
While the interface is functional and easy to navigate, it doesn’t offer as many tips and explanations as paid competitors. This may make it less intuitive for people who are new to filing their own tax returns or who are less comfortable with online software.
- Free federal filing for all tax situations
- Low-cost options to receive help from a tax professional
- Simple and transparent pricing structure
- Clean interface with no upsells or upgrade prompts
- Fewer tips and explanations than some competitors
3. Best for in-person support: H&R Block
H&R Block
💰 Costs
• DIY federal tax return: $0 to $115
• Assisted federal tax return: $55 to $115
What H&R Block offers
H&R Block combines online software with in-person support at more than 12,000 physical locations across the U.S. and around the world. H&R Block offers a free DIY tax return option that covers W-2 and retirement incomes, along with more tax situations than TurboTax. It also provides premium options ranging from $55 to $115 that support investments and self-employment income. These premium options include online support from a tax professional at no additional cost.
Why we like H&R Block
With its massive network of locations around the globe, H&R Block sets itself apart by allowing you to choose between online filing and in-person support. H&R Block’s online software is easy to navigate and provides helpful tips and explanations throughout the tax preparation process. The in-person support is particularly reassuring for people who prefer face-to-face guidance through recent life changes, like retiring or newly receiving Social Security benefits. We’ve found it easy to locate an office even in semi-remote areas, providing access to expert tax guidance when needed.
Where H&R Block falls short
Unlike TurboTax, H&R Block doesn’t support the forms you’d need to file for an estate. Additionally, while the online support option comes at no additional cost, the in-person service has its own separate fee schedule. For example, filing a federal return with a W-2 form through an H&R Block office costs $89. This fee increases to $190 if your tax return includes investments and self-employment income.
- Free version covers various tax situations, including retirement income
- User-friendly interface simplifies filing taxes
- Wide global network of 12,000 physical locations
- Paid version offers support from a tax professional at no additional cost
- No support for estate tax forms
- Additional fees for in-person support
4. Best for simple tax returns: EzTaxReturn
EzTaxReturn
💰 Costs
• DIY federal tax return: $0 to $35
• Assisted federal tax return: Unavailable
What EzTaxReturn offers
EzTaxReturn is one of the IRS’s trusted partners that gives you access to a streamlined filing experience. This online software is a great fit for taxpayers looking for a budget-friendly filing solution. It charges $0 for simple federal tax situations or $34.99 for more complex federal returns. This makes it an excellent, cost-effective choice for those with straightforward tax situations, including people who receive retirement income or Social Security benefits.
Why we like EzTaxReturn
It’s easy to breeze through your tax return with EzTaxReturn. This online software’s simplicity shines for simple tax filings, without overwhelming you with features or upgrade offers. This uncluttered approach is refreshing, especially if you don’t like overly complex interfaces. The free version is ideal for those taking standard deductions on regular income of less than $50,000. The paid version supports additional tax situations at a more affordable price than TurboTax and H&R Block. This includes investments and self-employment incomes with itemized deductions.
Where EzTaxReturn falls short
While EzTaxReturn's simplicity is great for simple returns, it can be a roadblock for more complex tax situations. The platform doesn’t support several less common tax situations, such as business asset depreciation and certain types of investment interest. Additionally, it doesn’t offer online or in-person guidance, which may not suit taxpayers who prefer help from a tax professional during the filing process.
- Free version covers several simple tax situations
- Clean interface without clutter or upgrade prompts
- Affordable paid version supports most common tax situations
- No support for several uncommon tax forms
- No online or in-person help from a tax professional
5. Best for overall value: TaxAct
TaxAct
💰 Costs
• DIY federal tax return: $0 to $100
• Assisted federal tax return: $40 to $140
What TaxAct offers
TaxAct strikes a balance between affordability and functionality. This software offers a range of online filing options from free to premium with the ability to add advice and a final return review from a tax professional for $39.99. The free TaxAct software supports regular W-2 and retirement incomes and allows you to add dependents. This makes it well suited for those with straightforward tax returns, including many retirees. The three paid versions allow you to add homeowner deductions, investments and self-employed income. TaxAct can also prepare taxes for estates and certain business types at an additional cost.
Why we like TaxAct
We appreciate that TaxAct offers most of the functionality found on pricier tax software at a more affordable price. It’s easy to import previous tax returns from other tax software to streamline the filing process. The step-by-step guidance is thorough and easy to follow, even if you aren’t comfortable with online tools. On top of that, TaxAct guarantees maximum tax refund and accuracy — and promises to pay up to $100,000 if it makes calculation mistakes.
Where TaxAct falls short
While TaxAct offers a good balance of features and affordability, its guidance isn’t as comprehensive as some of the more expensive options. Additionally, you’ll encounter regular prompts to upgrade or purchase additional services throughout the filing process. These upsells can be distracting and potentially confusing.
- Free version includes retirement income and dependents
- Affordable pricing compared to competitors
- Maximum refund and accuracy guarantee
- Fewer online resources and limited guidance compared to TurboTax and H&R Block
- Frequent upgrade prompts
How does tax software work?
Tax software simplifies the tax filing process by guiding you through a series of questions about your income, deductions and credits. It collects your answers and uses them to fill out the actual IRS tax forms, saving you time and effort.
Tax software also performs the math needed to calculate your total income from your salary, business, retirement and more as well as figuring out your total tax liability or refund. Most tax software also offer features like error checking, electronic filing capabilities and storage of your tax information for future use.
How to choose tax software
Consider these factors when choosing the tax software that best suits your budget, wealth planning and needs:
Complexity of your tax situation. Choose software that can handle all aspects of your taxes based on the forms you anticipate filing. This can include forms for investments, rental properties, estates and more.
Accessibility and ease of use. Look for software that offers the accessibility options you may need, along with an intuitive interface that guides you through the process step by step. This can be a crucial feature especially if you’re new to filing your own taxes.
Professional support. Ensure that the software you choose offers access to tax professionals, should you need help with your forms. This can include live chat and phone support.
Accuracy guarantees and audit assistance. Opt for software that offers accuracy guarantees to put your mind at ease after filing your tax documents. It also helps to use software that provides support in case of an audit from the IRS.
Dig deeper: How all 50 states tax retirement income: A comprehensive list for 2024
Common tax situations for seniors
If you’re in or nearing retirement, you should make sure that your tax software covers tax situations specific to seniors, including:
Social Security benefits. Make sure that your software can guide you through reporting your Social Security income correctly, as a portion may be taxable depending on your overall income.
Pension and annuity income. Use tax software that can handle various types of retirement income, including income you may receive from your pension or annuities.
Required minimum distributions (RMDs). If you’re 73, look for software that helps calculate and report minimum distributions you’re required to take from your IRA, 401(k) and other retirement accounts.
Claiming medical expense deductions. Choose software that makes it easy to claim medical expenses that count toward qualified deductions to reduce your total tax liability.
Dig deeper: How to find a trusted retirement advisor for peace of mind in your golden years
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Free vs. paid tax software: When is it worth paying for a tax service?
When it comes to filing your taxes, you have several options ranging from completely free to paid premium services. While many paid options promote various services and upgrades, many tax filers may find free tax software sufficient.
When free tax software is sufficient
Free tax software — including options available through the IRS Free File program — can be an excellent choice for many people.
These options are worth using if:
Your adjusted gross income (AGI) is $79,000 or less. Your AGI is your total income minus any deductions you can take. Having an AGI of $79,000 or less qualifies you for the IRS Free File guided options.
You have a straightforward tax situation. Most free versions cover common tax situations, including regular income and standard deductions. Some offer additional free support for retiree income sources like Social Security, pensions, annuities and even investments and interest.
You’re comfortable with the DIY approach. While free options may offer some guidance, it does it with less hand holding compared to paid versions. That’s why a do-it-yourself approach can be a bit more challenging to figure out.
You don’t need to file a state return. Many free options, including some IRS Free File partners, charge a separate fee for state returns. This is something you only need to worry about if you live in a state that requires tax returns. If you do, weigh the cost of adding a state return to your free software versus paid software.
Benefits of upgrading to paid versions
While free tax software options work well for many taxpayers, there are several reasons you might consider a paid version:
More comprehensive support. Paid versions often offer more robust customer service, chat and phone support and a final review of your tax documents before filing.
Access to more tax forms. Paid versions typically support more forms and uncommon situations. If you have income from rental properties, self-employment or complex investments, you may need premium software to find the forms you need.
Enhanced accuracy checks. Paid tax software typically includes more thorough error checking, potentially catching mistakes that could trigger an audit from the IRS.
Audit support. Many paid options offer upgrades that give you audit protection and assistance if the IRS decides to take a closer look at your return.
Additional features. Paid tax software may include nonessential but helpful tools like prior-year comparisons, data imports from investment accounts and tax-planning resources.
Dig deeper: Tax breaks after 50 you might not know about
How we choose the best tax software
We evaluate tax software based on several key factors to ensure that we’re recommending options that offer the best value, functionality and accuracy. These factors include:
Ease of use. We prioritize software with intuitive interfaces and clear guidance that can fit people with various levels of experience with digital services and taxes.
Value for money. We compare the features each tax software option offers against its price structure, considering both free and paid versions, potential upgrades and customer support.
Tax situation coverage. We favor software that adequately addresses common tax situations, including various types of income, deduction, credits and retiree needs such as RMDs.
Personalized guidance. We consider the level of personalized service each tax software solutions offers, including in-person guidance and over-the-phone assistance from a tax professional.
Additional features. We review available extras like the ability to import previous years’ returns, integration with financial institutions and tax-planning tools.
Real user experience. We take into account feedback from actual users and our own personal experience with each tax software option.
Our recommendations include a mix of tax-filing services that meet various needs. However, we did not evaluate all software available in the market. We encourage you to use our curated list as a starting point for your own research to find the best tax software for your specific situation.
FAQs: Filing your tax returns
Filing your taxes can feel overwhelming, but understanding the basics of the process makes it a lot smoother. Here are some of the most common tax questions and their answers.
Should I pay someone to do my taxes?
If your tax situation is relatively simple, you could file your own taxes using software that guides you through the process. However, if your tax situation is complicated because you have multiple sources of income, a business that you own and various investments, you should consider hiring a tax professional. A tax professional can help provide personalized advice and potentially find deductions or credits you might miss on your own.
What is a simple tax return?
While the definition varies by tax software, a simple tax return typically includes straightforward income sources such as W-2 wages or Social Security benefits along with standard deductions and a few or no additional IRS forms or schedules. Your tax return may not be a simple one if you have various investments, run a business or need to itemize your deductions.
What happens if I miss the tax filing deadline?
If you miss the typical tax filing deadline on April 15, the consequences depend on whether you owe taxes or are due for a refund. If you owe taxes, you’ll face penalties and interest on the unpaid amount. The failure-to-file penalty is typically 5% of the unpaid taxes for each month your return is late, up to 25%. If you’re due for a refund, there’s no penalty for filing late — but you won’t get your refund until you file your tax return.
I'm considering using my skills to consult in retirement. How do I do that?
Consulting in retirement has a host of financial benefits beyond an extra paycheck — from lowering the taxes you pay to increasing the amount you receive through Social Security. And it could be as simple as reaching out to a former employer in your industry for freelance work. To make sure you’re getting the most out of this new phase of your career, start with our comprehensive guide to launching a consulting business, including business structures that can protect your assets and save on taxes.
About the writer
Yahia Barakah is a personal finance writer at AOL with over a decade of experience in finance and investing. As a certified educator in personal finance (CEPF), he combines his economics expertise with a passion for financial literacy to simplify complex retirement, banking and credit topics. He loves empowering people to make informed financial decisions that improve their everyday and long-term wellness. Yahia's expertise has been featured on FinanceBuzz, FX Empire and EarnForex. Based in Florida, he balances his love for finance with freediving, hiking and underwater photography.
Article edited by Kelly Suzan Waggoner
