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Last Updated: Apr 2025

Top 10 Best Online Tax Filing Services of 2025
Tax season has started

Don’t wait until it’s too late—the April 15 tax deadline is fast approaching.
Compare top tax software now and file in minutes.

Our Top 3 Online Tax Filing Services
Our Top Choice
TurboTax
exceptional
9.7
Pay only when you file
Get Started
TurboTax Free Edition
excellent
9.4
$0 Fed. $0 State. $0 to File.
Get Started
H&R Block Online
excellent
9.1
Step-by-step filing guide
Get Started
Accuracy Guaranteed
1
TurboTax -Accurate, online tax filing with expert assistance or do-it-yourself optionsRead Review
  • Maximize deductions & tax breaks
  • Get live personal support
  • DIY, assisted & full-service options
  • Over 6M people switched to TurboTax last year
exceptional
9.7
Get Started
top10_badge_icon_limited-time.20221107162814
Fast & Easy
Did you know?
No matter how you file, TurboTax backs your taxes for the full 7-year life of your tax return, guaranteed.
File Now
2
TurboTax Free Edition -Personalized and simple DIY tax filing packageRead Review
  • Roughly 37% of taxpayers qualify
  • Simple Form 1040 returns only
  • Maximum refund guaranteed
  • Get started with a photo of your W-2
excellent
9.4
3
H&R Block Online -Simple and easy online filing with tax expertsRead Review
  • Upfront transparent pricing
  • Mobile app available for filing on-the-go
  • Supports filing student loan interest
excellent
9.1
4
Filing Taxes Through Chime® -File your taxes for free* via mobile app typically in under 24 minutesRead Review
  • Max refunds guaranteed***
  • 100% accurate calculations****
  • No federal or state filing fees*
very good
8.9
5
E-file.com -Affordable online filing system trusted by more than 1 million AmericansRead Review
  • 3 filing packages available
  • Online and phone support for customers
  • Submit your taxes to the IRS directly
very good
8.8
6
Liberty Tax -Stress-free tax prep, filing and bookkeeping servicesRead Review
  • Free tax advice by phone or in-office
  • Mobile app for filing on-the-go
  • 3,000+ locations nationwide
very good
8.8
Show more
Our Overall Top Choice for 2025
Accuracy Guaranteed
1
TurboTax -Accurate, online tax filing with expert assistance or do-it-yourself optionsRead Review
  • Maximize deductions & tax breaks
  • Get live personal support
  • DIY, assisted & full-service options
  • Over 6M people switched to TurboTax last year
exceptional
9.7
Get Started
top10_badge_icon_limited-time.20221107162814
Fast & Easy

* For simple tax returns only. Not all taxpayers qualify.

What Is Tax Software?

Tax software is software that’s designed to walk you through the process of calculating and filing your taxes. It can do many different things, including:

  • Determining what forms you need to file
  • Helping you find deductions
  • Automatically entering itemized receipts
  • Calculating your tax owed
  • Filing your local and state taxes

While tax software isn’t a replacement for a professional accountant, it simplifies the process of figuring out your taxes on your own. Also, using tax software is typically much cheaper than going to an accountant.

Notably, most modern tax software is sold on a subscription or annual basis. You’ll pay a small amount to use the software this tax season and then pay again next year. This works well because tax software has to stay up to date as state and federal tax laws change. Every year, the software will have updated tax tables, mileage rates, and other factors that can impact your return.

How to Choose the Right Tax Software for Your Needs

Picking which tax software is right for you comes down to several different factors.

Complexity of your return

The first thing to consider is how complex your tax return is. If you work at a company and don’t have a side business, your return will likely be relatively easy. But if you have multiple income streams or own a business, your return will be much more involved. It’s crucial to ensure that the tax software that you choose can support all the calculations and forms that you need.

User experience

Another thing to consider is how experienced you are at doing your own taxes. Certain tax software is designed to be beginner-friendly and will guide you through every step of the filing process. For example, you might be presented with questionnaires rather than blank forms to fill out.

However, more advanced tax software might assume that you’re already familiar with common tax forms. You’ll need to be comfortable figuring out what forms you need and how the different tax worksheets fit together.

Support options

Whether you can get support from a professional accountant when you need it is also an essential factor to think about. Some tax software platforms offer free advice, while others have accountants standing by for an additional fee. Popular software packages may also have online forums where you can get help from other users.

Cost

The point of using tax software as opposed to an accountant is to save money. So, cost matters when comparing tax software. Be sure to check whether there are additional fees for filing with your state or the federal government and whether there’s a money-back guarantee if you can’t make the software work for you. Many tax software platforms will let you calculate your taxes for free, and you only pay when it’s time to file.

How Does Tax Software Work?

Tax software works by taking the tax forms from the IRS and transforming them into a format that makes sense to everyday people, not just tax professionals. Most tax software use a series of questionnaires to understand your financial situation, income streams, and potential deductions. Based on your responses, the software will determine what tax forms you need to submit and help you fill them out.

Depending on what software you use, you may never even see the tax forms that are submitted to the IRS. Instead, you’ll simply be asked to answer basic questions and provide numbers for your income and expenses. Once you’re finished, the software will display a user-friendly summary of your income, deductions, and tax liabilities.

Finally, tax software can file your taxes electronically on your behalf. Most software can file both federal and state taxes. You can make a payment directly through the software if you owe money, as well as enter your payment details if you’re eligible for a refund.

Tax Form Glossary

Let’s take a closer look at a few of the most common forms that individuals will file with their taxes.

1040

Form 1040 is the individual income tax return form. In essence, it’s the master form that every individual in the US needs to submit to the IRS. This form will have your name and address, your income, the sum of all your deductions, the total tax that you owe, and the total that you’ve already paid through quarterly taxes and withholdings. At the end of Form 1040, you will include your payment details to pay your tax bill or the details for how to receive your refund.

W-2

Form W-2 is provided by your employer. It lists your wages and any other compensation that you’ve received over the past year, including tips. It also lists your federal and state withholdings, which is money that you’ve already paid out of your salary toward your tax bill. If you don’t have Form W-2, contact your employer—you should get one W-2 from each employer that you’ve had over the past year.

1099-INT

Form 1099-INT is where you report interest income. This is typically used to report interest on money that you have in the bank.

1099-DIV

Form 1099-DIV is where you report dividend income. This is typically used to report dividend payouts from stocks.

1098-E

Form 1098-E is where you report interest that you paid on a qualified student loan so you can deduct this interest from your taxes. This form is provided by your loan servicer if you paid more than $600 in interest over the past year.

1098-T

Form 1098-T is where you report qualified educational expenses, such as tuition, enrollment fees, and course materials. These expenses are eligible to be used as deductions. Form 1098-T is provided by your college or other educational institutions.

Schedule A

Form 1040 Schedule A is used for itemized deductions if you decide not to take the standard deduction. It includes categories for medical expenses, taxes, interest payments, charitable gifts, losses due to theft, work expenses, and miscellaneous expenses.

Schedule C

Form 1040 Schedule C is used to report your profit or loss from your business if you are self-employed and have a sole proprietorship. Most people who file Schedule C also need to file Schedule SE, which is used to calculate self-employment taxes.

FAQs

Should I use tax software or hire a CPA?

Whether you should use tax software or hire a tax professional comes down to whether you want to do your own taxes or have someone else take care of them for you. Tax software makes doing your own taxes easier, but it still requires effort on your part.

What day are taxes due in 2025?

The deadline for filing your 2025 taxes is April 15, 2025.

What happens if I miss the tax deadline?

If you miss the deadline to file your taxes and haven’t filed for an extension, the IRS can charge you a penalty. The penalty is 5% of the taxes that you owe for each month that your return is late, up to a maximum penalty of 25%.

Filing Taxes Through Chime® Disclosures:

  • Banking + Issuer Statement: Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC. The Chime Visa® Debit Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank.
  • Tax e-file services provided by April Tax Solutions Inc. (“april”) or Column Tax, Inc. (“Column Tax”).

These tax filing offers are not endorsed or offered by our partners, The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A.

  • No fees to file: *There are no fees required to use this product. Chime does not require you to deposit your refund into your Chime Account to qualify for free tax filing. Certain costs may be incurred if you decide to obtain other optional financial products offered in relation to your tax filing. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) may impose penalties or other charges depending on your personal tax situation. If the april tax preparation software makes a mathematical error that results in your payment of a penalty and/or interest to the IRS that you would otherwise not have been required to pay, april will reimburse you up to a maximum of $10,000. See april terms for details. If interest and/or a penalty is imposed by the IRS as a result of a computational error by Column Tax, you may be entitled to up to $10,000 reimbursement by Column Tax. See Column Tax terms for details.
  • Federal tax refund up to 6 days early: **Chime does not guarantee timing of refund. The six-day refund estimate is based on 2023 tax year filing data. Refund timing estimates are dependent upon timing of complete tax return submission and when the IRS submits your refund.
  • Maximum refund guarantee: ***Maximum refund guarantee is provided by april or Column Tax. If you use april's service to prepare and file your return and you find an error in the tax preparation that entitles you to a larger refund (or smaller liability), you may use their service to amend that return at no additional charge. To qualify, the larger refund or smaller tax liability must not be due to differences or inaccuracies in data supplied by you, your choice not to claim a deduction or credit, positions taken on your return that are contrary to law, or changes in federal or state tax laws. See here for details. If you use Column Tax’s service, Column Tax will reimburse you for up to $250 if you are able to pay less federal or state income tax or receive a larger federal or state income tax return by using another tax return preparation provider. Eligibility requirements apply. See terms for details.
  • Accuracy guarantee: ****If the april tax preparation software makes a mathematical error that results in your payment of a penalty and/or interest to the IRS that you would otherwise not have been required to pay, april will reimburse you up to a maximum of $10,000. See april terms for details.

If interest and/or a penalty is imposed by the IRS as a result of a computational error by Column Tax, you may be entitled to up to $10,000 reimbursement by Column Tax. See Column Tax terms for details.

  • No Interest: *****Out-of-network ATM withdrawal and OTC advance fees may apply. View The Bancorp agreement or Stride agreement for details; see back of card for issuer.
  • APY: ******The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is accurate as of April 2nd, 2025. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

Our Top 3 Picks

  • 1
    Audit guarantee service available
    Visit Site
    • Best for - Choosing between self-filing and professional guidance
    • Base price - Free (~37% of taxpayers qualify. Form 1040 + limited credits only.)
    • Key forms supported - 1040; Schedules 1,2, and 3; Schedules A, B, C, D, and E; Schedule EIC Schedule SE
    top10_badge_icon_limited-time.20221107162814
    Fast & Easy
    Audit guarantee service available
    top10_badge_icon_limited-time.20221107162814
    Fast & Easy
    Visit Site

    If you’re nervous about completing your tax return, TurboTax’s flexible services could help put your mind at rest, as well as saving you significant time and effort. With 3 plans, the platform allows you to complete your taxes yourself or receive guidance from its advisors. TurboTax offers an impressive audit guarantee service, which will provide you with free support should your return trigger further scrutiny from the IRS. Likewise, the company promises to pay any penalties you face as a result of a mistake on its part, plus interest. Whether TurboTax is a worthwhile investment for you will probably come down to your level of confidence in filing your tax returns or the complexity of your affairs. 

    It's important to keep in mind that roughly 37% of filers qualify for filing a Form 1040 return with limited credits, meaning they can submit their tax returns using only the IRS Form 1040, without the need to attach additional forms or schedules. This eligibility simplifies the filing process for these taxpayers.

    Read TurboTax Review

    TurboTax Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Full service available
    Multi-factor/biometric authentication
    Audit guarantee service

    CONS

    Cheaper alternatives to paid plans
    Poor reviews on Trustpilot
    TurboTax
    Visit Site
  • 2
    Free version available
    • Best for - Quick and easy self-filing with 100% accurate calculations
    • Base price - Free (~37 of taxpayers qualify. Form 1040 + limited credits only)
    • Key forms supported - 1040 and Schedule EIC
    Free version available

    If you’re nervous about completing your tax return, TurboTax’s flexible services could help put your mind at rest, as well as save you time and effort. The platform allows you to complete your taxes yourself in a matter of minutes. While TurboTax has a poor rating on Trustpilot, it does offer an impressive audit guarantee service, which will provide you with free support should your return trigger further scrutiny from the IRS. Likewise, the company promises to pay any penalties you face as a result of a mistake on its part, plus interest.

    With the free version of its software, you will be able to easily file simple returns and get the maximum refund.

    Read TurboTax Free Edition Review

    TurboTax Free Edition Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Free version available
    Multi-factor/biometric authentication
    Audit guarantee service

    CONS

    Cheaper alternatives to paid plans
    Poor reviews on Trustpilot
    TurboTax Free Edition
  • 3
    Online tax software, including a free version
    • Best for - Clients with both simple and complex tax filing needs
    • Base price - $0, $29.99, $49.99, or $84.99
    • Key forms supported - Form 1040; schedules supported depend on plan purchased
    Online tax software, including a free version

    H&R Block is a large tax preparation company offering both free and paid tax filing software. The software is highly rated, earning a 4.4-star average review among 350,000 past customers, and is priced competitively against other offerings. 

    Its 4 plans include a $0 version for students and W-2 employees with uncomplicated tax returns, a $29.99 offering for those who want to itemize their deductions (to claim HSA contributions and dependent care deductions), a $49.99 option for investors and landlords to report investment and rental income, and an $84.99 plan for solopreneurs, gig workers, freelancers, and the self-employed. For state filings, the company charges $0 for the free plan and $36.99 per state on all paid plans. Clients who want extra help can also purchase live tax help for $39.99. 

    H&R Block also features two mobile apps—a year-round version for on-demand tax advice and a tax prep app for tax season. Clients who want to engage in longer-term tax planning can also pay for personalized, 1-1 services with a tax professional, who can ensure clients make tax-optimal decisions throughout the year.

    Read H&R Block Online Review

    H&R Block Online Pros & Cons

    PROS

    Robust and feature-rich free version available
    Tax filing software is intuitive and user-friendly
    Offers unlimited live, on-demand help for a nominal fee

    CONS

    Blog and tax help resources somewhat difficult to find
    Add-on state tax return filings are expensive
    H&R Block Online