Sorted by starting price

6 Cheapest Tax Software of 2026

By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 7, 2026

Among the 9 tools in our best tax software ranking, FreeTaxUSA has the lowest verified paid starting price at $15.99 per state return, federal free. Prices below are quoted from each vendor's US pricing page.

1. 01

   FreeTaxUSA

   Filers with investments, rentals or self-employment income who want the lowest total cost.

   Federal return free for all tax situations; $15.99 per state return

   Full entry, No. 1 overall

   Starts at

   $15.99

   Score 9.0

2. 02

   TaxSlayer

   Filers who want every form and paid phone support at a low price.

   Simply Free $0 with one state for simple returns; Classic $19.99 federal, state additional; Premium $39.99

   Full entry, No. 3 overall

   Starts at

   $19.99

   Score 8.7

3. 03

   Jackson Hewitt Online

   Filers with W-2, 1099 or multi-state returns who want one fixed fee.

   $25 flat for federal and state returns, any tax situation

   Full entry, No. 7 overall

   Starts at

   $25

   Score 8.1

4. 04

   1040.com

   Filers who want every feature at one price and a free preview before paying.

   $34.99 flat for federal and state, all features included

   Full entry, No. 5 overall

   Starts at

   $34.99

   Score 8.1

5. 05

   ezTaxReturn

   Filers with a simple federal return who also want callback support.

   Free simple federal returns; otherwise $44.99 federal, $45.99 state, $90.98 for both

   Full entry, No. 9 overall

   Starts at

   $44.99

   Score 7.5

6. 06

   TurboTax

   Filers who want the most guided software and the option of on-demand expert help.

   Free Edition for simple Form 1040 returns; Deluxe $79 federal, state additional

   Full entry, No. 4 overall

   Starts at

   $79

   Score 8.2

Scores and prices come from our Best Tax Software ranking, which uses one method for every tool. Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.com