TurboTax vs H&R Block vs FreeTaxUSA vs TaxSlayer vs Cash App Taxes
Choosing the right tax software can save you hundreds of dollars and hours of frustration. In this comprehensive guide, we compare the six most popular DIY tax platforms for the 2025 tax filing season: TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA, and Cash App Taxes. We tested each platform's pricing, free tier limitations, features, customer support, mobile apps, accuracy guarantees, and ease of use. Whether you're a W-2 employee with a simple return, a freelancer with 1099 income, a crypto trader, or a landlord with rental properties, this guide will help you find the best tax software for your specific situation without overpaying.
What Is the Best Tax Software in 2025?
The best tax software depends on your situation. Here's the quick answer:
- Best Overall Value: FreeTaxUSA ($0 federal, $15.99 state for ALL tax situations)
- Best 100% Free Tax Software: Cash App Taxes ($0 federal + $0 state)
- Best for Beginners: TurboTax (easiest to use, best guidance)
- Best for In-Person Help: H&R Block (10,000+ office locations)
- Best for Military: TaxSlayer (free for active duty)
- Best for S-Corp/LLC: TaxAct Business (only major online option)
Which Tax Software Should I Use? (Quick Decision Guide)
Find your situation below to see our recommendation:
| Your Situation | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Want cheapest option | FreeTaxUSA or Cash App |
| Self-employed / 1099 / Freelancer | FreeTaxUSA ($0) or TaxSlayer ($53) |
| Crypto trading / Day trader | TurboTax (best imports) |
| Need tax expert / CPA help | H&R Block or TurboTax |
| Moved states / Multi-state | FreeTaxUSA ($15.99/state) |
| S-Corp / LLC / Partnership | TaxAct Business |
| Active military | TaxSlayer (free) |
| Want in-person help option | H&R Block |
| First time filing taxes | TurboTax or H&R Block |
| Rental property / Landlord | FreeTaxUSA ($0) |
| Simple W-2 only | Cash App Taxes ($0) |
How Much Does Tax Software Cost in 2025? (Price Comparison)
Tax software prices range from $0 to $239 for the same tax situation. Here's what each platform actually charges:
How Much Does TurboTax Cost in 2025? (TurboTax Prices)
- TurboTax Free Edition: $0 federal + $0 state (only 37% of filers qualify)
- TurboTax Deluxe: $79 federal + $40-64 per state
- TurboTax Premium: $139 federal + $40-64 per state
- TurboTax with Live Expert: $89-209 federal + state fees
How Much Does H&R Block Cost in 2025? (H&R Block Prices)
- H&R Block Free Online: $0 federal + $0 state (about 52% qualify)
- H&R Block Deluxe: $35 federal + $37 per state
- H&R Block Premium: $55 federal + $37 per state
- H&R Block Self-Employed: $85 federal + $37 per state
How Much Does FreeTaxUSA Cost? (FreeTaxUSA Prices 2025)
- FreeTaxUSA Federal: $0 for ALL tax situations (self-employed, investments, rental income)
- FreeTaxUSA State: $15.99 per state (75% cheaper than TurboTax)
- FreeTaxUSA Deluxe: $7.99 add-on for live chat support
Tax Software Price Comparison 2025 (Federal Filing)
Here's what you'll actually pay (federal + 1 state) for common tax situations:
| Tier | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct | TaxSlayer | FreeTaxUSA | Cash App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Deluxe | $79 | $35 | $49.99 | $22.95 | $0 | $0 |
| Premium | $139 | $55 | $84.99 | $42.95 | $0 | $0 |
| Self-Employed | $139+ | $85 | $99.99 | $52.95 | $0 | $0 |
Tax Software Hidden Fees 2025 (Pay from Refund, Audit Defense)
| Fee Type | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct | TaxSlayer | FreeTaxUSA | Cash App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pay from Refund | $40 | $42 | $54.99 | ~$40 | $24.99 | $0 |
| Audit Defense | $39.99 | Varies | $49.99 | $29–44 | $19.99 | FREE |
| Expert Review | $49–159 | ~$55 | $25–45 | Included | $44.99 | N/A |
Best Free Tax Software 2025: How to File Taxes for Free
Not all "free" tax software is actually free. Many platforms force upgrades for common situations. Here's what each free tier actually covers:
Is TurboTax Free Really Free? (TurboTax Free Edition Limitations)
- Only 37% of filers actually qualify for TurboTax Free Edition
- NOT included in TurboTax Free: HSA, unemployment, itemized deductions, investments, self-employment
- Any of these trigger upgrade to $79+ Deluxe tier
Is H&R Block Free Really Free? (H&R Block Free Limitations)
- About 52% of filers qualify for H&R Block Free Online
- H&R Block Free includes unemployment (1099-G) - better than TurboTax
- NOT included: HSA, itemized deductions, investments, self-employment
Is FreeTaxUSA Really Free? Is FreeTaxUSA Legit?
- YES - FreeTaxUSA federal filing is 100% free for ALL tax situations
- Includes Schedule C (self-employed), Schedule D (investments), Schedule E (rental) - FREE
- Only cost: $15.99 per state return
- 82+ million returns filed - legitimate, IRS-approved platform
Is Cash App Taxes Really Free? Is Cash App Taxes Safe?
- YES - Cash App Taxes is 100% free for federal AND state
- Includes FREE audit defense (worth $20-50 elsewhere)
- LIMITATIONS: Single state only, no multi-state filing, no tax expert access
- Safe and legitimate - IRS-approved, formerly Credit Karma Tax
Free Tax Filing Comparison: Who Qualifies for Free Filing?
| Requirement | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct | TaxSlayer | FreeTaxUSA | Cash App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Income Limit | None | None | <$84,000 | <$100,000 | NONE | NONE |
| Age Limit | None | None | 20–59 | Under 65 | NONE | NONE |
| Dependents OK? | Yes | Yes | Yes | NO | YES | YES |
| % Who Qualify | ~37% | ~52% | ~44% | ~15–20% | ~95%+ | ~90%+ |
What's Included in Free Tax Software? (Forms Covered)
| Tax Situation | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct | TaxSlayer | FreeTaxUSA | Cash App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-2 Income | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Tax Credit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Earned Income Credit | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Unemployment (1099-G) | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| HSA (Form 8889) | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Itemized Deductions | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Self-Employment | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stock/Investments | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rental Income | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cryptocurrency | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free State | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ $39.99 | ✓ (1) | ✗ $15.99 | ✓ |
Best Tax Software for Self-Employed 2025 (Freelancers, 1099, Gig Workers)
Self-employed taxes require Schedule C, which most platforms charge $85-139+ for. FreeTaxUSA and Cash App Taxes offer Schedule C for FREE.
Self-Employed Tax Software Cost Comparison 2025
| Platform | Self-Employed Tier | Federal Cost | Total (Fed + State) |
|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax | Premium | $139+ | $179–239 |
| H&R Block | Self-Employed | $85 | $122 |
| TaxAct | Self-Employed | $99.99 | $134.98 |
| TaxSlayer | Self-Employed | $52.95 | $92.90 |
| FreeTaxUSA | Free (all tiers) | $0 | $15.99 |
| Cash App Taxes | Free | $0 | $0 |
Best Tax Software for Crypto 2025 (Bitcoin, Cryptocurrency Taxes)
For crypto traders, import capabilities matter most. TurboTax supports 20,000 transactions from 20+ exchanges. Cash App requires manual entry.
Crypto Tax Software Comparison: Import Features
| Platform | Crypto Import | Max Transactions | Exchanges Supported |
|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax | Direct API | 20,000 | Coinbase, Kraken, Binance.US + 20 more |
| H&R Block | Via CoinTracker | Varies | CoinTracker integration |
| TaxAct | CSV upload | Varies | CoinLedger, Koinly CSV |
| TaxSlayer | CSV upload | 500/upload | Third-party CSV |
| FreeTaxUSA | CSV upload | Varies | 1099-DA supported |
| Cash App | Manual only | Manual | Cash App 1099-B only |
Tax Software Features Comparison 2025
Does TurboTax Import W-2? Tax Software Import Features
| Feature | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct | TaxSlayer | FreeTaxUSA | Cash App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W-2 Photo Import | ✓ (OCR) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brokerage Import | 100+ firms | Major firms | Limited | Growing | Limited | ✗ |
| Multi-State | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Schedule K-1 | Premium | Premium | Premier | Classic | FREE | ✗ |
| AI Assistant | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Tax Software Customer Support: Phone, Chat, In-Person Help
Does TurboTax Have Phone Support? Tax Help Options Comparison
| Support | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct | TaxSlayer | FreeTaxUSA | Cash App |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AI Chat | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Live Chat | Paid tiers | Paid tiers | ✓ | Premium+ | $7.99 | ✗ |
| Phone Support | Paid tiers | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | $44.99 | ✗ |
| In-Person | ✗ | 10,000+ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| CPA Access | $49–159 | Included | $25–45 | Premium+ | $44.99 | ✗ |
Best Tax App 2025: File Taxes on Your Phone
Tax Software Mobile App Ratings (iOS & Android)
| Platform | iOS App | Android | iOS Rating | Full Filing | W-2 Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax | ✓ | ✓ | 4.5/5 | ✓ | ✓ |
| H&R Block | ✓ | ✓ | 4.6/5 | ✓ | ✓ |
| TaxAct | ✓ | ✓ | 4.0/5 | ✓ | ✓ |
| TaxSlayer | ✓ | ✓ | 4.8/5 | ✓ | ✓ |
| FreeTaxUSA | Web only | Web only | N/A | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cash App | In app | In app | 4.8/5 | ✓ | ✓ |
Tax Software Accuracy Guarantee & Audit Protection 2025
Which Tax Software Has the Best Accuracy Guarantee?
| Platform | Coverage | Max Amount | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax | Penalty + interest | No cap stated | 7 years |
| H&R Block | Penalty + interest | Up to $10,000 | Current year |
| TaxAct | Penalty + interest + audit | $100,000 | Filing year |
| TaxSlayer | Penalty + interest | Not stated | Filing year |
| FreeTaxUSA | Penalty + interest | Not stated | 45 days |
| Cash App | Gift card only | $1,000 max | Filing year |
Tax Software Audit Defense: Cost & What's Included
| Platform | Basic Support | Full Defense | IRS Representation |
|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax | Free Q&A | $39.99 | ✓ With MAX |
| H&R Block | Free notice help | Included | ✓ |
| TaxAct | Free guidance | $49.99 | ✓ Third-party |
| TaxSlayer | 1–3 years | $44 | ✓ Self-Emp tier |
| FreeTaxUSA | Basic included | $19.99 | ✓ Up to $1M |
| Cash App | FREE | FREE | ✓ Included |
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Tax Refund Advance 2025: Get Your Refund Early
Which Tax Software Offers Refund Advance Loans?
| Platform | Available? | Max Amount | APR | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax | ✓ | $4,000 | 0% | $500 min refund |
| H&R Block | Tax Pro only | $4,000 | 0% | File with pro |
| TaxAct | ✗ | N/A | N/A | Not offered |
| TaxSlayer | ✗ | N/A | N/A | Not offered |
| FreeTaxUSA | ✗ | N/A | N/A | Not offered |
| Cash App | ✗ | N/A | N/A | 5 days early deposit |
TurboTax Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth It?
PROS:
- Best-in-class interface - easiest to use for beginners
- Best import capabilities: 100+ brokerages, 20,000 crypto transactions
- 7-year accuracy guarantee with no stated cap
- Up to $4,000 refund advance at 0% APR
CONS:
- MOST EXPENSIVE - $139+ for complex returns
- Aggressive upselling throughout
- Only 37% qualify for free tier
- $40-64 state filing fees
VERDICT: Best for first-time filers, crypto traders with many transactions, those who value premium UX. Not worth it for simple returns.
H&R Block Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth It?
PROS:
- 10,000+ in-person office locations (UNIQUE)
- Free tier includes state filing (better than TurboTax)
- Tax Pro chat included in paid tiers
CONS:
- More expensive than budget options
- Interface less intuitive than TurboTax
- $42 refund transfer fee
VERDICT: Best for those wanting in-person backup option, TurboTax switchers, filers who want expert guidance.
FreeTaxUSA Review 2025: Is FreeTaxUSA Legit? Pros & Cons
PROS:
- FREE federal for ALL situations (Schedule C, D, E included)
- State only $15.99 (75% cheaper than TurboTax)
- 82+ million returns filed - legitimate IRS-approved platform
- Cheapest audit defense at $19.99
CONS:
- No dedicated mobile app (web only)
- Phone support costs $44.99
- Basic interface (less polished)
VERDICT: BEST VALUE. Recommended for self-employed, investors, landlords, anyone who wants to save $100+ vs TurboTax.
Cash App Taxes Review 2025: Is Cash App Taxes Safe? Pros & Cons
PROS:
- 100% FREE - federal AND state ($0 total)
- FREE audit defense included (worth $20-50)
- Covers Schedule C, D, E for free
- Fast refund to Cash App (5 days early)
CONS:
- NO tax professional access at any price
- NO brokerage/crypto import - manual entry only
- SINGLE STATE ONLY - no multi-state filing
- $1,000 accuracy guarantee cap (lowest)
VERDICT: Best for simple single-state returns. Safe and legitimate (formerly Credit Karma Tax). Avoid if you need multi-state or expert help.
TaxSlayer Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth It?
PROS:
- FREE for active-duty military (Classic tier)
- ALL forms in Classic tier ($22.95) - incredible value
- Highest-rated iOS app (4.8 stars)
CONS:
- Most restrictive free tier (no dependents)
- Limited import capabilities
- No refund advance
VERDICT: Best for military personnel. Classic tier is excellent value for investors. Avoid Simply Free tier (too restrictive).
TaxAct Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth It?
PROS:
- $100,000 accuracy guarantee (industry-leading)
- Only major online S-Corp/partnership option
- Affordable expert access ($25-45)
CONS:
- State NEVER free ($39.99+)
- Limited auto-import capabilities
- Less polished interface
VERDICT: Best for S-Corp/LLC owners. Good for those wanting affordable expert access. Avoid for simple returns (state fee kills value).
Best Tax Software 2025: TurboTax vs H&R Block vs FreeTaxUSA vs TaxSlayer vs Cash App Taxes
Compare TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA & Cash App Taxes. See pricing, features, free tiers & which is best for your 2025 tax return.
Best Tax Software 2025: Final Verdict & Recommendations
Best Tax Software by Category (Summary)
| Category | Winner | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Value | FreeTaxUSA | $0 federal for ALL, $15.99 state |
| Best 100% Free | Cash App Taxes | $0 federal + $0 state |
| Best for Beginners | TurboTax | Easiest interface, best guidance |
| Best for Self-Employed | FreeTaxUSA | Free Schedule C ($139 at TurboTax) |
| Best for Crypto/Stocks | TurboTax | 20,000 tx import, 100+ brokers |
| Best for Military | TaxSlayer | Free Classic tier |
| Best In-Person Help | H&R Block | 10,000+ office locations |
| Best for S-Corp/LLC | TaxAct | Only major online option |
| Best Mobile App | TaxSlayer | 4.8 star iOS rating |
| Best Accuracy Guarantee | TaxAct | $100,000 coverage |
| Best Refund Advance | TurboTax | $4,000 at 0% APR |
| Best for Multi-State | FreeTaxUSA | Only $15.99/state |
The Bottom Line: Which Tax Software Should You Use?
For most filers: Start with FreeTaxUSA or Cash App Taxes. Only upgrade to TurboTax or H&R Block if you specifically need their features.
- Need crypto/brokerage import? → TurboTax Premium
- Need in-person backup? → H&R Block
- S-Corp/LLC filing? → TaxAct Business
- Active military? → TaxSlayer (free)
- Everyone else? → FreeTaxUSA ($15.99 total) or Cash App ($0 total)
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, tax, financial, legal, or accounting advice or a recommendation of any tax strategy or product. Pricing, features, and policies for TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA, and Cash App Taxes may change at any time and may vary by product version, filing complexity, state return fees, and promotional timing. Please verify all details directly with each provider before making decisions. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation.