Best 10 TurboTax Alternatives in 2026: Free and Paid Options

Introduction

FreeTaxUSA is the best overall TurboTax alternative for most self-filers, thanks to free federal filing and cheap flat-fee state returns. This list of turbotax alternatives covers 9 US options: budget software, free filers, in-person preparers and one pro-grade tool.

Why people look for TurboTax alternatives

Most people switch over cost. The price can climb as a return gets more complex, and add-ons like state filing or expert help add up fast.

Others want a simpler interface, free filing for a basic return, or a human preparer. Some just prefer filling out forms to answering a guided interview.

TurboTax works fine for many filers. These tools simply fit different needs.

Quick comparison table

Pricing and eligibility change each tax season, so check each site before you start.

1. H&R Block Online

Best for: people who want the closest mainstream TurboTax rival, with optional office help.

H&R Block Online has free and paid online tiers, and it often costs less than TurboTax for comparable forms.

Its standout feature is the option to move from online filing to in-person support if your return gets tricky.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, Desktop.

2. FreeTaxUSA

Best for: budget filers comfortable without much hand-holding.

FreeTaxUSA offers free federal filing and a low, flat fee for state returns. The trade-off is less guidance than TurboTax and no live-expert upsells.

Standout feature: flat state-return pricing, which keeps multi-state costs predictable.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android.

3. TaxAct

Best for: people who want a simpler interface and a downloadable option.

TaxAct walks you through personal and small business returns step by step, at moderate prices. The layout is plainer than TurboTax.

Standout feature: you can pick the online or desktop version.

Platforms: Web, Desktop.

4. Cash App Taxes

Best for: straightforward returns that should cost nothing at the federal or state level.

Cash App Taxes offers free federal and state filing from Block, with no upgrade tiers for supported forms. It replaced Credit Karma Tax, which has been discontinued.

The limits: weaker support for complex situations and no paid expert help.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android.

5. TaxSlayer

Best for: cost-conscious filers who want tiers matched to their return type.

TaxSlayer has simple, self-employed and premium plans, and it is generally cheaper than TurboTax. The guided experience feels less polished.

Standout feature: the self-employed tier, which suits freelancers who don't need the top plan.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android.

6. Free File Fillable Forms

Best for: confident filers who know which forms they need and want to pay nothing.

The IRS provides free federal filing options, including fillable forms. You get no interview and no guidance, and it covers federal filing only.

Standout feature: it's free and comes straight from the IRS.

Platforms: Web.

7. Jackson Hewitt

Best for: people who want a local preparer or drop-off service.

Jackson Hewitt offers online filing plus in-person and drop-off options at local offices. Assisted preparation costs more than doing it yourself in TurboTax.

Standout feature: the local office network.

Platforms: Web, Office.

8. eFile.com

Best for: filers who want a smaller, simpler, low-cost service.

eFile.com offers low-cost federal and state returns and supports many forms. Think of it as a leaner take on TurboTax.

Standout feature: broad form support at a low price.

Platforms: Web, iOS, Android.

9. Drake Tax

Best for: accountants and paid preparers, not individuals filing their own returns.

Drake Tax is professional, form-driven desktop software. Most self-filers will find it far more than they need.

Standout feature: preparer-grade, form-by-form control.

Platforms: Desktop.

How we picked these tools

We looked at US filing support, price relative to TurboTax, ease of use and support options. The picks mix free, budget, in-person and professional tools.

We did not run hands-on tests or assign scores. Descriptions come from public product information.

Credit Karma Tax was left out because it was discontinued. Features and pricing change each season.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a completely free TurboTax alternative?

Cash App Taxes and Free File Fillable Forms are the main ones. Cash App Taxes only supports certain forms, and Free File Fillable Forms is federal only, so check eligibility first.

Which option is best for self-employed filers?

TaxSlayer, TaxAct and H&R Block all handle self-employed returns. Compare the tier you'd need on each site.

Can I get human help without TurboTax?

Yes. H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt both offer in-person preparers.

Can I import last year's TurboTax return?

Import options vary, so check each service's import tools before you start.

Is Drake Tax for individuals?

No. It's aimed at preparers, not people filing their own returns.

The verdict

FreeTaxUSA is the strongest overall pick on merit: low cost, free federal filing and flat state pricing.

H&R Block Online is the runner-up if you want office support, and Cash App Taxes suits simple returns at no cost. Choose Jackson Hewitt for drop-off, and Drake Tax if you're a preparer.

Confirm current pricing and form eligibility before you file.