Best Website to File Your Taxes [2025]

Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be stressful—or expensive. With so many tax filing websites promising low-cost or even free returns, how do you know which one actually delivers the best deal?

The truth is, not all tax software is created equal. Some offer free federal filing but charge high fees for state returns. Others advertise low prices but tack on extra costs for things like audit protection or advanced deductions. That’s why we’re breaking it all down for you.

In this guide, you’ll get a clear, no-nonsense comparison of TaxSlayer**, FreeTaxUSA, Liberty Tax, E-File.com, and **Cash App Taxes. We’ll cover:

✅ Which platforms are truly free and which ones have hidden costs✅ Which service is best for different tax situations (simple returns, self-employed, etc.)✅ How to get the biggest refund with the least hassle

By the end, you’ll know exactly which tax software fits your needs—so you can file with confidence and keep more of your hard-earned money.

Let’s get started!

Cash App Taxes (Formerly Credit Karma Tax)

Cash App Taxes is one of the only truly free tax filing services, offering $0 federal and state filing with no hidden fees. It’s a great option for people with simple or even moderately complex tax situations who want to file without spending a dime.

📌 Key Features of Cash App Taxes

✅ 100% free federal and state filing—no hidden costs✅ Supports most tax situations, including itemized deductions & self-employment✅ Audit support included at no extra charge

💰 Pricing & Plan Breakdown

📝 Pros & Cons of Cash App Taxes

✔️ Pros:

• Completely free—no surprise fees
• Includes support for self-employed filers & itemized deductions
• Easy integration with Cash App for direct deposit refunds

❌ Cons:

• No option to file multiple state returns (if you lived in more than one state)
• No professional support—DIY only
• Must have a Cash App account to use

💡 Who Should Use Cash App Taxes?

✔️ Anyone looking for a truly free tax filing option.✔️ People with simple or moderately complex returns who don’t need expert assistance.✔️ Cash App users who want a seamless refund deposit experience.

🚨 Important Note: While Cash App Taxes covers most tax situations, it doesn’t support multi-state filings or certain advanced tax forms (like nonresident returns). If you need those, another service may be a better fit.

FreeTaxUSA

FreeTaxUSA is one of the most budget-friendly tax filing platforms, offering free federal filing for all tax situations—including self-employed and small business owners. Unlike many competitors, it doesn’t restrict free filing to simple returns, making it a great low-cost alternative.

📌 Key Features of FreeTaxUSA

✅ Free federal filing for all tax situations (even itemized deductions & 1099 income)✅ Low-cost state filing ($14.99 per state)✅ Audit support available for an extra fee

💰 Pricing & Plan Breakdown

📝 Pros & Cons of FreeTaxUSA

✔️ Pros:

• Free federal filing for all tax situations (not just simple returns)
• One of the cheapest state filing fees ($14.99 per state)
• Handles self-employed, small business, and complex tax situations for free

❌ Cons:

• No in-person support
• Deluxe plan required for live chat and audit assistance

💡 Who Should Use FreeTaxUSA?

✔️ Anyone looking for truly free federal filing, even for complex returns.✔️ Self-employed filers & freelancers who want a low-cost alternative.✔️ Budget-conscious filers who don’t need premium support.

🚨 Important Note: While federal filing is free, you’ll still pay for state filing ($14.99 per state). If you need live chat support or audit assistance, you’ll have to upgrade to the Deluxe plan.

Liberty Tax

Liberty Tax is a hybrid tax filing service that offers both online and in-person tax preparation. Unlike other software that is purely DIY, Liberty Tax gives you the option to file your taxes yourself or visit one of its 2,500+ physical locations for professional assistance.

📌 Key Features of Liberty Tax

✅ Online tax filing with in-person support available✅ **Same-day refund advance loans (if eligible)**✅ Best for filers who prefer expert assistance

💰 Pricing & Plan Breakdown

📝 Pros & Cons of Liberty Tax

✔️ Pros:

• Option to file online or visit a Liberty Tax office for help
• Refund advance loans available for qualified filers
• Good for people who want expert guidance with their taxes

❌ Cons:

• Higher pricing compared to competitors
• No free filing options

💡 Who Should Use Liberty Tax?

✔️ Filers who want the option of in-person tax help.✔️ People who need their tax refund fast (same-day refund advance loans available).✔️ Self-employed individuals who prefer professional assistance.

🚨 Important Note: Liberty Tax is one of the more expensive options on this list, but the added benefit of in-person support may justify the price for those who need extra guidance.

E-File.com

E-File.com is one of the cheapest online tax filing services, offering some of the lowest federal and state filing costs on the market. It’s a solid choice for filers who want an affordable alternative to TurboTax or H&R Block without sacrificing essential tax features.

📌 Key Features of E-File.com

✅ One of the lowest-cost tax filing options✅ Simple and user-friendly interface✅ Includes all major tax deductions & credits

💰 Pricing & Plan Breakdown

📝 Pros & Cons of E-File.com

✔️ Pros:

• One of the cheapest federal tax filing options
• Includes all major deductions & credits even in lower-tier plans
• Easy-to-use interface for first-time filers

❌ Cons:

• No fully free filing for state returns
• Limited customer support compared to bigger names

💡 Who Should Use E-File.com?

✔️ Budget-conscious filers looking for a low-cost alternative to TurboTax.✔️ People with simple to moderately complex returns who want to save money.✔️ Self-employed filers who don’t need premium tax software.

🚨 Important Note: While E-File.com is affordable, state filing costs $29.95 per return, which is pricier than FreeTaxUSA but still lower than Liberty Tax.

TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer is one of the most affordable tax filing platforms, offering a range of plans to fit different needs. It’s especially popular with self-employed filers and those looking for a budget-friendly alternative to big-name tax software.

📌 Key Features of TaxSlayer

✅ Low-cost federal filing (starting at $0 for basic returns)✅ All plans include IRS audit assistance✅ Best for freelancers & self-employed filers

💰 Pricing & Plan Breakdown

📝 Pros & Cons of TaxSlayer

✔️ Pros:

• Lower cost than TurboTax & H&R Block
• Includes all deductions & credits in the Classic plan
• Great for self-employed filers with 1099 income

❌ Cons:

• State filing isn’t free
• No in-person customer support

💡 Who Should Use TaxSlayer?

✔️ Freelancers & self-employed individuals looking for an affordable option.✔️ People who want IRS audit assistance at no extra cost.✔️ Budget-conscious filers who don’t need in-person support.

🚨 Important Note: TaxSlayer’s Simply Free plan is only for very basic returns (W-2 income, standard deduction). If you need more deductions, you’ll need the Classic plan or higher.

Comparison Chart: Which Tax Filing Service is Best?

Here’s a side-by-side comparison of TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA, Liberty Tax, E-File.com, and Cash App Taxes, so you can quickly see which one fits your needs.

Final Thoughts: Which Tax Filing Service Is Best for You?

Choosing the right tax software depends on your budget, tax situation, and need for support. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

• Want the cheapest overall option? 👉 Cash App Taxes (100% free for federal & state)
• Looking for the lowest-cost paid option? 👉 FreeTaxUSA (free federal, $14.99 per state)
• Need in-person support? 👉 Liberty Tax (online & physical office filing available)
• Best for self-employed filers? 👉 TaxSlayer (affordable plans with audit assistance)
• Prefer a super simple interface? 👉 E-File.com (easy to use, lower cost than big-name software)

Final Tip: File Early to Avoid Stress

No matter which service you choose, filing early helps you avoid delays and get your refund faster. Plus, many tax software providers offer early-bird discounts—so if you plan to use a paid service, signing up sooner rather than later could save you money.

🚀 Ready to file? Pick the platform that fits your needs and get started today!