The IRS Direct File program was eliminated for the 2026 tax filing season. However, there are still several free tax preparation software options for some filers.

Compare the best tax software for 2026, including pricing, features and free filing options to choose the right platform for your return.

Listen, filing for your taxes can be annoying enough. And paying places like TurboTax to do it can add to the aggravation. So ...

IRS Direct File, which was offered in 25 states last year, has been discontinued. But one very-much underused, free program ...

Even though the tax agency's free pilot program is no longer available, there are other free tax filing options this season. Robin Hartill Robin Hartill is a Florida-based Certified Financial Planner ...

Most commercial tax-prep companies have free tiers. H&R Block is one of the most popular and has an easy-to-navigate ...

Paying taxes is hard enough — but paying a fee to pay your taxes just adds insult to injury. The good news is that millions of taxpayers can file their federal returns — and even their state returns — ...

Over two dozen states incorporated the free tax software in 2025, but the IRS has decided to discontinue the program. Peter is a writer and editor for the CNET How-To team. He has been covering ...

Practical tools that simplify online business finances, from invoicing and expenses to cash flow, reporting, and scaling ...