On this page
- Why people look for an alternative
- The best alternatives at a glance
- FreeTaxUSA
- Cash App Taxes
- H&R Block
- TaxAct
- IRS Free File and other free routes
- How to switch without starting over
- How to choose
- Mistakes to avoid when switching
- Example choices
- What you may give up when you leave
- Questions to ask before you choose
- Final take
TurboTax is popular for good reasons, including a polished interview and a lot of imports. People also leave it for equally good reasons, mostly price. The free edition covers only simple returns, paid tiers are expensive and state returns add more. If any of that sounds familiar, there are strong alternatives, and switching is easier than most people expect.
Why people look for an alternative
- Cost: paid federal tiers and state fees can increase the total substantially.
- The free edition is narrow: only about 37% of filers qualify, so many people are asked to upgrade partway through.
- State fees: they are charged per state on paid plans.
- Add-on costs: live help and audit support increase the final bill.
The best alternatives at a glance
Price snapshot checked October 20, 2026 for tax year 2025 returns filed in 2026. FreeTaxUSA currently lists federal returns at $0 and current-year state returns at $15.99; support add-ons and promotional tax-software prices vary. This is not a price quote for tax year 2026 returns, which are generally filed in 2027. Confirm the final amount on the provider’s own checkout page before filing.
| Option | Federal | State | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FreeTaxUSA | $0 federal for supported returns | $15.99 current-year state return (checked Oct. 20, 2026) | Lowest total cost with complex returns |
| Cash App Taxes | $0 | $0 (one state) | Single-state filers who want it all free |
| H&R Block | $0 for eligible simple returns; paid tiers vary | Free state return if eligible; paid state fee varies | Guidance with the option of an office |
| TaxAct | $0 for eligible simple returns; paid tiers vary | Current state fee at checkout | Compare the exact forms and checkout total |
| IRS Free File | $0 | Varies by partner | Filers under the income limit |
FreeTaxUSA
If cost is your main complaint, start here. FreeTaxUSA lists federal filing at $0 for supported returns, including many self-employment and investment returns, and the current-year state return at $15.99 as of October 20, 2026. Optional support add-ons are extra. The compromise is a plainer interface and less guided help. Our TurboTax vs FreeTaxUSA page has an example cost comparison.
Cash App Taxes
Cash App Taxes is free for federal and state returns with no income limit, and it handles common schedules such as self-employment and investments. Two limits to check: it supports one state per return, and it is a self-service product with little human help. If your situation fits, it is hard to beat on price.
H&R Block
H&R Block is a close substitute if you like TurboTax’s guided approach and want the option of an office visit or tax-pro review. Its free online plan may include a state return for eligible simple filers. Compare current paid tiers and the total state-inclusive checkout price rather than assuming one provider is always cheaper. See TurboTax vs H&R Block.
TaxAct
TaxAct offers paid tiers and expert help through its Xpert Assist options. Its current tier and state prices should be checked at checkout; the free edition may charge separately for state filing. It suits filers in states with no income tax or those who find a promotion that fits. Read H&R Block vs TaxAct to see the totals.
IRS Free File and other free routes
If your adjusted gross income is under the IRS limit ($89,000 for 2025 returns), the IRS Free File program connects you to partner software at no federal cost, and some partners include a state return. IRS Direct File is not available for the 2026 filing season; the Taxpayer Advocate Service reports that implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ended the program’s operation. Above the limit you can use Free File Fillable Forms, which has no guidance, or look for a volunteer tax assistance program near you. All routes are covered in our free tax filing guide.
How to switch without starting over
- Gather your forms first: W-2s, 1099s, 1098s and last year’s return.
- Open the new service and look for “import last year’s return” or “transfer from another provider.”
- Check that your personal information, dependents and carryovers came across correctly.
- Enter this year’s income and deductions as normal.
- Review the final price screen, including the state fee, before you pay.
If you used TurboTax last year, keep the PDF of that return. Your prior-year adjusted gross income is also commonly used to verify your identity when you e-file.
How to choose
- Complex return, wants the lowest cost: FreeTaxUSA.
- Simple return, one state, wants zero cost: Cash App Taxes or a free plan.
- Wants guidance and a human option: H&R Block.
- Low income: an IRS Free File partner.
Mistakes to avoid when switching
- Starting a return before checking eligibility. Read the free plan’s list of supported forms first so you are not surprised by an upgrade.
- Forgetting the state fee. A low federal price can hide an expensive state return.
- Using a search ad to find the “free” version. For IRS Free File, start from the IRS site.
- Assuming carryovers moved. Check capital loss carryovers, depreciation and other items that continue from year to year.
- Skipping a copy of last year’s return. Keep it for your records and for identity verification.
Example choices
A parent with one W-2 and one state. Cash App Taxes or H&R Block’s free plan can often cover this at no cost. A remote worker with two states. FreeTaxUSA’s low per-state fee beats paid plans. A retiree who wants help. H&R Block’s office option or an IRS-supported volunteer program may be a better fit than software alone.
What you may give up when you leave
Cheaper tools usually explain less. You may lose some of TurboTax’s step-by-step prompts, certain automatic imports and the option to add live expert help from the same screen. If any of those matter to you, price them in before you switch. If none do, the savings are real.
Questions to ask before you choose
- Does the plan support every form on my return?
- What is the total with my state return?
- Do I want to be able to reach a person?
- Will I file in more than one state?
Write down your answers before you open any website. It takes two minutes, and it keeps a low advertised price from steering you toward a plan that does not fit your return or your state.
Final take
You rarely need TurboTax’s prices to file a correct return. Match the alternative to your situation, add the state fee and check what the free plan really includes before entering your data.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free alternative to TurboTax?
For eligible supported returns, Cash App Taxes lists federal and state filing at $0 for one state. FreeTaxUSA lists federal filing at $0 for supported returns and a $15.99 current-year state return as of October 20, 2026. Check forms and eligibility before filing.
Can I import my TurboTax return into another service?
Most major services can import a prior-year return from other providers. Look for the import option at the start of the return.
Is it safe to switch tax software?
Switching is usually possible, but supported forms, import options, pricing and workflow can differ by provider. Keep a copy of the prior-year return and verify carryovers after importing.
Why do people leave TurboTax?
The common reasons are price, state fees, being moved from the free edition to a paid tier and the cost of added help.
Official sources and references
Use these first-party pages to verify current plans, prices, features and eligibility. Offers and terms can change by country, billing period and date; confirm the details that apply to you before buying. Links below are provider documentation, not independent endorsements.