Compare
Compare your filing options
Published criteria first, then the table — in the order the criteria are listed, not by who pays us the most.
How this table is built.
- Typical cost
- Best fit for return complexity
- Level of support
- Time investment
| Criteria | Free Filing | Paid Software (TurboTax / H&R Block) | CPA / Professional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free for qualifying simple returns | A flat fee, higher for more forms or state returns | Generally the highest cost, varies by complexity |
| Best fit for return complexity | Single W-2, no dependents, no itemizing | Dependents, a mortgage, modest side income | Self-employment, multiple states, major life changes |
| Level of support | Minimal, mostly self-guided | Guided prompts, error-checking, sometimes live help | Direct advice tailored to your full financial picture |
| Time investment | Usually the fastest for a simple return | Moderate, a longer guided interview | Least time from you, but requires scheduling and documents |
| Handles self-employment income | Rarely well, often not included in free tiers | Yes, with prompts for common business deductions | Yes, with judgment beyond just form-filling |
| Advice beyond this year's return | No | Limited, mostly software-generated suggestions | Yes, ongoing planning is part of what you pay for |
This table describes general categories, not every provider's exact features, which change over time. It cannot tell you which option is right for your specific return — use it alongside your own refund estimate and complexity check.
Next step
Where to file once you know your fit
How we make money: some links here are partner or affiliate links and we may be paid a fee at no cost to you. It never changes what we write or how options are ordered — see our disclosure and methodology.
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