Top 10 Free Tax Software Options for 2021

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Tax season is here! It's that time of year when we all start thinking about filing our taxes. But hiring a tax professional can be expensive, which is why people often look for free alternatives to do their taxes. Fortunately, there are many free tax software options available that can help you file your taxes easily and efficiently without costing you a dime.

If you're wondering which tax software is best for you in 2021, you're in luck. We've done the research and put together a list of the top 10 free tax software options available this year. From user-friendly interfaces to comprehensive tax return preparation, these software packages offer something for everyone.

Whether you're a freelancer, self-employed, or a W-2 earner, these free tax software options will help you navigate the complicated tax process and maximize your deductions. Don't spend another day stressing over your taxes - check out our list to find the perfect software for your needs.

So what are you waiting for? Dive into our list of top 10 free tax software options for 2021 and discover the perfect solution to help you prepare and file your taxes with ease. From TurboTax to H&R Block, we've got you covered with the best free tax software options available today. Don't let tax season stress you out any longer - let us help you find the perfect software to make your tax preparation a breeze.


Introduction

Tax season is upon us and it’s time to file our taxes. For many people, hiring a tax professional can be expensive, so they opt for free tax software options to navigate their tax preparation. Luckily, there are plenty of options available in 2021 that can help you file your taxes efficiently without costing you any money. In this article, we’ll discuss the top 10 free tax software options and help you find the perfect solution to make your tax preparation a breeze.

TurboTax

TurboTax is one of the most popular free tax software options available. It offers a clear, user-friendly interface that guides you through the entire process of preparing and filing your tax returns. This software is suitable for both freelancers and W-2 earners, offering tax preparation for a wide range of scenarios. TurboTax also comes with free audit support and offers an easy way to import your tax data from last year.

H&R Block

H&R Block offers a free tax software option with a user-friendly interface that makes tax preparation a breeze. It uses a Q&A format to gather all necessary tax information before submitting your return. H&R Block also offers free live chat and phone support for its customers.

TaxAct

TaxAct offers a free federal tax return option with no income limit. It provides step-by-step guidance for filing and prepares state returns for an additional fee. TaxAct also offers a price-lock guarantee, ensuring that you won't have to pay more than the listed price for their services.

Credit Karma Tax

Credit Karma Tax comes with a user-friendly interface, and the software offers free federal and state tax returns. The best feature is its free in-app help, which offers access to tax experts to answer your questions while you file your taxes. It also allows for easy import of previous years’ tax data and notifies users of any potential errors.

FreeTaxUSA

FreeTaxUSA offers free federal tax returns and affordable state returns, with a straightforward user interface. It offers comprehensive support for freelancers and self-employed individuals with Schedule C forms. FreeTaxUSA also offers a deduction maximizer option which guarantees that customers will receive the maximum allowable refund.

eSmart Tax

eSmart Tax offers a simple, guided process to help taxpayers prepare their taxes. It offers free federal tax preparation for simple returns, along with affordable pricing for additional returns. With eSmart Tax, customers can easily import their W-2 and 1099 forms, maximizing their deduction opportunities.

IRS Free File

The IRS offers its own free tax software option for income earners below $72,000 per year. The software offers an easy-to-use interface and step-by-step instructions to ensure that taxpayers submit their returns correctly.

TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer offers a free federal tax return option for all users. For more complex tax needs, it offers additional packages at very affordable prices. TaxSlayer has an information gathering system that allows users to import their previous tax returns directly into the software for a faster filing process.

Jackson-Hewitt

Jackson-Hewitt offers free federal tax returns with the inclusion of a Jackson-Hewitt prepaid debit card. It has a clear, easy-to-use interface that guides taxpayers through the tax preparation process. Jackson-Hewitt's software also provides live chat support to walk tax filers through the filing process step by step.

Liberty Tax

Liberty Tax offers a free federal tax return option that includes audit support and ITIN filing for those who don't have a social security number. Liberty Tax also offers state returns at an affordable price for taxpayers in any state. It has an intuitive interface that makes tax preparation accessible to everyone.

Table Comparison

Tax Software User Interface Free Federal Returns? Free Live Support? Deduction Maximization?
TurboTax User-friendly Yes Audit Support No
H&R Block User-friendly Yes Live Chat & Phone Support No
TaxAct User-friendly Yes Email Support Yes
Credit Karma Tax User-friendly Yes In-app Help No
FreeTaxUSA Variety of Options Yes Email Support Yes
eSmart Tax User-friendly Yes Phone & Email Support No
IRS Free File User-friendly Yes IRS Hotline No
TaxSlayer User-friendly Yes Email & Phone Support No
Jackson-Hewitt User-friendly Yes Live Chat Support No
Liberty Tax User-friendly Yes Live Chat & Phone Support No

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several free tax software options available for individuals with income levels above the poverty line. In determining the best option for you, it is important to consider factors such as user interface, free live support, data importation, and deduction maximization. By utilizing this list, you can find the perfect software option to help streamline and expedite your tax preparation process.


Thank you for taking the time to read our article on the top 10 free tax software options for 2021. We hope that you found the information provided helpful and informative. In today’s day and age, convenience and affordability are key factors when contemplating tax preparation methods. The free tax software options mentioned in this article provide both of these qualities with the added bonus of accuracy and efficiency.

When selecting a tax software, it’s important to consider your specific needs and eligibility requirements. All of the recommended free tax software options differ slightly in their offerings and fees for certain services. Regardless of which software you choose, be sure to take advantage of any available discounts and promotions as tax time approaches!

We understand that tax season can be a daunting time, but we hope that the information provided within this article can alleviate some of the stresses associated with tax preparation. Remember to file your taxes by the deadline and always report accurate information. If you have any questions or concerns about a specific tax software, please consult with a professional tax advisor or contact the software support team directly for assistance.


Are you looking for the best free tax software options for 2021? You're not alone! Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the top 10 free tax software options:

  • 1. What is the best free tax software for 2021?
  • Answer: Based on user reviews and expert opinions, some of the best free tax software options for 2021 include:

    1. TurboTax Free Edition
    2. H&R Block Free Online
    3. Credit Karma Tax
    4. TaxAct Free Edition
    5. FreeTaxUSA Free Edition
  • 2. Can I use free tax software if I have a complicated tax situation?
  • Answer: It depends on your specific situation, but many free tax software options can handle more complex tax situations, including itemized deductions, rental property income, and small business expenses.

  • 3. Are there any hidden fees with free tax software?
  • Answer: Generally, no. Most free tax software options offer free federal and state tax filing, with no hidden fees. However, some may charge extra for certain features or services, so be sure to read the fine print.

  • 4. Is it safe to use free tax software?
  • Answer: Yes, as long as you choose a reputable tax software provider that uses secure encryption and follows best practices for data protection.

  • 5. Can I get help if I have questions while using free tax software?
  • Answer: Yes, most free tax software options offer customer support via phone, email, or chat. Some also provide online resources and FAQs to help you find the information you need.

No matter which free tax software option you choose, be sure to read the instructions carefully, double-check your work, and file your taxes on time to avoid any penalties or fees. Good luck!