Free Tax Filing Helper

Pros

• +Real human walks through it with you.
• +IRS-certified volunteers (most are retired CPAs and lawyers).
• +Handles Schedule C self-employment and capital gains.
• +Held at libraries, senior centers, and community sites February through April.

Cons

• −Need to make an appointment — slots fill in March.
• −Cannot file complex returns (rental property, foreign income).

Pros

• +Free in-person prep with IRS-certified volunteers.
• +Available year-round at some locations.
• +Handles most simple returns very well.

Cons

• −Income cap means higher earners do not qualify.
• −Some sites have limited hours.

Pros

• +Do it from home. No appointment.
• +Filing is genuinely free for federal — no upsell traps.
• +TurboTax left the program; the partners now are TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA, OLT, ezTaxReturn.

Cons

• −Each partner has its own income limits and state-return policies.
• −You have to find the right partner for your situation.

Pros

• +Filed straight to the IRS, no middleman.
• +No upsell, no advertising for paid products.
• +Walks you through in plain English.

Cons

• −Limited to simpler returns (W-2 income, standard deduction).
• −Not all 50 states yet — check your state at the link.
• −Does not file your state return — you still need to do that separately.

Pros

• +Federal e-file is genuinely free for everyone, regardless of income.
• +$15 state return is the lowest in the industry.
• +Handles complex returns (Schedule C, K-1s, capital gains) at no extra cost.
• +Audit support is $8 add-on.

Cons

• −State return is not free.
• −Interface is plainer than TurboTax.

Pros

• +Both federal AND state genuinely free, even for higher earners.
• +Handles most income types including Schedule C.

Cons

• −Have to download the Cash App.
• −Cannot file in multiple states or for nonresident state returns.
• −Less hand-holding than TurboTax or H&R Block.