CNBC Select has run more than a dozen tax software programs through their paces to find the best in a variety of categories.

We compared the top free tax software options to help the do-it-yourself tax filers find the cheapest option in 2026.

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

IRS Free File is now accepting federal tax returns from eligible taxpayers at no cost. Here are the details.

Tax season officially starts on January 26, and this year brings major changes thanks to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law in July 2025. These changes affect your 2025 return filed in ...

Tax season is here, and while it’s not necessarily an occasion most people celebrate, you don’t have to struggle over your taxes anymore. Thanks to tax software programs, you can file your taxes in ...

Even though the tax agency's free pilot program is no longer available, there are other free tax filing options this season.

Tax season is on the horizon, which means it’s time to research and revisit the many competing software providers to find the one that best suits your needs for your unique tax situation. You might be ...

If your income, investments or life circumstances have changed, it may be time to switch tax software. Find the best tax ...

College students need to do their taxes, and many have student loans. So, if you're a student or a student loan borrower, which tax software is best? This year, several major tax companies are ...

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Lars Peterson joined Investopedia in 2023 as a senior editor of financial product ...

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Lars Peterson joined Investopedia in 2023 as a senior editor of financial product ...