{"id":5300,"date":"2025-02-13T16:33:15","date_gmt":"2025-02-13T17:33:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/?p=5300"},"modified":"2025-05-15T12:47:25","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T12:47:25","slug":"best-free-online-tax-filing-options-4-is-a-reader-favorite","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/13\/best-free-online-tax-filing-options-4-is-a-reader-favorite\/","title":{"rendered":"Best FREE Online Tax Filing Options (#4 is a Reader Favorite!)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><em>Looking to file your taxes for free? Here are the best free tax filing options for 2025!<\/em><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11069795 skip-lazy lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"tax slayer on mac\" width=\"912\" height=\"547\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/tax-slayer-on-mac.jpg?w=912&amp;resize=912%2C547&amp;strip=all\"><\/p>\n<p>Taxes need to be filed (or an automatic extension filed) by Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, so don\u2019t wait! This year, the IRS is urging taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the information they need.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 20px\">Here are 7 FREE electronic tax filing programs that are quick and easy, so you can check income tax filing off your to-do list in the most painless way possible!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>1. Get peace of mind with Tax Slayer\u2019s prior year comparison and file your federal &amp; state taxes FREE!<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11608603 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"tax slayer on computer screen next to baby\" width=\"912\" height=\"760\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/tax-slayer.jpg?w=912&amp;resize=912%2C760&amp;strip=all\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TaxSlayer Simply Free plan<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>FREE<\/strong>!<\/p>\n<p>File your federal <em>and<\/em> state returns for FREE online!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TaxSlayer Classic plan<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Only $22.95!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Includes all free plan features plus all forms, credits, and itemized deductions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>2. Looking for a name you know? File simple federal <em>and<\/em> state tax returns for FREE with TurboTax.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.searchcactus.com\/publisher\/trackofr.asp?chnl=218357&amp;ofr=1088926&amp;uid=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-9446450 size-large lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"Person holding appl working on laptop\" width=\"912\" height=\"479\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/turbotax-software.jpg?w=912&amp;resize=912%2C479&amp;strip=all\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.searchcactus.com\/publisher\/trackofr.asp?chnl=218357&amp;ofr=1088926&amp;uid=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"sponsored noopener\">TurboTax Free Edition<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>FREE!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Includes state and federal tax returns.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>TurboTax Assisted or Full Service<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\n<strong>As low as $39!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>3. Got deductions? File FREE online with H&amp;R Block \u2013 even <em>with<\/em> select deductions.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11608608 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"h&amp;r block office\" width=\"912\" height=\"608\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/HR-block.jpg?w=912&amp;resize=912%2C608&amp;strip=all\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Simple Tax filing<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>FREE!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Includes deductions for student tuition, payments, and loan interest.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Deluxe Tax filing w\/ credit &amp; deductions<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Only $35 (reg. $60)!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Includes all free features plus HSA, marketplace insurance, and childcare expenses.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>4. Enjoy advanced features at no extra cost with FreeTax USA.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h2><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-11069780 size-large lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"free tax usa website on laptop\" width=\"912\" height=\"608\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/free-tax-usa-.jpg?w=912&amp;resize=912%2C608&amp;strip=all\"><\/a><\/h2>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">FreeTax USA <\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Try ANY plan for FREE \u2013 <\/strong><em>includes basic, advanced, premium, or self-employed filing!<\/em><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>OR add a state return for just $14.99.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"knockout default-blue\">\n<p><strong>Hip Tip: <\/strong>This site has been highly recommended by our Hip2Save readers for its easy-to-use platform and no-nonsense pricing! \u2b50\ufe0f<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>5. Surprise filing fees? Not with Credit Karma Tax.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11608632 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"woman with daughter looking at credit karma on phone\" width=\"912\" height=\"608\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/credit-karma.jpg?w=912&amp;resize=912%2C608&amp;strip=all\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Credit Karma Tax<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>FREE!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Includes free federal AND state returns. If you filed with Credit Karma Tax last year, you can file even faster by importing your past returns from Credit Karma Tax.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"knockout default-blue\">\n<p><strong>Don\u2019t fear an audit!<\/strong> Credit Karma Tax guarantees 100% accurate calculations, and you\u2019re covered by their <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">100% FREE Audit Defense<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>6. Cash App has outstanding reviews and federal and state filing is FREE!<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11608729 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"cash app on phone\" width=\"912\" height=\"608\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/cash-app.jpg?w=912&amp;resize=912%2C608&amp;strip=all\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cash App Free &amp; Easy Filing<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>FREE!<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Includes state and federal tax returns.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote>\n<p>WOW! Cash App has a 4.3-star rating from over 9,300+ reviews on <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TrustPilot<\/a>! \u2b50\ufe0f<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 class=\"intro lead\"><strong>7. Get a maximum refund guarantee with TaxAct.<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-10744398 size-large lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"income tax preparation forms\" width=\"912\" height=\"684\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/income-tax-return-forms.jpg?w=912&amp;resize=912%2C684&amp;strip=all\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TaxAct Free Federal plan<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>FREE!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"knockout outline default-blue\">\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">TaxAct Deluxe Federal plan<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Only $29.99!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Upload a previous tax year\u2019s return even if you had a different provider. Plus, add a state return for just $39.99.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>Check out a few more Hip tips for free tax filing options!<\/strong><\/h3>\n<div class=\"contentwrap knockout default-blue\">\n<ul>\n<li>If your income is $84,000 or less, you can head directly to <strong><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IRS.gov<\/a><\/strong> and file your federal taxes for free!<\/li>\n<li>Residents of Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington may be eligible to file their taxes free of charge thanks to the pilot program IRS Direct File. Visit the <a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IRS Direct File website<\/a> to check your eligibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Check the daily deal sites.<\/strong> <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Groupon<\/a> has offered up significantly reduced vouchers for online tax preparation products in the past, and they will likely have similar offers throughout this year\u2019s tax season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Ask your local college or university.<\/strong> One reader reported that the accounting students at her local college will complete tax returns for free. They\u2019re then reviewed by the professor to ensure accuracy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide<\/strong> offers free help for older taxpayers and people with limited incomes. Find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site in your community by\u00a0visiting the <strong><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">AARP website<\/a><\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>If you\u2019re in the military<\/strong>, check out\u00a0<strong><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Military One Source<\/a><\/strong> for more information about the different tax filing resources available.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check your local library.<\/strong> Some readers have scored free tax filing at select library branches.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) sites near you.<\/strong> Those who generally make less than $67,000 per year, persons with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers, and the elderly may qualify for assistance through the <strong><a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">VITA and TCE Programs<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Find a VITA Volunteer site in your community by\u00a0visiting the <a rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">IRS tax prep website<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-11465977 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" alt=\"woman holding up money\" width=\"912\" height=\"479\" data-src=\"https:\/\/hip2save.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/collin-lifestyle-holding-money.jpg?w=912&amp;resize=912%2C479&amp;strip=all\"><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"intro lead\">Looking for your 2024 tax return?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p>Although the IRS typically issues more than 90% of federal tax refunds within 21 days of accepting them, sometimes it can take longer than that to receive your money. <a rel=\"\">Learn how to check the status of your federal income tax return here.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p class=\"intro lead\"><strong><a>Our team recommends these 38 ways to save money in 2025!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Looking to file your taxes for free? Here are the best free tax filing options for 2025! Taxes need to be filed (or an automatic extension filed) by Tuesday, April 15th, 2025, so don\u2019t wait! This year, the IRS is urging taxpayers to file electronically with direct deposit as soon as they have the information&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5302,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[15],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5300"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5300"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5300\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5301,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5300\/revisions\/5301"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5302"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5300"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5300"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.autotradethemasters.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5300"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}