Takeaways
- Filing your federal taxes on time and in full is good financial hygiene.
- The deadline to file your 2024 federal taxes is Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
- States that don’t have state income taxes don’t require a state income tax return.
- Consulting with a tax professional before tax season is a smart money move.
- A financial planning strategy that reduces your tax liability can save you money.
Filing Income Taxes
Filing your taxes can be a stressful experience, especially if you have a new variable in your life, like a spouse or child, or received a financial windfall. Choosing the best online tax software to help you prepare your taxes can dramatically improve the process.
Depending on the complexity of your tax situation, each one of the companies below could be a great fit. Whether you need top-notch tax advice from Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and tax experts or simply want the most budget-friendly filing solution, there is an option for you. Some of these tax software services offer additional features like data-driven tax recommendations, quick tips, year-end planning, and video conferencing with CPAs and tax professionals.
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Best Online Tax Software Programs for 2025
Intuit Website
Intuit TurboTax
Our Rating: 5/5
Federal Filing Fee: $59 – $119
State Filing Fee: $0 – $59
Best For: Federal Filing and Complicated Tax Returns
H&R Block Website
H&R Block
Our Rating: 5/5
Federal Filing Fee: $35 – $85
State Filing Fee: $0 – $37
Best For: Federal Filing and Complicated Tax Returns
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TaxSlayer
Our Rating: 5/5
Federal Filing Fee: $32.25 – $62.95
State Filing Fee: $0 – $39.95
Best For: Free Federal Filing and Simple Tax Returns
Tax Act Website
Tax Act
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Federal Filing Fee: $49.99 – $99.99
State Filing Fee: $39.99 – $59.99
Best For: Free Federal Filing and Simple Tax Returns
FreeTax Website
Free Tax USA
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Federal Filing Fee: $0
State Filing Fee: $14.99
Best For: Free Federal Filing and Simple Tax Returns
Liberty Tax Website
Liberty Tax
Our Rating: 4.5/5
Federal Filing Fee: $47.96
State Filing Fee: $36.95
Best For: Federal Filing and Simple Tax Returns
Smart Summary
Filing your taxes is an essential part of a well-informed financial plan. Optimizing your earnings to reduce your tax burden is a smart money move. Whether that is using a robo-advisor to take advantage of tax-loss harvesting or timing when to take investment gains and losses, tax strategies should help you accumulate wealth and increase your net worth.
Frequently Asked Questions
The deadline to file your 2024 federal taxes is Tuesday, April 15, 2025. You can delay your filing, but the IRS requires payment.
Depending on where you live, where you earned your income, if you worked from home, and how you earned your income, you could be subject to state income tax. States like Texas, Florida, or Tennessee that don’t have a state income tax do not require you to file a state income tax return.
Capital gains are gains on investment in assets like stocks, bonds, or real estate. Capital gains are taxed at lower rates than the federal income tax brackets.
