TaxAct Free Edition review
Updated for the 2026 filing season
TaxAct runs two separate free paths: its own site's free tier, and a spot in the IRS Free File program with its own eligibility rules. Which one you land on changes what you get.
TaxAct's own free tier
- W-2 income only
- Standard deduction
- Basic credits (EITC, Child Tax Credit)
Through IRS Free File
Eligibility runs through the program's rules rather than TaxAct's own site, generally tied to the 2025 adjusted gross income cutoff of $89,000 or less. See the full Free File breakdown before starting through that path, since some partners set a lower income bar than the program maximum.
What triggers an upgrade
- Itemized deductions
- Self-employment income
- Investment income (Schedule D)
| Federal | Free for simple returns, either path |
|---|---|
| State | Check current terms before starting |
| Free File Alliance | Participating partner |