Do-it-yourself tax preparation services have radically changed how people in the US file their income taxes: It's entirely possible to now do your taxes (no matter how complex) from your phone or tablet. Some companies provide standalone apps, while others maintain versions of their sites you can access through a mobile browser. PCMag has been testing these services for more than a decade, so you can trust that we know which ones are worth using. Our Editors' Choice winners for the 2025 tax year are TurboTax, which provides an exceptional user experience, comprehensive tax topic coverage, and extra support for the self-employed, and FreeTaxUSA, which helps you file even complex federal returns for free. Read more about all of our top picks below, followed by everything you need to know about filing your taxes from your phone.
Overview
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![Intuit TurboTax 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best OverallIntuit TurboTax 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
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![FreeTaxUSA 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best for Free Federal FilingFreeTaxUSA 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
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![H&R Block 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best for Context-Sensitive HelpH&R Block 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
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![TaxAct 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best Mobile SiteTaxAct 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
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![TaxSlayer 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best for Budget-Conscious Tax FilersTaxSlayer 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
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![Cash App Taxes 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best for Free Federal and State FilingCash App Taxes 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
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![Liberty Tax 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best for Liberty Tax ClientsLiberty Tax 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
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![Jackson Hewitt Online 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best for Jackson Hewitt ClientsJackson Hewitt Online 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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![Intuit TurboTax 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best OverallIntuit TurboTax 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
TurboTax has topped our list of the best tax prep software for many years because it’s more understandable and thorough than any competitor, thus helping you reduce your income tax obligation in every way possible. Its explanations of both simple and complex tax topics are conversational and comprehensible, and it provides multiple layers of help as it takes you through IRS Form 1040—even in its dedicated mobile apps for Android and iOS. TurboTax also offers a state-of-the-art user experience and a robust free version.
Who It’s For
First-time filers and anyone who needs extensive support: TurboTax offers an exceptional user experience and top-notch guidance. It strikes a friendly tone and gives you the option to connect to professionals should you need more targeted help.
Gig workers on the go: If you want the best tool for reporting complicated income and expenses from your phone, TurboTax is the service to use. It also supports sole proprietors extremely well.
Specs & Configurations
All Major IRS Forms and Schedules Chat Help Context-Sensitive Help Hyperlinked Help In Interview Imports Competitors' Returns Mobile Access Phone Support for Tax Topics Searchable Help Database Learn More Intuit TurboTax 2026 (Tax Year 2025) Review -
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Credit: FreeTaxUSA
![FreeTaxUSA 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best for Free Federal FilingFreeTaxUSA 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
FreeTaxUSA is the best free federal tax prep website (state returns cost $15.99). Its mobile site works quite well. You just sign in through your phone’s browser rather than downloading an app. The service has a clean, professional interface and excellent navigation tools. Its help system and associated tools are unusually good for a free product. You can optionally connect directly with a tax professional for just $44.99.
Who It’s For
Budget-conscious and tax-savvy filers: FreeTaxUSA’s better-than-expected guidance, thorough coverage of tax topics, and usability might prove just enough, even if you must report a lot of income and expenses.
First-time filers with simple returns: Free versions of competing apps might technically be sufficient, but FreeTaxUSA offers friendly, fast, comprehensive prep with enough help to support basic tax topics.
Gig workers: If you must file Schedule C and don’t anticipate needing an exceptional amount of help, FreeTaxUSA is a great option. Competitors charge a lot for their self-employed versions.
Specs & Configurations
All Major IRS Forms and Schedules Chat Help Comprehensive Navigational Outline Context-Sensitive Help Hyperlinked Help In Interview Imports Competitors' Returns Mobile Access Phone Support for Tax Topics Searchable Help Database Learn More FreeTaxUSA 2026 (Tax Year 2025) Review -
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Credit: H&R Block
![H&R Block 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best for Context-Sensitive HelpH&R Block 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
H&R Block is a respected household name for in-person tax preparation. Its DIY tax prep lives up to that reputation, and its mobile apps are every bit as good as its web app. The company's numerous products and services feature user-friendly interfaces, extensive topic coverage, and context-sensitive help. H&R Block excels at explaining tax issues in ways you can easily understand.
Who It’s For
Households with multiple income streams and deductible expenses: H&R Block Deluxe is an affordable option that’s suitable for family tax issues. Its expert help and intuitive design make it appealing to both novice and seasoned filers.
Road warriors: If you want to prepare and file your taxes on the go, you should like the company’s slick mobile apps—they offer extensive help.
Self-employed individuals: H&R Block offers a special version for sole proprietors who are willing to pay extra for specialized help, including unlimited free access to tax experts.
Specs & Configurations
All Major IRS Forms and Schedules Chat Help Context-Sensitive Help Hyperlinked Help In Interview Imports Competitors' Returns Mobile Access Phone Support for Tax Topics Searchable Help Database Learn More H&R Block 2026 (Tax Year 2025) Review -
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Credit: TaxAct
![TaxAct 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best Mobile SiteTaxAct 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
TaxAct no longer offers dedicated mobile apps, but you can still easily prepare and file your taxes from your phone by signing into its site on a mobile browser. Help tools and the Q&A sections mirror the desktop site and guide you through the complexities of the IRS tax code. TaxAct digs deep, asking questions about your finances that help it find all the deductions and credits for which you are eligible.
Who It’s For
Seasoned tax filers who just want to get the job done: If you know your way around the 1040, we can recommend TaxAct. The mobile site handles complex tax scenarios well enough.
W-2 employees who want to itemize: TaxAct could be a good choice for W-2 workers who want to minimize their tax obligation by itemizing but who don't need the targeted, deep support of H&R Block or TurboTax.
Specs & Configurations
All Major IRS Forms and Schedules Chat Help Comprehensive Navigational Outline Context-Sensitive Help Hyperlinked Help In Interview Imports Competitors' Returns Mobile Access Phone Support for Tax Topics Searchable Help Database Learn More TaxAct 2026 (Tax Year 2025) Review -
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Credit: TaxSlayer
![TaxSlayer 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best for Budget-Conscious Tax FilersTaxSlayer 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
TaxSlayer started as a tool for accountants and professional tax preparers more than 50 years ago. It’s been in the online DIY tax prep business since the 1990s. The mobile apps provide walk-throughs of Form 1040-related topics, a searchable database of help files, and decent guidance throughout. The mobile apps for Android and iOS are comprehensive and easy to use.
Who It’s For
Budget-minded individuals with a lot to report: TaxSlayer’s Classic level, which includes all major IRS forms and schedules, costs less than competitors' equivalents (except for free, comprehensive versions).
Very small business owners familiar with Schedule C: If you have reported business income and expenses before or don’t need a lot of support, TaxSlayer could be a good fit. Companies looking to keep costs down should appreciate the Classic version's modest price.
Specs & Configurations
All Major IRS Forms and Schedules Chat Help Context-Sensitive Help Hyperlinked Help In Interview Imports Competitors' Returns Mobile Access Phone Support for Tax Topics Searchable Help Database Learn More TaxSlayer 2026 (Tax Year 2025) Review -
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Credit: Cash App Taxes
![Cash App Taxes 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best for Free Federal and State FilingCash App Taxes 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) is the only service we tested that doesn't cost a dime for comprehensive federal and state preparation and filing. It supports all major and most minor tax forms and schedules. The app is fast, with an excellent interface and navigation system. It offers almost everything you need to prepare the most difficult returns—except for a robust help system and access to professionals. You need a Cash App account to use it.
Who It’s For
Self-employed individuals on a tight budget: Although Cash App Taxes is lighter on help and guidance than paid competitors, its self-employment section might be sufficient for the smallest businesses.
Struggling households that simply can’t afford tax prep: Families strapped for cash are likely to have simple enough tax profiles that Cash App Taxes will suffice. As mentioned, it's free for federal and state preparation and filing and offers basic help resources.
Specs & Configurations
All Major IRS Forms and Schedules Context-Sensitive Help Hyperlinked Help In Interview Imports Competitors' Returns Mobile Access Searchable Help Database Learn More Cash App Taxes 2026 (Tax Year 2025) Review -
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Credit: Liberty Tax
![Liberty Tax 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best for Liberty Tax ClientsLiberty Tax 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Liberty Tax is a competent online tax preparation service from a well-known brick-and-mortar tax preparer. Pages load fast, and its user interface is simple and clean. Taxpayers can access the site remotely by signing in via a mobile browser. The mobile site provides access to all the features and content from the desktop version, except for a real-time total of your tax refund or obligation.
Who It’s For
In-person clients of Liberty Tax who want to save money: Liberty Tax might not be a good option if you must deal with complex topics like depreciation and capital gains and losses. But if you just have common income sources and deductions, you might do just fine with it.
Returning users: Switching to new software of any kind is time-consuming, and no one wants to spend any more time than is necessary on tax prep. If Liberty Tax met your needs last year, it should do so again this year.
Specs & Configurations
All Major IRS Forms and Schedules Chat Help Hyperlinked Help In Interview Mobile Access Searchable Help Database Learn More Liberty Tax 2026 (Tax Year 2025) Review -
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Credit: Jackson Hewitt
![Jackson Hewitt Online 2026 (Tax Year 2025)]()
Best for Jackson Hewitt ClientsJackson Hewitt Online 2026 (Tax Year 2025)
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
Although Jackson Hewitt is known for its physical offices, it offers an online DIY tax prep service. You can trust the company’s financial expertise and expansive coverage of tax topics available with its online tax service. The price is extremely reasonable at just $25 for both federal and state returns. The mobile website works just as well as the desktop version.
Who It’s For
Taxpayers who have used the product before and liked it: Jackson Hewitt Online hasn't changed much over the years, so you can expect a similar experience with the latest version. Of course, it incorporates the new tax law changes.
Individuals who want a no-frills tax prep experience: The desktop site and accompanying mobile site are affordable enough that you shouldn't mind the somewhat simple interface. Just keep in mind that the experience is light on help resources.
Specs & Configurations
All Major IRS Forms and Schedules Chat Help Hyperlinked Help In Interview Mobile Access Searchable Help Database -
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Best For | Best Overall | Best for Free Federal Filing | Best for Context-Sensitive Help | Best Mobile Site | Best for Budget-Conscious Tax Filers | Best for Free Federal and State Filing | Best for Liberty Tax Clients | Best for Jackson Hewitt Clients | Best Overall | Best for Free Federal Filing | Best for Context-Sensitive Help |
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Buying Guide: The Best Mobile Tax Apps for 2026
What Should You Expect From a Mobile Tax App?
There are a few downsides to preparing and filing your income taxes on your smartphone. Obviously, you might not want to work on a smaller screen. You also need to take steps to ensure your return and any forms you scan or photograph are secure. That means not using unsecured Wi-Fi networks, for one thing (more on this later). But if you live on your phone and are happy doing work on it, give it a try.
Of the tax services we tested, the following have dedicated mobile apps:
- Cash App Taxes
- H&R Block
- TaxSlayer
- TurboTax
The services with mobile versions of their websites are:
- FreeTaxUSA
- Jackson Hewitt
- Liberty Tax
- TaxAct
How Much Do Tax Apps Cost?
The best tax prep solutions can cost more than $100 for their self-employed editions, but there are more affordable options. A few free services are available, which we cover in the next section.
Most of the companies behind these services offer multiple versions. The price typically increases with the number of forms and schedules you need to file, or with the services you require (in the case of TaxSlayer). The best tax apps guide you to the right option by asking you questions about your tax situation before you even start the preparation process. Prices also go up if you need extra professional help services (except for H&R Block).
The prices are the same whether you want to use the tax prep service on a desktop browser or a mobile app, and you can switch between them at any time. You don’t pay until you’re ready to file, so you can check out different sites before making a financial commitment.
Are Any Tax Apps Free?
Although the Direct File program is no longer available, you might still qualify to use paid commercial software through the IRS Free File Program if, for example, your adjusted gross income is below $89,000 or you're in the military.
(Credit: FreeTaxUSA/PCMag)Cash App Taxes is the only commercial app that's free for both federal and state returns, though it doesn't support some of the most uncommon scenarios. FreeTaxUSA is free for federal filing and charges a reasonable $15.99 per state return. Both Cash App Taxes and FreeTaxUSA let you report capital gains, rental income, and self-employment income, among other complex tax situations.
If your financial situation is simple enough that you don’t need to file much more than a 1040, several tax apps, such as H&R Block, TaxSlayer, and TurboTax, offer free editions.
As always, you can file for free if you fill out the IRS and state forms on paper and mail them.
Are Mobile Tax Apps Similar to Their Desktop Counterparts?
Whether you're viewing them on a spacious monitor or a petite phone screen, tax preparation services work similarly. You don't see the official IRS forms and schedules, though some apps give you a sneak peek. Instead, the apps ask you questions about your tax-related information. As you answer using simple data-entry options, the services fill in the relevant IRS forms in the background. Since this process keeps you from having to enter data on any IRS forms, it reduces the amount you need to know about the tax code and how it has changed over the past year.
If you've ever used a tax prep service on a desktop computer, you might wonder if it's possible to get the same experience on your phone. The short answer is yes. We've been pleasantly surprised to see what the apps' designers can do. The apps compress content and don't have as much room for decorative graphics and big icons, but the pages look remarkably similar to their desktop counterparts in many cases.
You have to scroll more to read help articles and simply to get through pages with a lot of questions, but you can indeed complete a return that includes Form 1040, Schedules A through F, and myriad others.
We don't necessarily recommend taking on a big job on a smartphone. If you have to file Schedule C for self-employment or Schedule D for investment transactions, it's unquestionably easier to complete your tax return on a big screen with a full-sized keyboard. But no matter where you start your tax preparation, you can continue it on any device by signing in with your username and password.
Which Tax Apps Have the Best Help?
Even if they didn't have extensive help resources (which many of them do), tax websites and apps would still make tax prep easier than if you were filing using paper IRS forms and schedules. Their guidance can mean the difference between completing your return yourself and taking it to a professional, which might still be necessary if your financial situation is complex enough. Do-it-yourself tax prep is not for everyone, after all.
Some tax apps are the products of well-known in-person tax prep companies (H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, and Liberty Tax). If your tax prep gets to be too much for you, these companies are happy to have their tax professionals finish what you started—for a fee, of course. TurboTax offers more expensive versions that connect you to tax professionals via chat, phone, or screen sharing. You get unlimited access to this service year-round, which can be handy if you file an extension or do tax planning in the offseason. Other apps, like FreeTaxUSA and H&R Block, allow you to connect with tax pros during the filing season.
(Credit: Intuit/PCMag)Tax apps have other kinds of help, too. For example, they put links next to some questions that open windows with expanded explanations. These explanations avoid the complicated language you see on IRS forms for the most part and don't cover topics in excruciating detail. Instead, they strive to make tax concepts as simple and understandable as possible.
Tax apps also have searchable help databases. Type in a word or phrase, and they provide links to articles on the topic. They might also tell you how to get to the page in the app where that information should appear. TurboTax and H&R Block offer additional AI-driven chatbots that can be quite effective. Most apps also have chat, email, and phone help for procedural questions, while some host online communities.
Are Tax Apps Secure?
If you plan to file your taxes from a mobile device, you need to think closely about security. The information you supply for your taxes is, by definition, sensitive. All the services we recommend take security seriously, but it's important to do your part as well.
You might not think about the security of your Wi-Fi traffic. But if you're at all likely to use a Wi-Fi network you don't control (for example, at an airport, coffee shop, or library) at any point in the filing process, you should use a VPN. If the VPN conflicts with your tax app, wait until you can connect to a network you control before doing anything else with your taxes.
Most mobile tax apps and websites support multi-factor authentication, which you should set up and use to add another layer of security to your online account.
To avoid tax scams, keep in mind that the IRS will never call, email, or text you out of the blue to ask for private information. The agency prefers to communicate by letter via the US Postal Service.