Which Free Tax Software Supports Your Forms? Complete 2026 Matrix

This is the most comprehensive form-by-form comparison of free tax software available anywhere. Every cell shows whether a form is included free, requires a paid upgrade, is not supported at all, or varies by partner. Use this matrix to find the free option that covers your exact tax situation.

Free Requires paid upgrade Not supported Varies by partner
FormDescriptionCash App TaxesFreeTaxUSATurboTax FreeH&R Block FreeIRS Free FileTaxSlayer FF
Form 1040Individual income tax returnFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Schedule 1Additional income/adjustmentsFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Schedule 2Additional taxesFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Schedule 3Additional credits/paymentsFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Schedule AItemized deductionsFreeFreePaidPaidFreeFree
Schedule BInterest and dividendsFreeFreePaidPaidFreeFree
Schedule CSelf-employment incomeFreeFreePaidPaidVariesFree
Schedule DCapital gains and lossesFreeFreePaidPaidVariesFree
Schedule ERental/royalty/partnership incomeFreeFreePaidPaidVariesFree
Schedule FFarm incomeNoFreePaidPaidVariesVaries
Schedule HHousehold employment taxesNoFreePaidPaidVariesVaries
Schedule SESelf-employment taxFreeFreePaidPaidVariesFree
Form 8889HSA contributions/distributionsFreeFreePaidPaidFreeFree
Form 8949Crypto/securities transactionsFreeFreePaidPaidNoVaries
Form 1116Foreign tax creditNoFreePaidPaidVariesVaries
Form 2441Child and dependent care creditFreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Form 8863Education credits (AOC, LLC)FreeFreeFreeFreeFreeFree
Form 8962Premium tax credit (ACA)FreeFreePaidPaidFreeFree

Data verified April 2026. "Paid" means the form requires upgrading to a paid tier. "Varies" means support depends on the specific IRS Free File partner.

Key Takeaways

Widest Free Coverage

Cash App Taxes and FreeTaxUSA cover the most forms for free. FreeTaxUSA edges ahead with Schedule F, Schedule H, and Form 1116.

Most Restrictive

TurboTax Free and H&R Block Free require paid upgrades for itemized deductions, investments, self-employment, HSA, crypto, and rental income.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Which free tax software supports the most forms?
Cash App Taxes supports the widest range of forms for free, including Schedules A, B, C, D, E, SE, Form 8889 (HSA), and Form 8949 (crypto). FreeTaxUSA is a close second, adding Schedule F (farm), Schedule H (household employment), and Form 1116 (foreign tax credit). TurboTax Free and H&R Block Free are the most restrictive, covering only simple Form 1040 returns.
Can I file with itemized deductions for free?
Yes. Cash App Taxes and FreeTaxUSA both support Schedule A (itemized deductions) in their free tiers. IRS Free File partners also support itemized deductions. TurboTax Free and H&R Block Free do not support itemized deductions; they require an upgrade to their Deluxe tier ($55-$69).
Which free software supports crypto transactions?
Cash App Taxes and FreeTaxUSA both support Form 8949 (crypto and securities transactions) and Schedule D (capital gains) for free. TurboTax requires Premier ($129) for crypto support. H&R Block requires Premium ($85). IRS Free File partners generally do not support Form 8949.
What does 'varies' mean in the matrix?
For IRS Free File and TaxSlayer Free File, form support varies by partner and can change from year to year. Some Free File partners support Schedule C while others do not. Always check the specific partner's documentation on IRS.gov/freefile before starting your return to confirm your forms are covered.
I need Schedule C and Schedule D. What is my best free option?
Both Cash App Taxes and FreeTaxUSA support Schedule C (self-employment) and Schedule D (capital gains) for free. Cash App Taxes is completely free including state. FreeTaxUSA is free for federal with state at $15.99. TurboTax and H&R Block charge $110-$159 for these same forms.