We compared 5 popular tax filing services on price, features, and user experience. One stood out for offering completely free filing, free credit monitoring, and early refund access — all in one place.
We evaluated these services on pricing, features, ease of use, and extras. Here's how they stack up for the 2025 tax season.
Free Tax Filing Powered by TurboTax
Full-Featured • Premium Pricing
Expert Help Included • Mid-Range
Budget Option • Basic Features
Affordable • Fewer Extras
See how each service stacks up across the features that matter most
| Feature | Credit Karma ⭐ | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct | TaxSlayer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Federal Filing | ✓ Always | ✓ Simple only | ✓ Simple only | ✓ Simple only | ✓ Simple only |
| Free State Return | ✓ Free | ✗ $39+ | ✓ (free tier) | ✗ $39+ | ✗ $39+ |
| Free Credit Score | ✓ Included | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Refund Advance (up to $4K) | ✓ $0 cost | ✓ (separate) | ✓ (separate) | ✗ | ✗ |
| Early Refund (up to 5 days) | ✓ Free | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Personalized Financial Tips | ✓ Year-round | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Live Expert Help | Via TurboTax | ✓ (add-on) | ✓ (included) | ✓ (add-on) | ✗ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Avg. Cost (Deluxe) | $0 | $89 | $55 | $65 | $48 |
More than just tax filing — a complete financial platform
Answers to help you make the right choice for your tax situation
Credit Karma offers free federal and state filing for simple returns (Form 1040 with limited schedules), powered by TurboTax's filing engine. Unlike standalone TurboTax where the Deluxe plan starts at $89, Credit Karma members access TurboTax-powered filing at no cost. Other services like H&R Block and TaxSlayer also offer free tiers, but typically with more limitations on which forms are supported.
Yes. Credit Karma offers two ways to get your money sooner. First, you can receive your federal refund up to 5 days early by depositing it into a Credit Karma Money™ Spend account at no extra charge. Second, eligible filers can apply for a Refund Advance loan of up to $4,000 — with 0% APR and $0 in fees — often deposited within minutes of IRS acceptance. Most other tax services don't offer comparable early-access features.
Credit Karma is unique among tax filing services in that it provides free credit score monitoring from TransUnion and Equifax, year-round personalized financial tips, debt tracking, and property value monitoring — all within the same app. No other tax filing service offers this level of ongoing financial insight after tax season ends.
Credit Karma and TurboTax are both part of Intuit. When you file through Credit Karma, your taxes are processed using TurboTax's software engine. Your Credit Karma account info can pre-fill tax documents automatically, and you can snap a photo of your W-2 to upload it directly. After filing, you can track your refund status right inside the Credit Karma app.
For complex situations (investments, rental income, self-employment), Credit Karma's free tier covers simple Form 1040 returns. For more complex needs, TurboTax and H&R Block offer paid tiers with live expert support — but expect to pay $55–$200+. If your return is straightforward (W-2 income, standard deductions), Credit Karma's free filing is likely all you need.
The federal tax filing deadline for 2025 is April 15, 2025. You can request an extension until October 15, but note that any taxes owed are still due by April 15. Most services — including Credit Karma — allow you to start filing as soon as you receive your W-2 (typically late January).
Credit Karma offers free tax filing powered by TurboTax, free credit monitoring, and early refund access — everything you need to file smart and get your money faster.