Last verified 2026-05-17
File your federal and state taxes for free
Cash App Taxes lets you file both your federal and state tax return at no cost. There are no paid tiers, no upsells, and no fees — even if you have self-employment income, investments, or itemized deductions. Over 9 million returns have been filed through the service. [Source: cash.app/taxes (accessed 2026-05-17)]
It's the same service that used to be called Credit Karma Tax before Cash App bought it in 2020.
Who can use it
Most people with a fairly standard U.S. tax situation. You must:
- Be 18 or older
- Be filing a U.S. federal return
- Have a Social Security Number or ITIN
- Have a Cash App account (free to create)
Who CAN'T use it
Cash App Taxes does not support these situations. If any apply to you, pick a different free option (see "If Cash App Taxes won't work" below). [Source: taxeshelp.cash.app/s/article/Forms-and-situations-Cash-App-Taxes-does-not-support (accessed 2026-05-17)]
- You need to file in more than one state (multi-state returns aren't supported)
- You moved between states during the year (part-year state returns aren't supported)
- You earned money in a state you don't live in (nonresident state returns aren't supported)
- You live in Montana, New Hampshire, Tennessee, or Washington — state filing isn't offered in these four states (federal still works)
- You're filing as married filing separately AND live in a community property state (CA, AZ, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)
- You have foreign earned income or need Form 1116 (Foreign Tax Credit)
- You received income from a trust (Schedule K-1 from a trust)
- You have non-qualified stock options
If you hit an unsupported situation, the software will tell you before you submit.
How to file
- Download Cash App on your phone (iOS or Android) and create a free account if you don't have one. Verify your identity with your SSN.
- Open Cash App, tap the banking tab, then look for Free Tax Filing. Or go to cash.app/taxes on a computer after signing in.
- Have these ready: last year's tax return (if you have it), all W-2s and 1099s, and any deduction records (mortgage interest, student loan interest, childcare, etc.).
- Walk through the questions. You can snap a photo of your W-2 and it will auto-fill.
- Review and e-file. If you're getting a refund, you can have it deposited to your Cash App account up to 6 days faster than a regular bank deposit. [Source: cash.app/taxes (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Key dates for the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026)
- IRS started accepting returns: late January 2026
- Federal filing deadline: April 15, 2026
- California state deadline: April 15, 2026 (automatic extension to October 15 if you can't make it, but you still have to pay any tax owed by April 15)
Common pitfalls
- You must download Cash App even if you'd rather file on a computer. There's no web-only signup. You can switch to a desktop browser after your Cash App account exists.
- Filing both federal and state is required together — you can't file a state-only return through Cash App Taxes.
- Audit defense is included free with every return, which most paid services charge $40+ for.
If Cash App Taxes won't work for you
- IRS Free File — for households earning $84,000 or less in 2025, partners offer free guided filing. Visit IRS.gov/freefile.
- CalFile — California's own free state filing tool at ftb.ca.gov. Pairs well with IRS Free File for federal.
- VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) — free in-person help if you earn $67,000 or less, have a disability, or have limited English. Find a Nevada County or nearby site at irs.gov/vita or call 211.
- MyFreeTaxes.com — United Way's free service, no income limit, powered by TaxSlayer.
Sources
- cash.app/taxes (accessed 2026-05-17)
- taxeshelp.cash.app/s/article/Forms-and-situations-Cash-App-Taxes-does-not-support (accessed 2026-05-17)
- taxeshelp.cash.app/s/article/States-available-for-filing-with-Cash-App-Taxes (accessed 2026-05-17)