At a Glance
- $0 for federal and one state return
- Works best for simple W-2 filers using the standard deduction
- Lacks access to tax professionals and support for complex forms
- Why it matters: You can save money on simple returns, but complex situations may need another service.
Cash App has added a new feature that lets users file federal and state taxes at no cost. The service is free for most common forms, but it falls short when handling more complicated filings.
What Cash App Taxes Offers
Cash App Taxes provides a 100% free filing experience with no hidden fees or paid upgrades. Users can file a federal return and one state return at zero cost. The app pulls data from W-2s and 1099-B forms from Cash App’s own trading platform, but it does not import data from other brokerage or tax documents.
- Pricing: $0 for all filers, no tiered plans
- State fees: $0 for a single return; no support for multiple or part-year returns
- Eligibility: Simple W-2, standard deduction, Schedule D for Cash App trades
Who Should Use It
The service shines for DIY filers who take the standard deduction and have straightforward income sources. However, it does not support many situations:
- Multiple or part-year state returns
- Married filing separately in community-property states
- Filing for minors under 18
- Non-resident aliens (Form 1040-NR)
- Foreign tax credit or foreign earned income
- Underpayment tax penalty calculations
- Business tax returns (Schedule C, E, etc.)
- Schedule K-1 from estates or trusts
| Situation | Cash App Support | Alternative Services |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple state returns | ❌ | TaxAct, TurboTax |
| Self-employment (Schedule C) | Manual entry | TurboTax, H&R Block |
| Rental income (Schedule E) | Manual entry | TurboTax, H&R Block |
Limitations and Missing Features
Cash App Taxes offers minimal features compared to paid competitors. It lacks a full audit-risk assessment, professional review, and advanced error checking. The app provides basic error highlighting but does not guarantee a full review before submission.
- Feature score: 4/10
- Expert support: 1/10 – no CPA or EA access
- Audit defense: Free partnership with Tax Protection Plus, LLC
- Refund guarantee: Up to $100 in gift cards if a better refund is found with another service
Key Takeaways
- Cash App Taxes is free for simple federal and one state return
- Complex returns, business income, and foreign tax situations are not supported
- No professional help or paid upgrade options are available
The free filing option is a solid choice for basic returns, but users with more complex tax needs should consider a different platform.
