How To Do Your Own Taxes In 2027: Free File, Tax Software, Or Paper

Doing your own taxes is way easier than it seems, and for most filers the easiest method is tax software that pulls in your W-2 and 1099s and walks you through the credits. The return you'll file between late January and April 15, 2027 covers tax year 2026.

This year, you potentially get a bigger standard deduction and four new deductions on a new schedule, so the software route is worth more than usual this year.

Our parents...