Simple W-2 employees checking a free federal path
Use ezTaxReturn only after confirming the return qualifies for the free federal option.
Free Simple Federal Returns if eligible.
Updated June 16, 2026
ezTaxReturn can work for a simple return when you want a narrow guided flow and you understand the cost before submitting. The official site says simple federal returns can be free, broader federal filing has a flat public price, and state filing is priced separately. That setup is easy to compare, but it also means you should know whether your return remains in the free path before spending time entering everything.
Treat it carefully if you have state filing, multiple forms, amended issues, or any situation where support speed matters. Recent Trustpilot feedback is very negative and often mentions surprise charges, rejected returns, timeouts, and weak help. Before paying, finish the return, verify the exact federal and state charges, and consider another option if the workflow hides the final cost too late.
ezTaxReturn is an online U.S. tax filing service that focuses on a simplified federal and state filing interview, with free simple federal returns, flat federal pricing for broader situations, and paid state filing.
It is meant for users who want a short, direct filing flow rather than a large tax suite. The main caution is that public user feedback is poor, especially around free-filing expectations, support, and filing problems.
| Feature | What it does | Best plan fit |
|---|---|---|
| Simple federal filing | Guides users through basic federal return entry. | Free Simple Federal Returns if eligible. |
| Flat federal filing | Covers many filing statuses, deductions, credits, income types, state needs, and dependents. | Paid federal path. |
| State return | Adds state return filing as a separate charge. | Paid state filing. |
| Audit support | Official site promotes free audit support. | Included support feature. |
| Pay when filing | Users can start the return and pay only when ready to e-file. | Good for testing final cost. |
Use ezTaxReturn only after confirming the return qualifies for the free federal option.
Free Simple Federal Returns if eligible.
Use the paid federal path when the return is not complex but no longer fits the free simple path.
Paid federal filing.
Complete the estimate, then verify the state fee before e-filing.
Paid state filing.
Review the generated forms yourself because support concerns show up in public feedback.
Free to start; pay to file.
| Plan | Price | Best for / notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free Simple Federal Returns | $0 federal if eligible | For qualifying simple federal returns. |
| Federal tax return | $29.95 | Official page describes one federal price for many common return situations. |
| State tax return | $36.95 | Only pay when ready to e-file, according to the official site. |
| Trial / start | Free to start | No separate public time-limited trial is listed; users can start and pay only when filing. |
Source: Official website.
ezTaxReturn publishes a free simple federal path, paid federal and state filing, and a free-to-start workflow. No separate public free trial is listed; the official help says users do not pay unless they file.
ezTaxReturn is mainly a hosted consumer filing workflow, so integrations are limited compared with accounting platforms. Users should check income form entry, state return handling, PDF review, e-file status, payment flow, refund or balance due instructions, and whether support is reachable before submitting.
Start with the free federal eligibility question. Enter the return, but do not pay until you have checked the federal fee, state fee, and every form you plan to file. Compare the result against your W-2s, 1099s, deductions, and state expectations. If the product asks for a charge you did not expect, stop and compare OLT, 1040.com, or another IRS Free File partner before submitting.
Yes. The official page promotes free simple federal returns for eligible users.
No separate public trial is listed; users can start for free and pay only when filing.
The official page lists a separate state tax return price.
Verify free-path eligibility, federal cost, state cost, form coverage, and the final forms before e-filing.
The rating reflects public review complaints about cost clarity, rejections, support, and filing problems.