- Free federal tax filing: Users can prepare and file federal tax returns online at no cost.
- Affordable state filing: State tax returns are available for a low flat fee, which makes the service budget-friendly.
- Step-by-step guidance: The software walks users through forms and questions, which reduces the chance of mistakes.
- Deluxe support option: Users can upgrade for live chat with specialists, unlimited amended returns, and priority assistance.
- Pro support option: This plan adds phone support and direct help from tax experts for complex situations.
- Maximum deduction finder: The system helps identify deductions and credits that may lower tax liability.
- Amended returns: Paid plans allow unlimited amended returns, which ensures past mistakes can be corrected.
- Prior-year filing: Users can file taxes for previous years, which is useful for catching up on missed returns.
- Data security: FreeTaxUSA uses encryption and secure servers, which protect sensitive financial information.
- IRS Free File access: Eligible taxpayers can file both federal and state returns completely free through the IRS Free File program.
FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA is used for filing federal and state business taxes online.
Updated February 27, 2026
FreeTaxUSA Overview
FreeTaxUSA is an affordable online tax preparation software designed for individuals, self-employed professionals, and small business owners. It allows users to file federal tax returns for free and offers low-cost state filing. The platform provides step-by-step guidance, access to common tax forms, and options for maximizing deductions.
With an intuitive interface and support features, FreeTaxUSA helps simplify the tax filing process while keeping costs budget-friendly.
Key Features
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Key Inclusions |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Support | $0 (Federal) | Free federal filing; email/in-app support; state filing fee applies separately. |
| Deluxe | $7.99 (Support) | Live screen-share chat with tax specialists, unlimited amended returns, priority support. |
| Pro Support | $49.99 | Phone and advanced expert support (live chat/screen-sharing also implied) . |
| State Filing Fee | $14.99 per state | Required for filing state returns (for most users outside of special programs) . |
Pricing link: https://www.freetaxusa.com/pricing
Pros
| Competitor | Pros of FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|
| TurboTax | FreeTaxUSA is much more affordable than TurboTax, which often charges higher fees for federal and state filing. While TurboTax has a polished interface, FreeTaxUSA still provides straightforward guidance at a fraction of the cost. Users who want a budget-friendly option that still covers most tax situations often find FreeTaxUSA more appealing. |
| H&R Block | Compared to H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA provides a much lower-cost solution, especially for federal returns. H&R Block offers in-person office visits, which adds extra cost, while FreeTaxUSA allows users to complete returns online without paying for premium services. This makes FreeTaxUSA attractive for confident filers who want to save money. |
| TaxAct | FreeTaxUSA is cheaper than TaxAct for most users, and it includes unlimited amended returns in its Deluxe upgrade, which TaxAct charges more for. It also has a simple interface that works well without overwhelming users, which gives it an advantage for straightforward tax needs. |
| Cash App Taxes | FreeTaxUSA offers broader tax form coverage than Cash App Taxes, which can have limits for more complex returns. It also provides more support options through Deluxe and Pro Support, while Cash App Taxes mainly focuses on free filing without added help. For users who want affordable expert support, FreeTaxUSA is the stronger choice. |
Cons
| Competitor | Cons of FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|
| TurboTax | TurboTax offers a more polished user experience with a smoother interface and step-by-step design that feels more beginner-friendly. It also provides more extensive live support options, including the ability to connect with tax professionals who can review or even prepare your return, which FreeTaxUSA does not match at the same level. |
| H&R Block | H&R Block stands out because it offers in-person help at physical offices, which FreeTaxUSA does not provide. For users who prefer face-to-face guidance or who have very complex returns, H&R Block can feel safer and more reliable despite the higher cost. |
| TaxAct | TaxAct provides more advanced tools for business owners and self-employed individuals, which FreeTaxUSA lacks. While FreeTaxUSA works well for personal and small business returns, TaxAct has stronger tools for handling depreciation, multiple income sources, and more complex scenarios. |
| Cash App Taxes | Cash App Taxes has the advantage of being completely free for both federal and state returns, while FreeTaxUSA charges a fee for state filing. For users with simple tax situations who only care about cost, Cash App Taxes can be the cheaper choice, even though it has fewer features. |
Reviews
- Reddit r/tax: One freelancer said FreeTaxUSA felt easy to use but failed to properly calculate estimated tax penalties, which led to a $700 IRS penalty despite multiple experts reviewing the return. The same user described unhelpful online chat support that could not accept an image of the IRS letter, while another commenter praised the “ease of use,” “availability of some complicated forms,” and lack of pressure from companies like H&R Block or TurboTax, calling it “thuh bess” for simple filers.
- Trustpilot Review (Rating: 2.8/5): Several reviewers called FreeTaxUSA “way better than turbo tax,” citing a much lower price and a smoother process for uncomplicated returns. One long-term user highlighted the helpful “little ? symbols” that explain confusing sections and said support responded within a day. A critical review warned that accounts cannot be deleted, claimed data could remain online indefinitely, and argued it is “Not Free!” because users must pay a fee to file or print and mail returns.
- cnet.com Review: CNET gave FreeTaxUSA an 8/10 for user experience, noting its clean, simple interface and guided interview that helps catch often-overlooked tax credits and deductions. The reviewer appreciated features like importing a prior-year return, uploading or snapping a photo of a W-2, and the ability to switch between sections without losing information, though the feature set earned a lower 6/10 for being fairly basic and lacking support for Form 2555.
