• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Good Financial Cents®
Content is based on in-depth research & analysis. Opinions are our own. We may earn a commission when you click or make a purchase from links on our site. Learn more.
  • Make Money
    • Get Money Now
      • Ultimate Guide to Making Money
      • Need Money Now
      • Get Free Money Fast
      • Make Money Fast
      • Make $1K Per Month
      • Make $100 Per Day
    • Control Your Destiny
      • Self Employed Jobs
      • Make Money from Home
      • Hobbies That Make Money
      • How to Become a Freelance Writer
      • Small Business Ideas to Start
      • How to Become an Independent Contractor
      • Best Online Jobs
    • Passive Income
      • Passive Income Ideas
      • Multiple Streams of Income
      • Extra Income
      • Residual Income Ideas
      • Learn to Sell e-Books
      • Make Money on Facebook
      • Make Money on Tiktok
      • Best Online Survey Sites to Make Money
    • Explore More
      • Best Side Hustle Ideas
      • Make Money for Teens
      • Best Online Colleges
      • Best Jobs No College Degree
      • Become a Millionaire
      • Careers for the Future
  • Manage Money
    • Best Of
      • Budgeting Tools
      • Personal Finance Software
      • Best Cashback Cards
    • Company Reviews
      • Personal Capital vs Mint
      • Personal Capital Review
      • SmartAsset Review
    • Guides
      • Buy or Lease a Car
      • What is Liquid Net Worth?
      • Setting Financial Goals
      • How to Budget
      • Ways to Save Money
    • Explore More
      • How Much Car Can I Afford?
      • Best Auto Refinance Companies
  • Invest
    • Best Of
      • Best Short and Long-Term Investments
      • Best Low Risk Investments
      • Best Online Stock Brokers
      • Best Crypto Exchanges
      • Best Short Term Investments
      • Best Long Term Investments
      • Best Trading Platforms
      • Best Investment Apps
    • Company Reviews
      • Lending Club
      • Robinhood
      • M1 Finance
      • Ally
      • TD Ameritrade
      • Fundrise
      • Betterment
      • Etrade
      • Wealthfront
    • Guides
      • Investing for Beginners
      • Investing Small Amounts of Money
      • Investing in Real Estate
      • No Money Down Real Estate
      • Bonds vs Stocks
      • Peer to Peer Lending
      • Best Hedges Against Inflation
      • Safe Bitcoin Investing in 2023
    • Explore More
      • Bitcoin vs. Real Estate
      • Betterment vs Wealthfront
      • Investing for College Students
      • Stock Market Alternatives
    • By Investment Amount
      • How to Invest $100
      • How to Invest $1K
      • How to Invest $2k-$3k
      • How to Invest $5K
      • How to Invest $10K
      • How to Invest $15k
      • How to Invest $20K
      • How to Invest $30k
      • How to Invest $50K
      • How to Invest $100K
      • How to Invest $200K
      • How to Invest $500K
      • How to Invest $1M
  • Taxes
    • Best Of
      • Best Tax Relief Companies
      • Best Tax Software
    • Guides
      • Federal Income Tax Guide 2023
      • Taxes and Cryptocurrency
      • How to Do Your Own Taxes
      • How to Invest Your Tax Refund
      • Hiring a Professional Tax Preparer
      • Tax Tips for Freelancers
    • Company Reviews
      • TurboTax Review
      • H&R Block Review
      • Taxslayer
      • Tax Act
  • Insurance
    • Best Of
      • Best Life Insurance
      • Best Home Insurance
      • Best Auto Insurance
      • Cheap Term Life Insurance
      • Car Insurance For Young Adults
    • Guides
      • Term vs Whole Life
      • Different Types of Car Insurance
      • Average Cost of Car Insurance
    • Explore More
      • Life Insurance Over 50
      • Life Insurance Over 80
      • $1 Million Life Insurance
      • $2 Million Life Insurance
      • $3 Million Life Insurance
    • Company Reviews
      • Banner Life Insurance
      • Ladder Life Insurance
      • Health IQ
      • Haven Life
      • Policygenius
      • State Farm Auto Insurance Review
  • Retirement
    • Roth IRA
      • Best Places to Open a Roth IRA
      • Best Investments for Roth IRA
      • 7 Roth IRA Secrets
      • Roth IRA Conversion Guide
      • Roth IRA Rules
      • Roth IRA vs Roth 401k
      • Are Roth IRA Contributions Tax Deductible?
    • 401(k)
      • 401(k) Limits
      • 401(k) to Roth Rollover
      • Is 401(k) Enough for Retirement?
      • Maxed Out 401(k): What's next?
    • Traditional IRA
      • Traditional IRA Rules and Limits
      • Traditional IRA vs. 401(k)
      • Simple IRA Rules
      • SEP IRA Rules
      • How Much Do You Need to Start an IRA?
    • Explore More
      • SEP IRA vs. Roth IRA
      • 457 Plan for Successful Retirement
      • 401a Rollover Rules
      • How to Retire at 50
      • How to Retire at 55
  • Banking
    • Best Of
      • Best National Banks
      • Best High-Yield Savings Accounts
      • Best Checking Accounts
      • Best Savings Accounts
      • Best CD Rates
      • Best Money Market Accounts
    • Company Reviews
      • BBVA
      • Synchrony
      • Wells Fargo
    • Explore More
      • 9 Banking Alternatives for 2023
      • What is a Credit Union?
  • Home
    • Best Of
      • Best Mortgage Lenders
      • Best Mortgage Refinance Companies
      • Best Home Warranties
      • Best Homeowners Insurance
      • Best VA Loans
      • Best Mortgage Rates
      • Best Moving Companies
      • Best Home Security
    • Guides
      • Home Buying Checklist
      • Online Home Appraisal
      • How Much House Can I Afford?
      • First-time Homebuyer Programs
      • How to Get Approved for a Home Loan
      • Save Money When Building a House
      • How to Save for a Downpayment
      • When to Refinance Your Mortgage
    • Explore More
      • 15 vs. 30-year Mortgage
      • Home Warranty vs. Home Insurance
      • Veterans United Home Loan Review
      • Quicken Loans Review
      • HELOC vs Second Mortgage
      • DCU Mortgage Review
      • Costco Mortgage Program Review
      • USAA Mortgage Loan Review
  • Credit
    • Best Of
      • Best Credit Repair Companies
      • Best ID Theft Protection Services
      • Best Credit Report Options
      • Best Bad Credit Loans
    • Guides
      • How to Build Your Credit Score
      • How to Raise Your Credit Score in 5 Months
      • How to Dispute Your Credit Report
      • Hot to Remove Collections from Your Credit Reports
      • How Identity Theft Destroys Your Credit Score
    • Explore More
      • What is a Good Credit Score?
      • What is a Bad Credit Score?
  • Debt
    • Best Of
      • Best Debt Consolidation Loans
      • Best Personal Loans
      • Best Student Loans
      • Best Student Loan Refinance
    • Guides
      • What is Debt Consolidation?
      • How to Get Out of Debt
      • How to Get a Personal Loan Approved
      • How to Pay Off Student Loans Faster
      • Should I Consolidate My Debts?
      • Should I File for Bankruptcy?
    • Company Reviews
      • Credible
      • Sofi

FreeTaxUSA Review

https://www.goodfinancialcents.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/MG_5503-150x150.jpg
  • Written By:
    Jeff Rose, CFP®

    Jeff Rose, CFP®

    Jeff Rose, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™, founder of Good Financial Cents, and author of the personal finance...

    Read More
  • Updated: January 27, 2023
  • 5 Min Read
  • Advertising Disclosure

    Advertising Disclosure

    GoodFinancialCents® has an advertising relationship with the companies included on this page. All of our content is based on objective analysis, and the opinions are our own. For more information, please check out our full disclaimer and complete list of partners.

Quality Verified THE GFC® PROMISE
shield check icon
Quality Verified

GoodFinancialCents® partners with outside experts to ensure we are providing accurate financial content.

These reviewers are industry leaders and professional writers who regularly contribute to reputable publications such as the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Our expert reviewers review our articles and recommend changes to ensure we are upholding our high standards for accuracy and professionalism.

Our expert reviewers hold advanced degrees and certifications and have years of experience with personal finances, retirement planning and investments.

shield check icon
Why You Can Trust GoodFinancialCents®

GoodFinancialCents® partners with outside experts to ensure we are providing accurate financial content.

These reviewers are industry leaders and professional writers who regularly contribute to reputable publications such as the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.

Our expert reviewers review our articles and recommend changes to ensure we are upholding our high standards for accuracy and professionalism.

Our expert reviewers hold advanced degrees and certifications and have years of experience with personal finances, retirement planning and investments.

Doing your own taxes can be an overwhelming and confusing task, especially if you don’t have sufficient experience in tax return filing or if you have a complicated situation.

Since hiring a CPA or other professional can be cost-intensive, many people opt to undertake the task themselves.

Tax software became increasingly popular for preparing and filing federal and state returns, not only because they are reaching new levels of sophistication, but also because filing online saves time and money.

It also makes tax return filing error-free.

FreeTaxUSA is one of the fastest-growing tax platforms and IRS-authorized e-file providers.

Their services are reliable, and they offer free federal filing. Even if you have a complicated financial situation, FreeTaxUSA may be the most suitable tax software for you.

FreeTaxUSA At A Glance

  • Website is easy to navigate and user-friendly
  • Minimal guidance, best for experienced filers
  • Great pricing

FreeTaxUSA COMPANY INFORMATION

FreeTaxUSA logo

FreeTaxUSA uses an interface that prepares your federal and state returns by taking an online step-by-step interview approach.

As you answer questions and import your information, the software will prepare and fill out your tax return.

Upon completion of your information entry, you can review your return before submitting it to the IRS via mail or e-file. The software interface is user-friendly and intuitive.

If you have no prior experience with tax filing or software, you will be able to find your way through the process with little difficulty.

Keep in mind that the interface has a somewhat clinical appearance and doesn’t feature the same slick design and color schemes that you will see with other prominent tax software.

When you enter your information, you can import forms in PDF format from competitor platforms like TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct. You can also import from your internal storage.

When you fill out your information, the interface will not allow you to skip forward.

You will only be able to edit the sections that you are currently working or the ones that you already completed.

FreeTaxUSA supports various complex tax situations, and you will be able to view your tax refund or liability in real-time as you enter your information.

FreeTaxUSA’s Big Features

Affordable Care Act

If you didn’t have healthcare coverage during the tax year, FreeTaxUSA will accommodate any fees that you may have to pay.

The platform will also assist you if you want to claim exemption from the penalty, a valuable asset to many tax filers looking to save.

Refund and Payment Options

You can use a credit or debit card to pay for FreeTaxUSA’s tax preparation and filing services.

If you are eligible for a tax refund, FreeTaxUSA can facilitate the payment through either a direct deposit into your bank account in less than 21 days or through a check, which can take up to six weeks.

Filing After Deadline

If you’ve missed the tax deadline, you may be panicking about getting your taxes filed on your own, let alone getting them filed affordably.

Luckily, FreeTaxUSA offers tax return preparation and filing services at the same price, even after the tax deadline passes. 

However, they encourage their clients to file their returns as soon as possible to avoid IRS penalties. 

Audit Assist

FreeTaxUSA often receives recognition for the Audit Assist services that they provide to Deluxe clients. With Audit Assist, you gain access to tax and audit specialists that will help you prepare for an IRS audit. They will answer any audit-related questions that you may have.

This service also includes access to FreeTaxUSA’s audit center, which is a knowledge bank that contains information on the audit process.

However, Audit Assist is only applicable to federal returns and not state returns, and FreeTaxUSA doesn’t offer any audit representation services.

Free Tax Calculator

By setting up a FreeTaxUSA account and entering your tax information as well as you can, you can use the platform as a calculator to estimate your taxes, determine your refund or liability, and find deductions and credits like the Child Tax Credit.

After you’ve entered your information, you will see an estimate of your taxes, refund or liability, and credits and deductions.

Since you can view this information without filing your return, you can keep it on record and edit your data before you have to submit.

Accuracy Guarantee

FreeTaxUSA accepts responsibility for all errors on the system’s end. If the IRS imposes interest or penalties for incorrect tax calculations, the company will pay them.

This feature offers peace of mind to filers who don’t want to worry about the financial repercussions of a miscalculation. As long as you’ve entered all your information correctly, you’re covered.

Free Support

Regardless of the FreeTaxUSA version that you use, you can visit their customer support page to search for support topics or email their customer support team if you have a problem.

If you are subscribed to the Deluxe plan, you get access to free support chat and the Q&A database.

Online Backup

FreeTaxUSA backs up all tax returns online and carries information over from one year to the next, even if the client uses the Free version.

If you haven’t used FreeTaxUSA the previous year, you can import your tax information in PDF format from competitor software, your internal storage, or your employer’s platform.

Uploading your PDF in this manner is incredibly easy, and it saves a lot of time.

FreeTaxUSA Plans

FreeTaxUSA offers two versions: Free and Deluxe. There is not a big difference between the two of them regarding the actual process of preparation and filing.

Both support complex tax situations and schedules, and you can use either of them for federal and tax filing. State tax returns, however, cost an additional fee with either version.

One of the significant advantages of FreeTaxUSA as a whole is that both versions support Schedule C filing for self-employment income, Schedule E filing for rental property income, and Schedule D for capital gains transactions.

You can also report several K-1 related income sources with these plans. The difference between the two versions has more to do with the customer support you receive.

Pick a FreeTaxUSA version>>

Free

Clients that select the Free version can prepare and file federal tax returns, they have access to FreeTaxUSA’s e-file service, and their account information is carried over to the next tax year.

Free version clients can also print their tax returns on paper or PDF, backup their completed tax returns online, and file for a federal tax extension.

As mentioned above, they can also use the free platform to prepare and file complex tax returns. State return preparation and filing are not free with this version, however, and the client has to pay $12.95 per state return.

If you are subscribed to the Free plan, you can get additional services at a nominal fee, including:

  • Completed tax return amendment
  • Priority customer assistance
  • Professional return printing
  • Return printing and binding

Audit Assist is not available to people who are subscribed to the Free addition as an included or additional service. If you need such assistance, you will have to upgrade to the Deluxe plan.

Deluxe

The Deluxe version costs $6.99 and includes everything in the Free version, as well as Audit Assist and professional printing. As is the case with the Free version, state filing also costs $12.95.

With this version, clients also receive free technical and tax support.

Pros of Using FreeTaxUSA

  • An affordable alternative for people with complex tax situations
  • Free federal return filing and accessible state return filing
  • Intuitive interface that is easy to understand
  • Audit Assist for Deluxe clients
  • Suitable for people with varying levels of tax situation complexity
  • Supports Schedule C, D, and E

Cons of Using FreeTaxUSA

  • Neither version supports all tax situations
  • Customer support options are limited
  • This software offers fewer features than its competitors

How Does FreeTaxUSA Compare?

How does FreeTaxUSA compare to other tax software companies? Check out this table where we compare FreeTaxUSA, Turbo Tax and H&R Block. 

CompanyBest ForPrice To File Federal & State
FreeTaxUSABudget-conscious $12.95
Turbo TaxUser-friendly interface$29.99
H&R BlockGetting live assistance while filing$29.99

For more information, you can check out the individual reviews of Turbo Tax and H&R Block.

Bottom Line

FreeTaxUSA has a whole host of features to benefit tax filers with both its free and premium versions.

Whether you’re filing the most basic of taxes or facing an impending audit, FreeTaxUSA can help.

Overall, FreeTaxUSA is the best bet for those on a tight budget or those who have a bit of experience filing their taxes.

If you fit one of those descriptions, then FreeTaxUSA could be a great affordable tool for your filing needs.

You can also use my federal income tax guide alongside FreeTaxUSA to work through your taxes this year.

Get started with FreeTaxUSA today>>

Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

About the Author

Jeff Rose, CFP® is a Certified Financial Planner™, founder of Good Financial Cents, and author of the personal finance book Soldier of Finance. He was a financial planner for 16+ years having founded, Alliance Wealth Management, a SEC Registered Investment Advisory firm, before selling it to focus on his passion - educating the masses on the importance of financial freedom through this blog, his podcast, and YouTube channel.


Jeff holds a Bachelors in Science in Finance and minor in Accounting from Southern Illinois University - Carbondale. In addition to his CFP® designation, he also earned the marks of AAMS® - Accredited Asset Management Specialist - and CRPC® - Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor.

While a practicing financial advisor, Jeff was named to Investopedia's distinguished list of Top 100 advisors (as high as #6) multiple times and CNBC's Digital Advisory Council.

Jeff is an Iraqi combat veteran and served 9 years in the Army National Guard. His work is regularly featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Inc.com and Entrepreneur.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn


You Might Also Enjoy

How is Passive Income Taxed?

How is Passive Income Taxed?

SEP IRA vs. Roth IRA: What's the difference?

SEP IRA vs. Roth IRA: What's the difference?

Best Tax Software Programs for 2023

Best Tax Software Programs for 2023

8 Best Tax Relief Companies of 2023

8 Best Tax Relief Companies of 2023

How to Handle Taxes and Cryptocurrency

How to Handle Taxes and Cryptocurrency

3 Simple Ways to Do Your Own Taxes

3 Simple Ways to Do Your Own Taxes

One Response

  1. Wanda C Stutz April 15, 2019

    FreetaxUSA is not online and our taxes are not finished. What should I do?

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

  • Make Money
  • Manage Money
  • Invest
  • Taxes
  • Insurance
  • Retirement
  • Banking
  • Home
  • Credit
  • Debt
  • About
  • Contact
  • Facebook LinkedIn Twitter

© 2023 Good Financial Cents®. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer

All written content on this site is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of AWM, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.

All third party trademarks, including logos and icons, referenced in this website, are the property of their respective owners. Unless otherwise indicated, the use of third party trademarks herein does not imply or indicate any relationship, sponsorship, or endorsement between Good Financial Cents® and the owners of those trademarks. Any reference in this website to third party trademarks is to identify the corresponding third party goods and/or services.