1040NOW review
A low-cost web option for complex federal returns, with filing fees added separately.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026
1040NOW is a web-based U.S. personal tax preparation and e-filing service for individuals preparing Forms 1040 and 1040-SR. It covers more than basic wage income, with support for itemized deductions, business income through Schedule C, rental income through Schedule E, investment income and capital gains, depreciation and amortization, and self-employment tax through Schedule SE. Its free preparation option makes it relevant to taxpayers who want to complete a complex return online without paying for preparation itself.
Pricing is split between preparation and filing. The Free preparation plan includes online federal tax preparation, requires no download, and includes free online support. Federal electronic filing is a separate one-time $29.95 fee for federal 1040 and 1040-SR returns when the user does not qualify for the Free File offer. State filing is another one-time $24.95 fee per state, with either e-file or paper filing available. State information transfers from the federal return, but the separate state charge should be included when comparing total filing costs.
The product’s main strength is breadth within individual tax preparation rather than a broad platform ecosystem: it runs on the web and brings several less-simple tax situations into one service. That makes it a practical fit for taxpayers with self-employment, rental, investment, or depreciation-related reporting who prioritize low preparation cost. It is less suited to anyone seeking mobile access, included state filing, or audit support. Taxpayers who only need a basic federal return may not need its broader form coverage, while those needing more extensive assistance should consider whether its online support model matches their requirements.
Questions about 1040NOW
Does 1040NOW have a free plan? Yes: the Free preparation plan is free.
What does 1040NOW run on? Web. It runs in the cloud.
Who is 1040NOW built for? Solo users and small businesses (our editorial estimate).
1040NOW pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free online preparation for federal individual returns
- Supports Schedule C, rentals, investments, and depreciation
- State returns can be filed electronically or by paper
- Where it doesn't
- Federal electronic filing costs $29.95 outside the Free File offer
- State filing costs $24.95 per state
- Web-only access with no audit support
1040NOW fact sheet, pricing and score →
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