FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA: A broad, low-cost option for complex federal returns, with state filing priced separately. Ranked #4 of 123 in Personal Tax Software by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for low-cost comprehensive US filing.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLow-cost comprehensive US filing
- Free planYes
- Self-employment supportYes
- Founded2001 · Provo, Utah, United States
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free federal filing includes self-employment, investments, crypto, and rentals
- Imports W-2s, 1099s, and competitor return PDFs
- Optional audit defense and tax-professional support are available
Where it doesn't
- State tax return preparation and e-file are paid add-ons
- Optional Deluxe, Pro, and audit services add to the cost
- Access is browser-based rather than through a native mobile app
Our verdict on FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA is an online tax preparation service for U.S. individual taxpayers who want to file federal returns through a web browser. Its free federal filing supports common and more complex situations, including self-employment and Schedule C income, investments, stock, crypto, rental real estate, home ownership, education, dependents, and itemized deductions. It also supports 1099 and W-2 imports, competitor return PDF imports, extensions, direct deposit, printable returns, and electronic filing.
The pricing structure centers on a free Federal tax return plan covering federal filing, supported federal forms, e-file, and a printable return. State tax return preparation is a separate paid add-on with state e-file, state-specific deductions and credits, and direct deposit. Deluxe Support adds live chat, priority support, and unlimited amended returns. Pro Support adds Tax Pro advice, phone and chat support, and a ProCheck final review. Audit Defense is also optional, with audit assistance and CPA and EA support for federal and state audits.
Breadth is FreeTaxUSA’s main strength: the service combines free federal filing with coverage for filing situations that can require more than a basic return. Browser access keeps it available on mobile-friendly devices without requiring an app, while imports can reduce manual form entry. The trade-off is that state filing and higher-touch support are not included in the free federal plan, and the service is web-based. Choose FreeTaxUSA for comprehensive federal filing at a low cost; consider another option if native mobile software or bundled state filing is a priority.
Your product? Our editors can test FreeTaxUSA in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
FreeTaxUSA pricing
All 5 FreeTaxUSA plans and prices →
FreeTaxUSA fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Self-employment support | Yes |
| Investment income | Yes |
| Rental income | Yes |
| State filing | Paid_add_on |
| Mobile access | Web_and_mobile |
| Audit support | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Phone, Tickets, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | freetaxusa.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to FreeTaxUSA
- TurboTaxA broad US tax filing suite with free simple returns and paid expert support.9.3
- H&R Block OnlineA flexible tax-filing service with free simple returns and guided expert help.9.0
- TaxActA broad US tax filing option with free entry, paid coverage, and expert help.8.8
See all FreeTaxUSA alternatives →
FreeTaxUSA vs the competition
- FreeTaxUSA vs TurboTax
- FreeTaxUSA vs H&R Block Online
- FreeTaxUSA vs TaxAct
- FreeTaxUSA vs Keeper
- FreeTaxUSA vs CloudTax
- FreeTaxUSA vs ClearTax
Compare FreeTaxUSA with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
FreeTaxUSA is ranked in 5 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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