OnLine Taxes review
A low-cost web tax filer with free federal returns and paid state filing.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
OnLine Taxes is web-based tax preparation software for U.S. individual taxpayers who want to prepare and electronically file federal and state returns. Its Free Edition covers federal return preparation, printing, and e-filing, with support for all supported forms and schedules, itemized deductions, investment income, rental income, self-employment income, W-2 and 1099 imports, and prior-year data import. It also supports amended returns for returns originally filed with OnLine Taxes. The product is a practical fit for budget-conscious filers with more involved tax situations than a basic wage-only return.
Pricing is organized around a free federal edition, a paid Premium Edition, and a separate state return. The Free Edition costs $0 per federal return and includes email support. Premium costs $7.95 per return and adds live-chat and phone support, audit support, year-over-year comparison, online account access, and lifetime customer support. State filing costs $9.95 per state return and supports multiple states, including nonresident and part-year returns where available. This structure keeps federal filing costs low, but filers who need state returns should account for the additional per-state charge.
The main platform trade-off is focused access: OnLine Taxes is available through the web, with guided online interviews, form calculation, account access, and customer assistance through email, chat, phone, and a knowledge base. Support depth depends on the plan, while audit support is included with Premium. The software suits individuals who value broad tax-form coverage and low pricing over a mobile app experience. Filers who need mobile access should choose a service built around a mobile platform instead; those comfortable filing on the web may find OnLine Taxes a sensible choice for federal returns and selected state filings.
OnLine Taxes pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free federal preparation, printing, and e-filing
- Supports investments, rentals, self-employment, and itemized deductions
- Premium includes audit support and phone assistance
- Where it doesn't
- State filing costs $9.95 per state return
- Web-only access, with no mobile app
- Live chat and phone support require Premium
OnLine Taxes fact sheet, pricing and score →
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