SelfTax
SelfTax: A privacy-focused federal tax tool for DIY filers who value local processing. Ranked #25 of 32 in AI Tax Software by our editors (5.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for privacy-focused DIY US filers.
At a glance
- Editor score5.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPrivacy-focused DIY US filers
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Taxpayer typesPersonal
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Processes structured tax data locally in the browser
- Redacts sensitive information before external AI processing
- Calculates returns with deterministic, auditable tax logic
Where it doesn't
- Supports federal filing rather than broader return coverage
- Does not provide AI tax guidance
- Runs primarily as a Chrome extension
Our verdict on SelfTax
SelfTax is open-source tax preparation software for individuals filing U.S. federal returns. It is designed for DIY filers who want to import common tax documents, review extracted information, and complete supported filing workflows without sending all document content directly to an external AI service. The Chrome extension imports W-2, 1099, K-1, rental, and brokerage documents, then extracts structured IRS form data locally in the browser.
Privacy and calculation design are the product's clearest differentiators. SelfTax redacts names, Social Security numbers, addresses, and account numbers before AI processing, while its core return calculations use deterministic tax logic rather than an LLM. AI is used to parse unstructured tax documents, with Anthropic Claude API listed as an integration. Optional local HTTP and MCP servers extend how the software can fit into a local workflow. These choices make SelfTax a focused option for filers who care about document handling and want calculations that can be audited rather than generated through conversational guidance.
Its coverage is narrower than a full-service tax platform. SelfTax supports selected deductions, credits, rental income, and capital-loss carryovers, and it auto-fills supported IRS Free File sites. Filing support is for federal returns, and the product does not provide AI tax guidance. The open-source, free model suits individuals comfortable reviewing their own tax information and working within supported forms and deductions. Filers who need broader filing coverage, more extensive guided advice, or a wider platform experience should choose an alternative. For privacy-focused DIY U.S. federal filers with compatible documents, SelfTax offers a clearly defined, locally oriented approach.
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SelfTax pricing
SelfTax fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Taxpayer types | Personal |
| AI tax guidance | No |
| Document import | Yes |
| Deduction finding | Not verified |
| Expert review | Not verified |
| Filing support | Federal |
| Return limit | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted, Browser extension |
| Platforms | Chrome extension |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: Anthropic Claude API, IRS Free File Fillable Forms |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
SelfTax integrations
SelfTax lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- Anthropic Claude API
- IRS Free File Fillable Forms
Alternatives to SelfTax
- TurboTaxA mature US tax filing choice with broad support and paid tiers for complex returns.9.3
- H&R Block OnlineA broad filing service for US taxpayers who want online tools plus human help.9.1
- TaxActBroad U.S. filing coverage with web, desktop, and mobile options.8.8
See all SelfTax alternatives →
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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