TaxHawk review
A broad free-federal option for U.S. filers with paid state filing and support add-ons.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
TaxHawk is web-based tax preparation software for U.S. individual taxpayers, from basic filers to people reporting investments, crypto, rental property, self-employment, or small-business income. Its free federal filing supports basic, premium, investment, and self-employed federal forms, along with federal e-file and tax extensions. That makes it a practical fit for solo filers who want broad federal form coverage without paying for the federal return.
The pricing structure separates the core filing service from state preparation and optional help. Federal returns and supported federal forms are free, while state-specific deductions, credits, forms, e-file, and direct deposit are handled through a paid state-return option. Additional tiers cover live chat, priority support, unlimited amended returns, personal tax advice, Tax Pro access, ProCheck final review, and phone support. Audit Defense is another add-on, with CPA and EA audit assistance, federal and state audit support, and tax identity theft support.
TaxHawk’s feature breadth is its main differentiator: users can report investment and crypto income, rental income, and self-employment income, import W-2 and 1099 information, file amended and prior-year returns, and choose printable returns or direct deposit. Support is available through email and in-app support tools, with chat and phone access tied to relevant options. Two-factor authentication is listed, and deployment is cloud-based through the web. Choose TaxHawk if free federal filing and coverage for more complex income types matter most. Filers seeking included state filing, a native mobile experience, or bundled premium support should consider another option.
TaxHawk pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free federal filing covers investment, rental, and self-employment forms
- Supports W-2 and 1099 imports, extensions, amended, and prior-year returns
- Optional audit defense includes CPA and EA assistance
- Where it doesn't
- State return preparation and e-file are paid add-ons
- The service is available through the web only
- Advanced support and audit defense cost extra
TaxHawk fact sheet, pricing and score →
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