UsTaxes
UsTaxes: A privacy-focused, free option for supported U.S. federal and state returns. Ranked #116 of 123 in Personal Tax Software by our editors (3.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for privacy-focused open-source US filing.
At a glance
- Editor score3.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPrivacy-focused open-source US filing
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Self-employment supportYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Client-side processing with local browser storage
- Covers self-employment, rental, and investment reporting
- Free, open-source access with a standalone desktop application
Where it doesn't
- State-return support is limited to selected states
- Web access is limited to supported forms and workflows
- Coverage is narrower than broader commercial tax products
Our verdict on UsTaxes
UsTaxes is a free, open-source application for U.S. individuals preparing federal Form 1040 returns. It supports common income documents, including W-2, interest, dividend, brokerage, retirement, and Social Security forms. The product also covers self-employment through Schedule SE, rental income and expenses through Schedule E, and investment transactions through Schedule D and Form 8949. It is intended for taxpayers whose income types and state residency fit its supported forms.
Privacy is a central part of the product’s design. UsTaxes processes returns on the client side and stores data locally in the browser rather than sending personal information to external servers. A standalone desktop application is also available alongside the web version. This approach suits taxpayers who prefer local handling of tax information and open-source software, while the browser-based workflow keeps the product focused on individual return preparation rather than broader financial management.
The main trade-off is coverage. UsTaxes includes selected federal credits, including child and earned income credits, and selected state-return support. Its state coverage is limited, with support described for 9 of 50 states, partial Illinois support, and handling for states without individual income tax. Taxpayers with supported federal forms, self-employment, rental income, or investments may find the feature set appropriate without a paid plan. Those needing wider state coverage or a broader commercial tax ecosystem should choose an alternative with more extensive state support.
Your product? Our editors can test UsTaxes in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
UsTaxes pricing
UsTaxes fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Self-employment support | Yes |
| Investment income | Yes |
| Rental income | Yes |
| State filing | Included |
| Mobile access | Web_only |
| Audit support | Not verified |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Email, Community |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | ustaxes.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to UsTaxes
- 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 UsTaxes alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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