UsTaxes review
A privacy-focused, free option for supported U.S. federal and state returns.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
UsTaxes pros and cons
- 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
UsTaxes fact sheet, pricing and score →
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