Our verdict
FreeTaxUSA
4.3 4.3 out of 5- Best for
- Cost-conscious filers comfortable doing their own taxes — including freelancers and the self-employed
- Fees
- Federal $0 for all situations; State $15.99 each; optional Deluxe ~$7.99 (2025 tax year — verify current pricing)
Our take
This FreeTaxUSA review can be summed up in one line: it’s the best value in tax software, full stop. Federal filing is free for every situation — including self-employment, investments, and rental income — and state returns are a flat $15.99. The catch is a plain, dated interface and limited imports, so you’ll do more typing. For confident filers, that’s a small price for big savings.
Who it’s best for
FreeTaxUSA is ideal for cost-conscious people who are comfortable entering their own numbers — especially freelancers and the self-employed who’d otherwise pay $100+ elsewhere. If you want a slick, heavily guided experience with lots of imports, you’ll prefer TurboTax.
Pricing & fees
Federal filing is $0 for all situations. State returns are $15.99 each, and an optional Deluxe upgrade (around $7.99) adds priority support, audit assistance, and unlimited amended returns.
These prices are for the 2025 tax year (filing in early 2026). They’re remarkably stable year to year, but it’s still worth confirming current pricing on FreeTaxUSA’s site before you file.
Features
You get all the major federal forms, prior-year imports, an accuracy guarantee, and standard support (priority support is part of Deluxe). What you don’t get is the polish, automatic brokerage imports, or constant hand-holding of pricier competitors — this is no-frills software that quietly does the job.
How it compares
If you’d like a little more guidance for a still-low price, TaxSlayer is a strong middle ground. If you want the easiest possible experience and don’t mind paying a premium, TurboTax leads there. See the full lineup in our best tax software for self-employed guide, and if it’s your first filing, read how to file taxes for the first time.
Pros
- Federal filing is free for every situation — including self-employment, investments, and rental income
- Handles genuinely complex returns at an unbeatable price
- An IRS-authorized e-file provider with an accuracy guarantee
- State returns are a flat, low $15.99
Cons
- Plain, dated interface
- Fewer imports and integrations — more manual data entry
- Priority support and audit assistance cost extra (Deluxe)
- State filing isn't free
Alternatives to consider
Frequently asked questions
Is FreeTaxUSA really free?
Is FreeTaxUSA good for self-employed taxes?
Is FreeTaxUSA safe and legit?
Sources
Related guides
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