1040.com vs FreeTaxUSA
1040.com
1040.com
FreeTaxUSA
freetaxusa.comSide by side
| Figure | 1040.com | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $34.99/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 10 |
| Spec score · Tax Preparation Software | 9.1 (#1) | 8.9 (#4) |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 8.9 (#16) | 9.1 (#7) |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 8.8 (#15) | 9.0 (#9) |
| Audit support | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 1977 | 2001 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Franklin, North Carolina, United States | Provo, Utah, United States |
| Investment income | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile access | web_and_mobile | FreeTaxUSA says its website is optimized for filing on a phone and requires no app. |
| Product | 1040.com is an online service for preparing and electronically filing federal and state income-tax returns. | FreeTaxUSA is an online tax preparation service for preparing and e-filing federal and state tax returns. |
| Rental income | Yes | Yes |
| Security | The service says data transferred between a user’s computer and its server is protected with industry-standard encryption and that its privacy practices are TRUSTe-certified. | FreeTaxUSA says all data is encrypted, its physical servers have strict access controls and 24/7 monitoring, and it meets or exceeds IRS security requirements. |
| Self-employment support | Yes | Yes |
| State filing | included | paid_add_on |
| Support | The pricing page includes email and chat support, and the terms also describe web-chat, email, fax, and phone support methods. | Basic support is available by email and in-app support center, and the company says replies typically arrive within half an hour. |
Plans
1040.com
- 1040.com$34.99 a month
- Free File EditionFree
- Pay with your refund (E-collect)$29.95, paid once
- Audit Assistance$34.95, paid once
- 1040.com tax filing$34.99, paid once
FreeTaxUSA
- Federal tax returnPriced on request
- State tax returnPriced on request
- Deluxe SupportPriced on request
- Pro SupportPriced on request
- Audit DefensePriced on request
- Federal tax returnFree
- Deluxe Support$7.99, paid once
- State tax return$15.99, paid once
- Audit Defense$19.99, paid once
- Pro Support$64.99, paid once
In their own words
1040.com
1040.com is a web-based service for preparing and electronically filing federal and state income-tax returns. Its guided process asks questions, identifies qualifying credits and deductions, and offers form search for users who want to go directly to forms. Listed filing coverage includes W-2 income, dependents, HSA, charitable donations, home ownership, education, Social Security, retirement, unemployment, investments, stock or crypto sales, rental properties, self-employment and small business. Users can prepare and preview a completed return for free, then pay before submitting it. The listed 1040.com tax filing price is $34.99 as a one-time purchase, with federal and state returns included; most state-return information is filled from the federal return. Users meeting IRS Free File Alliance requirements may be able to file both returns for free. The service says it transmits returns to applicable tax authorities and identifies itself as an IRS-authorized e-file provider. Access is web-based, including mobile access. It is intended for individuals preparing their own returns, limits returns filed from one computer, and does not import tax data from another website or account.
FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA is an online service for preparing and e-filing federal and state tax returns. Federal filing is free for all tax situations, with no income limits or forced upgrades; state filing is a paid add-on. It supports income and deductions involving investments, rental property, self-employment, education, home ownership, and dependents, and says it covers over 350 credits and deductions. Users can import W-2s and 1099s or upload a prior-return PDF from TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Cash App, or OLT. Filing tools include IRS e-file, direct deposit, printable returns, prior-year information import, and free tax extension filing. The service is available on web and mobile devices. FreeTaxUSA says data is encrypted, its physical servers have strict access controls and 24/7 monitoring, and it does not sell tax return information. Basic help is offered by email and an in-app support center, with typical replies within half an hour. It does not support foreign employment income on Form 2555, nonresident alien returns, or filings by customers or preparers living outside the United States.