Better Tax vs FreeTaxUSA
Better Tax
bettertax.ca
FreeTaxUSA
freetaxusa.comSide by side
| Figure | Better Tax | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 10 |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 8.1 (#57) | 9.1 (#7) |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 8.1 (#52) | 9.0 (#9) |
| Audit support | Yes | Yes |
| Company history | The founders say they began building Canadian DIY tax software in 2012 and identify themselves as Jonathan, Allison, and Alex. | The company says a CPA and software developer started FreeTaxUSA in 2001. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Notable limits | It is not a good fit for Quebec residents who need a TP-1 return, non-residents or emigrants, deceased taxpayers, bankrupt users, certain foreign-affiliate or multi-jurisdiction filings, AgriStability or AgriInvest participants, or users with a NETFILE restriction. | The software does not support foreign employment income on Form 2555, nonresident alien returns, or customers or preparers living outside the United States when filing. |
| Product | Better Tax is personal tax filing software for preparing and filing your own Canadian tax return. | FreeTaxUSA is an online tax preparation service for preparing and e-filing federal and state tax returns. |
| Rental income | Yes | Yes |
| Self-employment support | Yes | Yes |
| State filing | included | paid_add_on |
| Support | The maker says human support is available for questions. | Basic support is available by email and in-app support center, and the company says replies typically arrive within half an hour. |
Plans
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
Better Tax
Better Tax has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.