Expatfile vs FreeTaxUSA
Expatfile
expatfile.tax
FreeTaxUSA
freetaxusa.comSide by side
| Figure | Expatfile | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | Free |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 7 | 10 |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 8.4 (#36) | 9.0 (#9) |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 8.4 (#44) | 9.1 (#7) |
| Audit support | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Investment income | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile access | web_and_mobile | FreeTaxUSA says its website is optimized for filing on a phone and requires no app. |
| Rental income | Yes | Yes |
| Security | The security page says data at rest is encrypted with AES-256 and public connections use post-quantum key exchange. | 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 |
| Support | Expatfile advertises 24/7 email and chat support. | Basic support is available by email and in-app support center, and the company says replies typically arrive within half an hour. |
Plans
Expatfile
- Standard$119, paid once
- Premier$159, paid once
- Investor$199, paid once
- Unlimited$499, paid once
- SFOP Standard$699, paid once
- SFOP Premier$819, paid once
- SFOP Investor$939, 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
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.