FreeTaxUSA vs HowardSoft Tax Preparer
FreeTaxUSA
freetaxusa.comHowardSoft Tax Preparer
howardsoft.comSide by side
| Figure | FreeTaxUSA | HowardSoft Tax Preparer |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $19.08/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 10 | 6 |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 9.1 (#7) | 7.5 (#106) |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 9.0 (#9) | 7.5 (#94) |
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Headquarters | Provo, Utah, United States | Camas, Washington, United States |
| Investment income | Yes | Yes |
| Rental income | Yes | Yes |
| Self-employment support | Yes | Yes |
| State filing | paid_add_on | paid_add_on |
| Support | Basic support is available by email and in-app support center, and the company says replies typically arrive within half an hour. | HowardSoft lists telephone support at 1-858-454-0121 and email [email protected]. |
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
HowardSoft Tax Preparer
- Economy Level$229 a year
- Standard Level$329 a year
- Premium Level$469 a year
- Tax Preparer 1040 Economy Level$229 a year
- Tax Preparer 1040 Standard Level$329 a year
- Tax Preparer 1040 Premium Level$469 a year
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.
HowardSoft Tax Preparer
HowardSoft Tax Preparer has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.