FreeTaxUSA vs SimpleFile
FreeTaxUSA
freetaxusa.comSimpleFile
canada.caSide by side
| Figure | FreeTaxUSA | SimpleFile |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 10 | 2 |
| Spec score · Tax Calculators | 8.9 (#1) | 7.7 (#7) |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 9.1 (#7) | 7.7 (#90) |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 9.0 (#9) | 7.5 (#93) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Investment income | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile access | FreeTaxUSA says its website is optimized for filing on a phone and requires no app. | web_only |
| Notable limits | 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. | SimpleFile Digital does not support some deductions, including medical expenses and tuition expenses. |
| Rental income | Yes | No |
| Security | 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. | The CRA describes SimpleFile as secure. |
| Self-employment support | Yes | No |
| State filing | paid_add_on | included |
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
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.