FreeTaxUSA vs TaxFreeway

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.

TaxFreeway prepares Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial tax returns for individual filers. It supports self-employment, rental income, capital gains, and unlimited slips such as T3, T4, and T5. Returns can be completed in Interview mode, Form mode, or both. Tools include integrated spousal returns, tax tips, RRSP and split-pension planners, medical-expense and donation planners, and a return review. CRA services include Auto-fill My Return, NETFILE, ReFILE, Notice of Assessment through Tax Software Service, and address or direct-deposit changes. Returns are prepared and saved on the user’s computer, and the company says its website does not store personal financial information. Users with total family income of $20,000 or less can prepare and NETFILE at no cost. Windows and Mac product keys cover up to 20 returns for the current tax year, priced at 9.95 USD and $14.95, paid once. Quebec TP-1 returns and several electronic form transmissions are excluded.