FreeTaxUSA vs TurboTax
FreeTaxUSA
freetaxusa.com
TurboTax
turbotax.intuit.comSide by side
| Figure | FreeTaxUSA | TurboTax |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $79/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 10 | 11 |
| Spec score · Tax Calculators | 8.9 (#1) | 8.0 (#6) |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 9.1 (#7) | 8.9 (#12) |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 9.0 (#9) | 8.9 (#12) |
| Spec score · Tax Preparation Software | 8.9 (#4) | 8.2 (#17) |
| Audit support | Yes | Eligible customers receive one-on-one question-and-answer support; representation costs extra. |
| Founded | 2001 | 1983 |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Provo, Utah, United States | Mountain View, California, United States |
| Investment income | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile access | FreeTaxUSA says its website is optimized for filing on a phone and requires no app. | web_and_mobile |
| Rental income | Yes | Yes |
| Self-employment support | Yes | Yes |
| State filing | paid_add_on | State filing is free with Free Edition and additional with Deluxe. |
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
TurboTax
- Free EditionFree
- Do It Yourself Deluxe$79 a month
- Do It Yourself Deluxe$79, paid once
- Do It Yourself Premium$139, paid once
- Do It Yourself Premium$139 a month
- Expert Assist Premium$209, paid once
- Expert Assist Premium$209 a month
- TurboTax Free EditionFree
- TurboTax Mobile Free OfferFree
- TurboTax Do It Yourself Deluxe$79, 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.
TurboTax
TurboTax is tax preparation software available online, on mobile, and as desktop software. It supports returns involving self-employment, investment income, and rental income, with state filing available as a paid add-on. Users can import, upload, or photograph documents, including information from participating employers and financial institutions; the maker says auto-imports are available from more than one million such organizations. Customers can receive unlimited expert advice or have an expert prepare a return from start to finish. Free filing is limited to simple Form 1040 returns, and the listed estimate is that about 37% of taxpayers qualify. The free tier excludes itemized deductions, business income, stock sales, rental income, and other schedules. Deluxe searches more than 350 deductions and credits, while Premium lists more than 450. Do It Yourself Deluxe is listed at $79, paid once for federal filing, with state additional. TurboTax says its accuracy guarantee covers IRS or state penalties and interest caused by a calculation error, subject to terms.