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FreeTaxUSA Decision Card
Verdict: Choose FreeTaxUSA if price matters and you are comfortable with a practical, forms-forward filing flow. Choose H&R Block or TurboTax if you want more hand-holding, live help or an in-person fallback.
- Best for low-cost federal filing with a cheap state return.
- Best for experienced filers with investments, deductions, rentals or self-employment forms.
- Best for people who do not need a premium mobile-first interface.
- Skip if you want photo W-2 import or in-person tax help.
- Choose H&R Block if you want online filing plus office backup.
FreeTaxUSA: Is Free Federal Filing Worth It?
FreeTaxUSA is worth it for budget-conscious filers because federal filing is free for many complex situations and the state fee is usually far lower than premium tax software. The trade-off is a plainer interface and less live guidance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is FreeTaxUSA really free?
FreeTaxUSA offers free federal filing for many tax situations, while state filing and optional support upgrades usually cost extra.
Is FreeTaxUSA good for self-employed filers?
FreeTaxUSA can handle self-employment forms at a very low price, but first-time filers may prefer more guided software.
How much does FreeTaxUSA state filing cost?
FreeTaxUSA state filing is typically a separate low-cost fee, so check the current checkout price before submitting your return.
Is FreeTaxUSA better than H&R Block?
FreeTaxUSA is usually cheaper; H&R Block is better if you value guided help, office backup or paid expert review options.
By Sarah Chen
Published · Updated
Quick Summary
FreeTaxUSA lives up to its name: every federal return is free, regardless of complexity. Investments, self-employment, rental income, itemized deductions — all free. The only charge is $14.99 for state filing, making it far and away the best value in tax software. While the interface isn't as polished as premium competitors, the accuracy matches the big brands, and the price can't be beaten.
Score Breakdown
What We Like
- ✓ Free federal filing for ALL situations
- ✓ State filing only $14.99
- ✓ Handles complex returns (investments, rental, self-employed)
- ✓ Accuracy guarantee included
- ✓ Prior year import available
What Could Improve
- ✗ Interface is basic and utilitarian
- ✗ No photo W-2 import
- ✗ Limited live support (email only)
- ✗ No mobile app
Features
FreeTaxUSA supports all federal tax forms and schedules at no cost. Covers W-2, 1099, investments, rental income, self-employment, and itemized deductions. Accuracy guarantee backs every return. Deluxe upgrade ($7.99) adds priority support, amended returns, and audit assist. Prior year returns can be imported. Extension filing available.
Pricing
Federal filing is always free, regardless of complexity — this alone saves $50-$130 compared to TurboTax. State filing is $14.99. Deluxe upgrade for priority support and audit assist is $7.99. A complete complex return with state and Deluxe costs just $22.98 — less than TurboTax's cheapest paid tier.
Usability
FreeTaxUSA's interface is functional but plain. Don't expect the conversational, hand-holding approach of TurboTax. Questions are direct and forms-oriented. Experienced filers will navigate it quickly; first-timers may want more guidance. The web-only approach (no mobile app) is a limitation for some. Data entry is manual — no photo import.
Key Specifications
| Starting Price | Free federal |
| Free Filing | All federal returns |
| State Filing | $14.99/state |
| Expert Help | Email only (Deluxe) |
| Accuracy Guarantee | Yes |
| Audit Support | Deluxe ($7.99) |
| Import | Prior year import, manual entry |
Final Verdict
FreeTaxUSA is the best value in tax software, period. If you're comfortable with basic tax preparation and don't need a premium interface, there's no rational reason to pay $100+ elsewhere for the same outcome. The free federal filing covers every situation, and the $14.99 state price is a fraction of competitors. Budget-conscious filers, this is your pick.
Estimate filing fees before choosing software
Use the tax software fee calculator and tax refund estimator before comparing federal, state, live-help and refund-payment costs.