Question 1

What is the best tax software for self-employed filers?

Accepted Answer

TurboTax Self-Employed ($129 federal + $59/state) and H&R Block Self-Employed ($85 federal + $37/state) are both strong options for self-employed filers. TurboTax has better deduction-finding features for freelancers but costs significantly more. TaxAct Self-Employed ($64.99 federal + $39.99/state) is a budget-friendly alternative. For freelancers who want to minimize costs, FreeTaxUSA handles Schedule C at no federal cost ($14.99 state).

Question 2

What is the cheapest way to file taxes online?

Accepted Answer

FreeTaxUSA offers genuinely free federal filing for nearly all return types including self-employment income and investments, with a flat $14.99 state fee. H&R Block Free Online covers ~52-55% of filers with more included forms than TurboTax Free Edition. TurboTax Free Edition is limited to simple Form 1040 only (~37% of filers). TaxAct Free tier always charges $39.99 for state filing.

Question 3

What is the difference between DIY tax software and assisted filing?

Accepted Answer

DIY tax software (all platforms listed here) guides you through your return step by step but you prepare and file it yourself. Assisted filing add-ons (TurboTax Live, H&R Block Tax Pro Review, TaxAct Xpert Assist) let you chat with a tax professional or have them review your return before filing. In-person filing (H&R Block physical offices) provides the highest level of support but costs significantly more, starting at $89.

Question 4

TurboTax vs FreeTaxUSA: which is the best value for self-employed filers?

Accepted Answer

TurboTax Self-Employed ($129 federal + $59 state) is the best choice for filers who want maximum deduction-finding automation and step-by-step guidance through every Schedule C, SE, and 1099 form. FreeTaxUSA (free federal, $14.99 state) is the best value — it handles self-employment income, investments, and rental property at no federal cost. For a straightforward self-employment return, FreeTaxUSA saves you over $150. For a complex return with multiple income streams, TurboTax's deduction-finding features may save you more than its premium cost.

Feature	H&R Block	FreeTaxUSA
Starting Price	Free · From $35/mo	Free · From $7.99/mo
Free Online	Free	Free
Deluxe	$35/yr	$7.99/yr
Premium	$65/yr	—
Self-Employed	$85/yr	—
Best For	Freelancers, Small Biz	Freelancers
Regions	US	US
Platforms	Web, Ios, Android	Web
Key Features	•Free Online tier covering more forms than TurboTax Free Edition — ~52-55% of filers qualify •Step-by-step navigation with clear progress tracking •Tax Pro Review — have a tax professional review your return before filing •In-person filing at thousands of physical H&R Block offices nationwide	•Genuinely free federal filing for all return types — including Schedule C, D, E, and itemized deductions •$100,000 accuracy guarantee •Maximum Refund Guarantee •Flat $14.99 state filing fee regardless of complexity
Pros	+Most robust free tier of all major paid tax software — covers more forms than TurboTax Free Edition, including education credits and child tax credits +Lower state filing fees than TurboTax ($37 vs $59 per state) across all tiers +Option for in-person help at thousands of physical branches nationwide — unique among major competitors	+Genuinely free federal filing for nearly all filers regardless of complexity — handles freelance income, investments, and itemized deductions at no federal cost +Significantly cheaper than TurboTax/H&R Block at every tier — Deluxe federal at $7.99 vs $59 and $35 respectively +$100,000 accuracy guarantee — same protection as much more expensive competitors
Cons	−Interface slightly less polished than TurboTax — the guided experience is less conversational −Chatbot in Free Edition answers limited questions only — full support requires upgrading −Help features require more navigation to find compared to TurboTax's AI Tax Assist	−Web-only — no iOS or Android app available −Interface less polished and more bare-bones than TurboTax or H&R Block −Less guidance and educational explanation throughout the filing process
Integrations	4+ integrations	1+ integrations
Actions	Learn more Visit Website	Learn more Visit Website

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