FreeTaxUSA Reviews

FreeTaxUSA is an e-file tax service that handles almost any tax situation for a flat fee. Whether you are a basic filer, student, homeowner, service member or self-employed, you can file your federal taxes for free. State taxes cost an additional $14.99 at the time of publishing.

While FreeTaxUSA does not come with in-person services or one-on-one help, its upgraded Deluxe package is worth the additional $7.99, especially if you end up needing to make amendments or need audit support after you file.

FreeTaxUSA can file your federal taxes and your state taxes. The company is familiar with 350 credits and deductions to include in your return. However, it does have some limitations in terms of the types of tax situations it can handle, such as foreign income, nonresident alien returns and donations of high-value property over $5,000.

Using FreeTaxUSA is similar to using other guided tax software. Once you sign up for an account, you will be taken through several questions to help you connect to the right tax forms. You do not need to pay anything until you are ready to submit. You will also have the option to mail in your tax return if you do not want to e-file.

With FreeTaxUSA, you can upload your W-2 and previous tax information, even if it is from a competitor. If you used FreeTaxUSA in the past, you will also be able to auto-fill from your previous year’s return.

FreeTaxUSA offers simplified tax packages, so you don’t have to wonder if you are signing up for the right service. Both plans cover most filers and tax situations. Both plans also include the option for a free tax deadline extension. Prices listed below are accurate as of the publishing date.

Free version

The free version has no charge to file federally and a $14.99 fee for a state filing. You can choose to only file one or the other with the program, too.

Deluxe version

For an additional $7.99, you can receive live chat support, unlimited amendments and audit support. At this level, federal filing is still free, and state filing costs $14.99.

FreeTaxUSA uses a flat-fee structure, which helps tax filers avoid nasty tax bills at the end of filing. It is free to file a federal return and costs $14.99 to add on a state filing at the time of publishing. For $7.99, users can upgrade to the Deluxe program, which comes with unlimited amendments, audit support and live chat support.

Amended tax returns cost $15.98 to file if you did not purchase the Deluxe version. You can choose to amend your FreeTaxUSA return or amend it from a return you completed with a different company.

Other costs you should be aware of include:

• $7.97 for a mailed printed return
• $15.99 for a professionally bound printed return
• $24.99 fee for paying with your tax refund (credit card/debit card payments have no fee)

If you need to file a prior year’s return, that is free at the federal level but costs $17.99 at the state level.

FreeTaxUSA is a trustworthy tax company that has been in business for over two decades and has helped file over 50 million tax returns with the IRS. If you need more hands-on tax help, you might consider its parent company, TaxHawk, which has an additional expert package available.