Tax filing is a big deal these days. It’s an important part of managing your money and it’s something that everyone should be doing, from those who are self-employed to those who have regular jobs.
While there are both paid and free tax filing options available online. Thankfully, there are some great free tax filing options out there that can help make the process a whole lot easier. Cool, right?
I’m here to bring you the best of the best when it comes to free tax filing for self-employed people.
I’ve done the hard work for you and compiled this list of the 6 best free tax filing options for self-employed people.
I hope this will help you out if you’re struggling to find a good free tax filing system that works for you.
Each of these options has something special to offer and I’m sure you’ll find one that suits your needs perfectly. So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the 6 best free tax filing options for self-employed people.
So, let’s dive in!
Overview of 6 the Best 6 Free Tax Filing for Self-Employed
Name | Ratings | State Return Fee | Federal Return Fee |
#1 TurboTax | 4.8 out of 5. | $39. | $39. |
#2 TaxAct | 4.7 out of 5. | $39.95. | $0 – $64.95. |
#3 FreeTaxUSA | 4.6 out of 5. | $14.99. | $0. |
#4 H&R Block | 4.5 out of 5. | $65 each. | $55 to $110. |
#5 TaxSlayer | 4.4 out of 5. | $39.95 each. | $37.46. |
#6 Cash App Tax | 3.8 out of 5. | $0. | $0. |
1. TurboTax
Ratings: | 4.8 out of 5. |
Founded | 1984. |
Free version: | Yes. The price starts from $39. |
State return fee: | $39. |
Federal return fee: | $39. |
Maximum taxable income to use the free version: | N/A |
Premium version: | Yes. Starts from |
Customer Support Way: | E-mail, FAQ, Forum. |
For: | Self-employed, freelancers, and more people. |
Mobile app: | Yes. |
Available Language: | English and Spanish. |
TurboTax is one of the most popular tax filing software and it offers both free and paid versions.
So you have the chance to explore this amazing tax filing without any cost.
The free version of TurboTax is perfect for those who need to file simple tax returns. It will help you to file your 1040 and state return.
You can also claim the earned income tax credit through the free version. You will be able to avail yourself of the child tax credit as well.
Furthermore, you can also deduct student loan interest from your taxes. The paid version of TurboTax is great for those who need to file complex returns.
It offers extra services like access to tax advisors, priority customer support, and audit defence services.
It also provides you with more advanced features like tracking investments, deductions, and credits.
The user interface of TurboTax is quite user-friendly and easy to use.
You will get step-by-step guidance and all the necessary advice you need to file your taxes.
Requirements to Use the Free Version of TurboTax
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credits (CTC).
- W-2 income.
- Standard deduction.
- Small dividends and interest.
The Free version is not for you if you have
- Educational expenses.
- Student loan interest deductions.
- Health savings account.
- And other deductions like them.
How to Get the Free Version of TurboTax
Step 1: Go to their official website: https://turbotax.intuit.com/.
Step 2: Click on the, “Start for free” option.
Step 3: Create a TurboTax account with your valid information.
Step 4: Now your account is ready. And go with their guidelines.
Pros and Cons of TurboTax:
Pros | Cons |
Step-by-step quick guidance. | The cost of the premium version is comparatively high. |
Free federal and state filing. | The free version is extremely limited. |
Downloadable. | Itemized deductions are not available in the free version. |
User-friendly. | Contains federal and state return fees. |
Can be used on a mobile, laptop, or in pc. |
How to Contact TurboTax?
- Site link: https://turbotax.intuit.com/.
- Phone: 1-800-4INTUIT (1-800-446-8848).
- E-mail: support@expatfile.tax.
- Address: N/A.
2. TaxAct
Ratings: | 4.7 out of 5. |
Founded | 1998. |
Free version: | Yes. |
State return fee: | $39.95. |
Federal return fee: | $0 – $64.95. |
Maximum taxable income to use the free version: | N/A. |
Premium version: | Yes. The price starts from $69.95. |
Customer Support Way: | Call, Email, FAQs, Help desk, Chat, 24/7 live reply. |
For: | Self-employed, freelancers, small businesses, etc. |
Mobile app: | Yes. |
You will not need any prior experience to use TaxAct and file your tax via it.
The free version of TaxAct will cover W-2 income. This means that if you use the free version of TaxAct you can file your taxes with income earned from W-2s, including wages, tips, and taxable benefits.
TaxAct’s free version also includes the ability to prepare and file taxes for unemployment income. This will allow you to accurately enter unemployment income into your tax return for free. Cool, right?
The free version of TaxAct will allow you to file your taxes and report any retirement distributions you received during the year.
TaxAct can help you accurately report any taxable income from your retirement accounts, calculate any applicable taxes and credits, and file your taxes.
It also covers tuition and fees deduction, EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit), CTC (Child Tax Credits), and stimulus credits.
Requirements to Use the Free Version of TaxAct
- Simple tax situation.
The Free version is not for you if you want to
- Deduct student loan interest and mortgage interest.
- Report business or freelance income and more.
How to Get the Free Version of TaxAct
Step 1: Go to the link: https://www.taxact.com/.
Step 2: Select the free planning and find out “File Free” option.
Step 3: Create a TaxAct account with your valid and active information.
Step 4: Go through their guidelines.
Pros and Cons of TaxAct:
Pros | Cons |
Free federal option. | The premium version is comparatively high. |
Easy to use. | Includes state and federal return costs. |
Good customer support. | The maximum federal return fee is comparatively high. |
The interface is simple. | |
Time-saving. |
How to Contact with TaxAct?
- Site link:
- Phone: (319) 373-3600.
- E-mail: N/A.
- Address: 1425 60th Street 300 Cedar Rapids, Northeast Suite, IA 52402 United States.
3. FreeTaxUSA
Ratings: | 4.6 out of 5. |
Founded | 2001. |
Free version: | Yes. |
State return fee: | $14.99. |
Federal return fee: | $0. |
Maximum taxable income to use the free version: | N/A. |
Premium version: | Yes. |
Customer Support Way: | Live chat, E-mail, Call, FAQs. |
For: | Self-employed, freelancers, homeowners, and more. |
Mobile app: |
The free version of FreeTaxUSA covers unemployment income. In this case, you don’t have to worry about the hassle of filing taxes on your unemployment income.
You can easily and quickly file your taxes on unemployment income from the comfort of your own home.
Additionally, no need to worry about filing your crypto sales! FreeTaxUSA has you covered with their free version. This version allows you to easily and securely file your crypto sales with a few simple steps.
Yes, FreeTaxUSA covers rental property in its free version. This means that if you have income from a rental property, you can use FreeTaxUSA to help you prepare and e-file your taxes for free.
The software will help you easily enter information about your rental income and expenses, calculate depreciation, and handle any other complexities related to rental property.
You will also get many more in the free version.
Requirements to Use the Free Version of FreeTaxUSA
N/A.
How to Get the Free Version of FreeTaxUSA
Step 1: Go to the link: https://www.freetaxusa.com/software.jsp.
Step 2: Select the “Start Free Return” option.
Step 3: Create a FreeTaxUSA account with your valid information.
Step 4: Now go through their guidelines.
Pros and Cons of FreeTaxUSA:
Pros | Cons |
Free federal and state returns. | The interface is not comparatively developed and advanced. |
Low state return fee. | |
Free federal return. | |
Beginner-friendly and easy to use. | |
Awesome support features. |
How to Contact FreeTaxUSA?
- Site link: https://www.freetaxusa.com/.
- Phone: 800-829-1040.
- E-mail: support@support.freetaxusa.com.
- Address: 1366 East 1120 South; Provo, UT 84606.
4. H&R Block
Ratings: | 4.5 out of 5. |
Founded | 1955. |
Free version: | Yes. |
State return fee: | $65 each. |
Federal return fee: | $55 to $110. |
Maximum taxable income to use the free version: | N/A. |
Premium version: | Yes. The price starts from $40. |
Customer Support Way: | Call, chat, E-mail. |
For: | Self-employed, freelancers, other employers, and more. |
Mobile app: | Yes. |
Available Language | English and Spanish. |
H&R Block is a great way to file your taxes for free. Their free version gives you access to filing Form 1040, which is the main form used to file individual federal income tax returns. This form covers your income sources, deductions, and credits to help you maximize your refund or minimize the amount of taxes you owe.
Importantly, if you’re a parent, you can get extra help with your taxes with H&R Block’s free version. It allows you to claim your additional child tax credit—a benefit that could help you save money on your taxes. The form is easy to fill out, and it’s totally free, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re eligible.
Moreover, H&R Block’s free version is great if you have to manage your unemployment income. It allows you to easily set up a budget and track your expenses, so you can make sure you’re staying within your means while you’re out of work.
Plus, you can use it to file taxes with your unemployment income, so you can get the maximum refund possible. It’s an invaluable tool for anyone who’s unemployed and trying to make ends meet.
This service also allows you to file all the major forms, including Form 1040 and its associated schedules 1, 2, and 3, all for free.
Whether you’re a student, a freelancer, or a business owner, H&R Block’s free filing option can help you get your taxes done quickly and easily, saving you time and money.
Requirements to Use the Free Version of H&R Block
- Simple tax situation.
- W-2 income and some more.
The Free version is not for you if you have:
- Comparatively complex tax situation.
How to Get the Free Version of H&R Block
Step 1: Go to the link: https://www.hrblock.com/.
Step 2: Select the “File for free” planning.
Step 3: Sign up for an H&R Block account.
Step 4: Now follow their guideline and go with them.
Pros and Cons of H&R Block:
Pros | Cons |
Offers a free version. | Pricing is expensive compared to other filings. |
The free version is 100% free for any income level. | Many features are not supported. |
Awesome live support. | Customer support is sometimes annoying. |
User-friendly. | High state and federal return fees. |
How to Contact H&R Block?
- Site link: https://www.hrblock.com/.
- Phone: 1-800-472-5625.
- E-mail: onlinetaxes@hrblock.com.
- Address: One H&R Block Way Kansas City, MO 64105 USA.
5. TaxSlayer
Ratings: | 4.4 out of 5. |
Founded | 1965. |
Free version: | Yes. |
State return fee: | $39.95 each. |
Federal return fee: | $37.46. |
Maximum taxable income to use the free version: | Less than $100,000. |
Premium version: | Yes. Starts from $19.95. |
Customer Support Way: | Phone, E-mail, Live Chat. |
For: | Self-employed, students, freelancers, small businesses, etc. |
Mobile app: | Yes. |
Available languages. | English and Spanish. |
If you are a self-employed individual and looking for the best free tax filing option, TaxSlayer is the perfect solution for you.
TaxSlayer is a professional tax filing service offering free and premium versions.
The free version, called “Simply Free”, is perfect for individuals who have a simple tax situation and want to manage their tax work themselves. Are you one of them? If yes, then you can try TaxSlayer.
The best thing about TaxSlayer is that you get access to excellent customer support even with the free version. This makes filing taxes much easier and faster. Cool, right?
Plus, you can be assured that all of your tax data and information is safe and secure with TaxSlayer.
Taxslayer offers four different plans, ranging from the free version to the most expensive premium version, such as
- Simply Free (Cost $0)
- Classic (Cost $19.95)
- Premium (Cost $39.95)
- Self-Employed (Cost $49.95)
The free version is perfect for those who don’t want to spend money on tax filing.
Requirements to Use the Free Version of TaxSlayer
- Maximum taxable income: Less than $100,000.
- Maximum taxable interest: $1,500 or less $1,500.
- W-2 income.
- Student loan interest deduction, and some more.
The free version is not for you if you have
- Complicated tax situation.
How to Get the Free Version of TaxSlayer
Step 1: Open the link: https://www.taxslayer.com/products/taxslayer-free-tax-filing/.
Step 2: Look at the “FILE FOR FREE” button and click on it.
Step 3: Create your TaxSlayer account with your valid Email address, username, password, and mobile phone.
Step 4: Now, your TaxSlayer account is ready, you can access the free version if you can fulfill the requirements given above.
Pros and Cons of TaxSlayer:
Pros | Cons |
The mobile app version is available. | The free version is limited. |
Excellent for freelancers, self-employed, and side hustlers. | The child tax credit is unavailable. |
The pricing of the premium version is affordable. | Less user-friendly compared to other free tax filings. |
The state and federal return fee is comparatively high. |
How to Contact TaxSlayer?
- Site link: https://www.taxslayer.com/.
- Phone: 706-922-6741
- E-mail: support@taxslayer.com.
- Address: 945 Broad St, GA 30901 706-922-6741, Augusta.
6. Cash App Taxes
Ratings: | 3.8 out of 5. |
Founded | 2021 (Renamed of Credit Karma Tax) |
Free version: | Yes. |
State return fee: | $0. |
Federal return fee: | $0. |
Maximum taxable income to use the free version: | N/A. |
Premium version: | No. |
Customer Support Way: | Chat, Call, E-mail. |
For: | Self-employed, freelancers, homeowners, and more. |
Mobile app: | Yes. |
If you are a freelancer or self-employed, then you know the importance of tracking your income and managing taxes.
With Cash App Taxes, you can easily manage your taxes, track your income, and make sure you’re staying on top of your financial obligations. And it is 100% free.
It also allows you to easily file Schedule C, which is the form you use to report any income and expenses related to your freelance or self-employment.
Importantly, Cash App Taxes makes it easy to keep track of your income and manage your taxes quickly and easily.
However, Health savings accounts (HSAs) are a great way to cover medical expenses while also saving money on taxes.
With Cash App Taxes, you can easily manage your HSA and make sure you’re taking advantage of all the tax benefits it offers.
Additionally, taxes on rental property income can be a bit confusing and overwhelming. Cash App makes it easier to pay taxes on rental property income quickly and easily.
With Cash App, you can easily pay estimated taxes on rental property income, as well as keep track of your deductions and income.
Requirements to Use the Free Version of Cash App Tax
- Simple tax situations.
How to Get the Free Version of the Tax Cash App
Step 1: Go to the link: https://cash.app/taxes.
Step 2: Create your Cash App Tax account for free and enjoy.
Pros and Cons of Tax Cash App:
Pros | Cons |
Solid and straightforward interface. | Customer support is limited. |
100% Free tax option. | Fewer features compared to other filings. |
User-friendly. | |
The cost of state and federal returns is $0. | |
Mobile app. |
How to Contact Cash App Taxes?
- Site link: https://cash.app/taxes.
- Phone: 1 (800) 969-1940.
- E-mail: N/A.
- Address: N/A.
Conclusion
I have provided an in-depth description and information of the 6 best free tax filing for self-employed. So, to wrap things up, it’s clear that not all free tax filing options are created equal.
Now, you may think that all free tax filing options are created equal, but that’s not the case. Some are much better than others and have features that make them stand out from the crowd.
The 6 best free tax software for self-employed that I have listed here offer some great features that make them stand out from the rest.
Whether you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or a contractor, these tax filing options are definitely worth checking out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is tax filing?
Tax filing is the process of submitting your financial information to the government to pay your taxes. It involves gathering all your financial information, such as income, expenses, deductions, and credits, and then submitting it to the IRS or your state tax authority. It is something that everyone has to do, so it’s important to make sure you do it on time and accurately!
Can I file my taxes for free?
Yes, you can file your taxes for free! There are a few different options available, like using IRS Free File or a tax software program.
What does tax software do?
Tax software helps make preparing taxes easier by providing an easy way to enter your financial information, calculate your taxes owed or refund, and submit your return electronically. It can also help you save time and money by ensuring you don’t make any mistakes that could potentially lead to an audit or other penalties.
What is the best free tax filing online?
It sounds like you’ve got a lot of great options when it comes to free tax filing – TurboTax, TaxAct, FreeTaxUSA, H&R Block, TaxSlayer, and Cash App Taxes all seem like great choices. But it really depends on what you’re looking for, so be sure to check out the details of each software to see which one is the right fit for you. Good luck!
How much does it cost to use paid tax software?
The cost of paid tax software varies greatly depending on the features and capabilities of the software. Generally, the range is between $17 and $119, though some software could cost significantly more than that.
