Tax Software Review

FreeTaxUSA Review (2026)

FreeTaxUSA is the value champion: it files any federal return, no matter how complex, for free, where TurboTax or H&R Block would charge $100+. The only real cost is the modest per-state fee. If you can handle a plainer interface, it is the smart-money pick.

By Wealthy Pot Β· Last updated September 2026

Free federalFederal always $0 β€” any complexity
Free state?$15.99 per state
Paid federalFederal free; Deluxe add-on $7.99; Pro Support $64.99
Per state$15.99 per state
Expert helpDeluxe $7.99 (priority support); Pro Support $64.99 (tax-pro help)
Visit FreeTaxUSA β†—

Pros

  • Federal filing is free for ANY complexity (self-employment, investments, rental, itemizing)
  • Far cheaper than rivals for complex returns
  • Imports prior-year returns from major competitors
  • Free unlimited amended returns

Cons

  • State returns are not free (a per-state fee)
  • Limited live help on the free tier
  • A more utilitarian interface than TurboTax

Who FreeTaxUSA is for

Best for cost-conscious filers, especially those with complex returns (self-employed, investors, landlords) who would pay a premium elsewhere for the same forms.

Free tier, pricing & who qualifies

FreeTaxUSA offers: federal always $0 β€” any complexity ($15.99 per state for state). Free qualifies: everyone β€” no income limit; even self-employment, investments, rental, itemizing. Paid federal: Federal free; Deluxe add-on $7.99; Pro Support $64.99. Per state: $15.99 per state. Expert help: Deluxe $7.99 (priority support); Pro Support $64.99 (tax-pro help). Prices are promotional and change through the season β€” confirm the current total on the official site before filing.

The bottom line

FreeTaxUSA is the value champion: it files any federal return, no matter how complex, for free, where TurboTax or H&R Block would charge $100+. The only real cost is the modest per-state fee. If you can handle a plainer interface, it is the smart-money pick. Main drawback: state returns cost $15.99 each; limited live help on the free tier; plainer interface.

Compare FreeTaxUSA with…

See how FreeTaxUSA stacks up in our tax software comparison and the best free tax software roundup.

We summarize each product's published pricing and features, not user reviews. Prices are promotional, change through the season, and are re-checked against the official page. Some outbound links may be affiliate links β€” that never affects which products we include or how we rate them. Nothing here is tax advice.