> At a Glance
> – Free federal filing is always free with FreeTaxUSA.
> – State returns cost $15.99, cheaper than most competitors.
> – Pricing tiers: Basic $0, Deluxe $7.99, Pro Support $44.99.
> – Why it matters: Readers can file their taxes without hidden fees and choose support levels that fit their budget.
When the 2025 tax season approaches, many DIY filers look for a cost-effective way to submit their returns. Megan L. Whitfield put FreeTaxUSA to the test, comparing its free federal filing, state fees, and support options against other popular platforms.
Pricing and Affordability
FreeTaxUSA guarantees a free federal filing across all tiers. The only cost comes from optional support or state filing.
- Basic: $0 – Free federal filing, email support, in-app help center.
- Deluxe: $7.99 – Adds priority customer support, live chat, unlimited amended returns.
- Pro Support: $44.99 – Includes phone support, screen-sharing with a CPA or EA, but still requires DIY filing.
| Service | State Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Cash App Taxes | $0 (one return) |
| FreeTaxUSA | $15.99 |
| H&R Block | $37 (paid plans) |
| Jackson Hewitt | $0 (flat fee includes state) |
| TaxAct | $39.99 |
| TaxSlayer | $0-$39.99 |
| TurboTax | $0-$69 |
State filing costs are transparent and remain among the lowest in the market, even though FreeTaxUSA charges a fee.
Eligibility and Use Cases
FreeTaxUSA supports a broad spectrum of tax forms, making it suitable for simple W-2 filers, investors, freelancers, and rental property owners.
- Standard deduction filers – step-by-step interview guides and over 350 credits and deductions.
- Investment income – Schedule D support with 1099-B import (beta) and manual entry.
- Self-employment – Schedule C filing, 1099-NEC upload (beta), and expense tracking.
- Rental & advanced forms – Schedule E, K-1, foreign tax credits; no Form 2555 support.
While it handles most common scenarios, complex situations like ESPP income or foreign earned income are not covered.
User Experience and Features
The interface is clean and straightforward, with guided interviews and real-time error checks. However, many advanced features are only available in paid tiers.
- Final accuracy check and 100% guarantee for calculation errors.
- Real-time error alerts (yellow for warnings, red for errors).
- Limited audit defense (optional $19.99) and no live tax assistance.
The mobile app mirrors the desktop experience, but large forms are easier to review on a larger screen.
Expert Support
Support options increase with each tier, but FreeTaxUSA does not offer a pro-prepared return service.
- Basic – Email and in-app help center only.
- Deluxe – Priority support and live chat.
- Pro Support – Phone and screen-share with a CPA or EA; no pro filing.
Professional help is limited to advice, not return preparation.
Overall Verdict
FreeTaxUSA delivers a solid DIY experience with transparent pricing and a low state fee. While it lacks live tax assistance and a pro-prepared return option, its free federal filing and user-friendly interface make it a strong choice for most individual filers.
Key Takeaways
- Free federal filing is guaranteed; state returns cost $15.99.
- Three tiers offer varying levels of support, from free email to paid phone help.
- The platform scores 7.2/10 overall, reflecting solid usability but limited professional services.
For taxpayers who want a cost-effective, straightforward filing solution, FreeTaxUSA remains a compelling option.
