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Doing your own taxes? Here are the best tax software options for freelancers.
For freelancers or those who are self-employed, tax season can be particularly stressful. We’ve rounded up seven tax software programs that can help put the “fun” back in “tax refund” — no matter your budget.
What’s This?
DisclosureEvery product here is independently selected by Mashable journalists. If you buy something featured, we may earn an affiliate commission which helps support our work.
BEST OVERALL CHOICE
H&R Block Self-Employed Online
Supportive and reliable, this is the kind of tax software you’d bring home to meet your parents.
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BEST FOR COMPLEX RETURNS
TurboTax Self-Employed
You can think of TurboTax as the Olivia Pope of DIY tax prep: No matter what you throw at it, it’s got everything handled.
See Details
BEST VALUE
TaxAct Online 2018 Self-Employed+ Edition
An affordable alternative to H&R Block and TurboTax with a rare price lock guarantee.
See Details
By Haley Henschel
Freelancing isn’t all sweatpants and snooze buttons.
Well, sometimes it is. But most of the time, it’s cabin fever, caffeine withdrawal, fickle cash flows, and fierce competition for clients.
When you boil it down, being your own boss is really hard work — and no time is that more apparent than during tax season.
Compared to those with a typical 9-to-5 job or even small business owners, freelancers and self-employed workers face a unique set of challenges in terms of filing an annual income tax return. For one thing, you need to maintain thorough records of all your business-related expenses throughout the year so that you’re organized once it’s time to start prepping your return. You’re also responsible for completing relevant paperwork on your own while hoping-slash-praying that you haven’t missed any deductions or tax breaks. Perhaps most frustratingly, you then have to cough up the year’s worth of taxes all at once because the money wasn’t automatically deducted from your paychecks. Oh, and don’t forget about the federal self-employment tax you’re required to pay. Isn’t adulting fun?
SEE ALSO: Best tax software programs for small business owners
Bearing that in mind, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that a 2018 QuickBooks survey of 500 freelancers found that doing one’s taxes is among the most difficult challenges facing modern self-employed workers. It’s an obnoxious, tedious ordeal — so obnoxious and tedious, in fact, that more than a third of freelancers don’t even bother paying taxes, according to the same poll.
Since tax evasion is sort of a felony, filing your return every year is in your best interest. Lucky for you that tax software exists.
What is tax software?
Tax software is a type of software program that’s designed to guide users through the process of preparing and filing their returns, and help them comply with tax laws. Essentially, it’s software that makes it less taxing to do your own taxes.
What should you look for in a tax software program?
As someone who’s freelancing or self-employed, you need to keep your eyes peeled for a few specific features whilst weighing your tax software options. Those include some sort of accuracy guarantee, solid customer support, a thorough review process that helps you find all possible deductions, and a simple, user-friendly interface.
Keep in mind that the cheapest tax software option isn’t necessarily the best tax software option. The program you choose should be robust enough to handle complicated tax returns, since those of freelancers and self-employed workers tend to be pretty involved, and capable of promising a high-ish level of protection in case you’re audited. In other words, now’s not the time to get stingy: you want to get your taxes done, but also done right. (That’s not to say you shouldn’t pay for features you don’t need, but just make sure your bases are covered, you know?)
What’s the best tax software for you, personally?
That depends. Do you want to file on a mobile device? Do you want to take a chance with free software? Are you filing last-minute? Decisions, decisions.
Let’s be real, though — you probably have enough on your plate already, so we’ve done the research for you. Here are the best tax software programs for freelancers and self-employed workers based on actual customer reviews.
BEST OVERALL CHOICE
Image: h&R Block
The Good
Nice mobile app • Top-tier customer support • Options to import data from Uber and Stride • Fast
The Bad
Expensive • Some reviewers say the interface is a little confusing
The Bottom Line
Supportive and reliable, this is the kind of tax software you’d bring home to meet your parents.
1. H&R Block Self-Employed Online
Supportive and reliable, this is the kind of tax software you’d bring home to meet your parents.
- Federal:
$104.99 - State:
$39.99
H&R Block is arguably the most transparent and user-friendly option on the market. Its software’s self-employed package works by walking you through a series of conversational questions — the sort you’d expect from a real live CPA — each of which can be expanded if you’d like further explanation as to why they were asked. Block then hunts down every business credit and deduction available to guarantee you your biggest possible refund. (This is one of its three main guarantees, along with an audit support guarantee and a 100% accuracy guarantee.) During this process, you can easily import expenses from popular apps like Stride, and even upload your Uber driver tax information directly from your account.
This functionality is impressive in its own right, but what really sets Block apart is its myriad user support options: You can get technical support via phone and chat, access online filing and software tips on its support center, or head to one of its thousands of brick-and-mortar stores for in-person assistance. (The latter will cost you a little extra, but it’s worth it if you’re stuck on a tough tax question.)
User GBuck writes:
“This program is so easy! It will not let you miss anything and gives you tips on how to fill out the forms if you are unsure.”
BEST FOR COMPLEX RETURNS
Image: turbotax
The Good
Clean, intuitive design • Maximum refund guarantee • Includes bonus QuickBooks subscription • Covers cryptocurrency transactions, if that’s your thing
The Bad
Expensive
The Bottom Line
You can think of TurboTax as the Olivia Pope of DIY tax prep: No matter what you throw at it, it’s got everything handled.
2. TurboTax Self-Employed
You can think of TurboTax as the Olivia Pope of DIY tax prep: No matter what you throw at it, it’s got everything handled.
- Federal:
$120 - State :
$40
You can’t compile a list of the best tax software without name-dropping Intuit’s TurboTax. Developed back in the 1980s, the best-selling brand is basically synonymous with tax-prep software at this point, and for good reason: It’s ridiculously user-friendly and remarkably easy to use even in the most complicated tax scenarios (i.e., yours).
TurboTax Self-Employed is the priciest program on this list, but that’s because it doesn’t sacrifice any functionality or features. Utilizing a friendly, interview-style format, TurboTax will ask you a series of simple questions to fill out applicable forms while sorting through more than 450 industry-specific tax deductions covering mileage, travel, entertainment, and more. Throughout the process, you’ll get one-on-one help from self-employment specialists as well as a personalized audit assessment. And as the juicy little cherry on top of all these features, you’ll receive a year’s worth of complimentary access to the QuickBooks Self-Employed invoicing and expense-tracking tool with your TurboTax license.
User alpierre writes:
“it removes all the anxiety behind tax season by knowing I can do this myself with the confidence of it being quick, accurate, maximized and plain done right. keeping me from doing it any other way. highly recommended! Unless you don’t like easy…”
BEST VALUE
Image: taxact
The Good
Price Lock Guarantee • Year-round tax help
The Bad
Audit protection costs extra • Customer service could be improved
The Bottom Line
An affordable alternative to H&R Block and TurboTax with a rare price lock guarantee.
3. TaxAct Online 2018 Self-Employed+ Edition
An affordable alternative to H&R Block and TurboTax with a rare price lock guarantee.
- Federal:
$77.95 - State:
$39.95
Pledging “faster, easier filing for all,” TaxAct’s Self-Employed+ Edition is designed to guarantee your maximum tax benefit. The program boasts a unique Deduction Maximizer™ tool that aims to pinpoint popular deductions claimed by filers like you, as well as year-round tax support and planning.
TaxAct’s self-employed software is a great substitute for H&R Block and TurboTax’s offerings, providing most of the same features at a more affordable price point. (TaxAct has slightly worse customer support, a slightly more awkward interface, and a slightly more tedious questionnaire process compared to those two popular programs, but none of these issues warrant too much concern, TBH.) What really sets it apart from Block and TurboTax, though, is its Price Lock Guarantee: You’ll never pay a higher price than what’s advertised at the time you began your return, regardless of when you decide to file.
Jenn of Frederick, MD, writes:
“I’ve used TaxAct for several years now, doing simple returns for my parents and complicated returns for myself. The top tier product in their offering is comprehensive. I can file freelance business income and expenses, rental property income and expenses, and see a long list of possible itemized deductions. I have not had any dealings with customer service because the software is easy to use, and the only time I’ve ever been contacted by the IRS is because I missed one of my 1099s. Not TaxAct’s fault.”
BEST FOR MOBILE E-FILING
Image: taxslayer
The Good
Mobile app makes it easy to file right on your smartphone • Tax resources in addition to support
The Bad
Audit defense requires a paid upgrade • Some documents are missing from the app
The Bottom Line
The future of tax prep is here, albeit dealing with a few growing pains.
4. TaxSlayer Self-Employed
The future of tax prep is here, albeit with a few growing pains.
- Federal:
$47 - State:
$29
TaxSlayer did not come to play, as least as far as mobile is concerned. Highest rated for ease of use, its Self-Employed plan comes with a comprehensive suite of tools and resources that makes it easy to file your taxes right on your phone. That includes year-round access to tax tips and reminders. 1099 and Schedule C support, a deduction finder, a tax refund calculator that’ll estimate your refund before you file, an exclusive, personalized guide to self-employed taxes, and priority support from a self-employment tax professional via email, phone, and live chat. (Whew!) It’s not a perfect app, to be sure — you’ll probably have to complete part of your return on a desktop computer — but taking into account all the resources it offers, it’s a pretty nifty option to explore.
User Samantha K. writes:
“As easy as 1,2,3… Fast easy and walks you through anything you need.”
BEST FOR LAST-MINUTE FILERS
Image: liberty tax
The Good
Straightforward process • Relatively easy to use • Double Check Guarantee
The Bad
Audit protection is available for an additional fee
The Bottom Line
If April 15 crept up on you this year (and you don’t feel like filing for an extension), Liberty can help you get your shit together fast.
5. Liberty Tax Premium Edition
If April 15 crept up on you this year, Liberty can help you get your shit together — fast.
- Federal:
$79.95 - State:
$39.95
Not to sound like your mom or anything, but you really should file for a tax extension if you think you’ll be filing your return at the last minute. Rush through the paperwork, and you’re more likely to make mistakes.
If that’s not an option, Liberty should be your go-to pick for tax software. It doesn’t mess around with fancy icons or unnecessarily chatty language. Instead, it just gets right to the point with a plain, uncomplicated, no-frills interface and a few basic questions about your tax situation, which streamlines the filing process.
Liberty also makes it easy to double check your work: As soon as you’re done plugging in your details, the program will send your information through a thorough review process and flag any mistakes. And if you have a little more time to spare, you can take advantage of Liberty’s Double Check Guarantee and take your return to a participating branch, where a trained tax professional will look it over for free. (Certain branches will even extend their hours for this very purpose during tax season — one office in Omaha pulled an all-nighter in 2017 to ensure last-minute filers were able to get all their questions asked.)
Earnest of Lansing, MI, writes:
“No matter the complexity of the job, or the time constraints of finishing the job. One can depend on Liberty Tax to deliver accurate and proficient service to their clients. Undeniably!”
BEST CHEAP OPTION
Image: freetaxusa
The Good
Accuracy guarantee • Very fast filing • Supports all major forms
The Bad
Audit protection requires a paid upgrade
The Bottom Line
A free-if-you-feel-like it tax software for when you’re ready to ditch the training wheels.
6. FreeTaxUSA Deluxe Edition
A free tax software for when you’re ready to ditch the training wheels — though the paid version is much better.
- Federal:
$6.99 - State:
$12.95
Been there, filed that? FreeTaxUSA is a budget-friendly and fast tax software program that’s geared toward filers who have done all this before. It scraps the long-winded, Q&A-style interviews you’ve endured already, and focuses more on providing helpful explanations of relevant topics, such as the new tax law changes, while tracking down more than 350 credits and deductions to minimize your liability.
Oh, and in case you’re wondering: FreeTaxUSA is *technically* a free program, as its name implies, although we recommend spending just a few bucks to upgrade to the Deluxe Edition for priority support, a live chat feature, Audit Assist, and unlimited amended returns.
User HappyinJamul writes:
“Filing taxes is simple and affordable with FreeTaxUSA. I itemize and own rental property so filing my taxes using an accountant used to cost me $500-700. I’m thrilled that FreeTaxUSA asks all the right questions and all I do is fill in my info and it’s done! And, if I have a question, the answers at my fingertips with live chat. I pay a little more for audit protection and that to me is well worth it.”
BEST FREE TAX SOFTWARE
Image: credit karma
The Good
Maximum refund guarantee • Fresh and modern layout • Free
The Bad
Subpar customer support options • No audit support • Some users say it’s slow
The Bottom Line
It won’t meet everyone’s needs, but keep an eye on it — this up-and-comer has potential.
7. Credit Karma Tax
It won’t meet everyone’s needs, but keep an eye on it — this up-and-comer has potential.
- Federal:
Free - State:
Free
Here’s a stumper: If the saying is true that “you get what you pay for,” what do you get when you pay nothing? Well, if you’re talking about Credit Karma Tax, you get a decent free tax software sans hidden fees and upselling.
Unlike the other software programs on this list, Credit Karma Tax only offers one plan, which contains all available features. (In other words, you don’t have to pay for upgrades to get access to different forms or schedules since everything’s there to begin with.) It lets you take your pick from two different completion styles — interview filing or self-guided filing — and supports most major forms and schedules, including Schedule C.
The biggest drawback to Credit Karma Tax is the fact that its features and customer support options are quite limited compared to those of paid tax software (although that’s pretty standard when you’re comparing free versus premium products). You’ve also got to sign up for a Credit Karma account to get access to the tax service, which might put off some users. But hey, you really can’t argue with free, and if your tax return is on the simpler side — say you’re an independent contractor who’s working full-time for a single company — it’s definitely worth trying.
Credit Karma Tax has a real mixed bag of reviews online. For instance, Joanne of Morada, CA, writes:
“I’ve always used Turbo in the past. And there was always a fee for Federal and State. Last year I used Credit Karma with no fees at all. I did a trial on TurboTax and then went to Credit Karma to make sure it came up with the same numbers as TurboTax, and it did so I knew that Credit Karma was correct. So I filed with Credit Karma for free for both Fed and State. Submitted my filings and 4 weeks later received my refund into my direct deposit bank account. They walk you through the online process and it was so easy. I am using them again this year.”
But Rita of Strasberg, PA, sings a different tune:
“Free tax returns – Credit Karma has the WORST tax preparation software. The word SLOW can’t even describe this tax preparation site. It’s extremely hard to navigate, slow & don’t even try to edit any mistakes. All I got from this tax service was a nasty migraine headache. I will NEVER use this service again.”
Topics:
Business, Mashable Deals, personal finance, taxes, Tech, work/life
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