FreeTaxUSA is a bare-bones piece of tax software that will get the job done. The company started in 2001 and also goes by the name TaxHawk (if you are looking for them on the Better Business Bureau website). If you’re looking to do your taxes on a small budget and you don’t need your hand held this may be right for you. Read our full FreeTaxUSA review to learn more.
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FreeTaxUSA Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very inexpensive tax prep option
- Tax support with an actual person is cheap compared to most competitors
Cons
- There are no frills or a nice user interface
- It helps if you have some experience doing your taxes, not the best for beginners
- You’ll have to pay for your state return
FreeTaxUSA Review
FreeTaxUSA is a really great deal if you don’t need all the extras of the more expensive tax programs like TurboTax or H&R Block. You’re able to do what you can with these programs, at a fraction of the price. Just keep in mind that you will have to pay to file your state taxes so it’s not really 100% free (they have to make money on something).
Features
FreeTaxUSA doesn’t have slick graphics, a super modern looking interface, or help videos. But what it does have works just fine. Some people may be turned off by this “older” look but you’re saving money by not paying for unnecessary design.
Your tax forms are filled out through interview style questions, you’ll complete them sections at a time. You can skip from section to section but you are not able to go directly to fill out your tax forms. There is less guidance than with some of the competitors but overall the program is intuitive and will help guide you.
You can import taxes from other programs if you wish. Another great feature is that FreeTaxUSA lets you complete your federal 1040 for free no matter what type it is. Most only allow the most basic before they charge you, not letting you itemize.
Cost
The best thing about FreeTaxUSA is the price, it’s dirt cheap. Federal returns are always free and getting the support add-on for only $6.99 is a steal. Usually, to get any kind of live tax support you’ll have to buy a more expensive package or buy an add-on.
Yes, you’ll have to pay $12.95 to file your state taxes but that is less than nearly every other competitor we found. If you want to try for totally free check out TaxSlayer or TaxAct, but remember, they are more limiting on what federal forms you can file.
Below you’ll find a list of their standard online prep offerings:
FreeTaxUSA Packages and Prices
| Free | $0 File your 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ federal form but a state return will cost $12.95 to file. |
| Deluxe | $6.99 All the options of the above with added priority support, audit assistance, live support and unlimited amended returns. Filing a state return will still cost $12.95. |
Support
FreeTaxUSA is not the most comprehensive when it comes to support. They do have a searchable knowledge base and email support for all users. If you pay for the Deluxe edition (which you can upgrade to at any time, you get live chat support also. Overall we found better support with some of the more expensive options but you’ll pay a lot more too.
If you feel you’ll need a lot of help or have very complicated taxes that you’ve never done before you may want to look at other options.
Audit Protection
With the Deluxe package, you get federal audit assistance. This means that if you get audited on your federal taxes they will help you prepare and let you know what to expect. This does not include representing you in front of the IRS and it does not include state tax returns.
Getting Your Refund
You can get your refund direct deposited into your bank account, sent as a paper check in the mail, or added to an American Express Serve prepaid debit card. You can also have it applied to your next year’s taxes or have the IRS purchase U.S. savings bonds with your refund.
FreeTaxUSA Reviews From Around the Web
| Better Business Bureau |  4.41/5 - 10 Reviews |
| Nerd Wallet |  3.5/5 |
| Best Company |  2.6/5 - 18 Reviews |
Business Contact and Profile for FreeTaxUSA
| Name: | FreeTaxUSA (TaxHawk, Inc.) |
| Phone: | (801) 812-1040 |
| Address: | PO Box 51048 Provo, UT 84605-1048 |
| Website: | FreeTaxUSA.com |
| Business Started: | 2001 |
| Type of Business: | Tax Return Preparation |
| Principal: | Mr. Rick Graham, Vice President |
| BBB Accreditation: | This organization is BBB accredited - A+ rating |
I almost finished the fed and ks but did not file yet and I am trying to get back in to finish. I can’t find where you get back to finish!