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FreeTaxUSA Tax Software Review 2023

7.6 good ratings
FreeTaxUSA
Updated On 3 August, 2023

FreeTaxUSA is an online tax preparation and filing service that helps individuals and small business owners complete their federal and state tax returns. The platform provides a user-friendly interface, step-by-step guidance, and various tools to help users maximize their tax refunds and minimize their tax liabilities.

A key benefit of FreeTaxUSA is its affordability. The platform offers free federal tax preparation and e-filing services for basic tax returns and charges only a small fee for more complex returns or state tax preparation. This makes FreeTaxUSA a cost-effective option for those who want to file taxes without spending much on professional tax preparation services.

FreeTaxUSA also offers a variety of other features, including the ability to import tax information from the past years, support for a wide range of tax forms and schedules, and access to tax calculators and tools. The platform provides customer support via email, phone, and chat, as well as a comprehensive knowledge base that helps users answer common tax-related questions.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Free federal tax preparation and e-filing services 
  • Easy-to-use interface
  • Comprehensive knowledge base for tax questions
  • Support for a wide range of tax forms and schedules
  • Ability to import tax information from previous years
  • Access to tax calculators and tools
  • Customer support via email, phone, and chat
  • Availability of state tax preparation services

Cons

  • Insufficient support for more complex returns
  • No in-person tax preparation services
  • Limited customer support hours
  • No audit defense services
  • No guarantee for the maximum tax refund
  • Limited payment and refund options
  • Inadequate advice for tax planning
  • Potential delays in receiving tax refunds
  • Limited features on the mobile app

Performance at a Glance

Online tax preparation services like FreeTaxUSA make tax preparation much simpler and more manageable. When shortlisting tax preparation services, you must evaluate their ease of use, customer service, value for money, and features. Here’s a table highlighting these factors and showcasing the benefits of using FreeTaxUSA for your tax preparation needs.

Specifications

FreeTaxUSA Rating at a Glance

Our Verdict

Ease of Use

Simplify your taxes with ease.

Customer Service

Get the support you need when you need it.

Value for Money

Maximize your refund without breaking the bank.

Features

Access powerful tools for stress-free tax preparation.

Ease of Use

FreeTaxUSA is intuitive and user-friendly, with clear instructions and helpful tips throughout the tax preparation process. The platform provides helpful guides and tutorials to assist users with specific tax situations, such as self-employment or rental income. Additionally, it’s optimized for mobile devices, allowing users to complete their taxes from anywhere at any time.

Customer Service

The tool offers several options for customer support, including email and phone. It also has a detailed FAQ section and a community forum where users can ask questions and get answers from other users. The customer service team is known for their prompt and helpful responses, making it easy for users to get the support they need.

Value for Money

FreeTaxUSA has a range of pricing plans to fit everyone’s needs, with options for both federal and state tax returns. The platform’s pricing is competitive with other online tax preparation services, and users can expect to save more compared to traditional tax preparation methods. 

Features

FreeTaxUSA provides comprehensive features to assist with tax preparation, including support for all major tax forms and schedules, the ability to import tax information from previous years, and helpful tax calculators and tools. The platform also offers an audit assist service, providing users additional support if the IRS audits them. FreeTaxUSA is also updated regularly to ensure it’s compliant with the latest tax laws and regulations.

Features of FreeTaxUSA

With its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing, FreeTaxUSA has become popular for those looking to prepare their taxes quickly and efficiently. By exploring its features in greater detail, you will understand what FreeTaxUSA has to offer and how it can benefit you when filing your taxes.

Features

Details

Basic Customer Support

Yes

Audit Support

Yes

Printable Tax Return

Yes

Tax Extension

Yes

Import Tax Return

Yes

Self-Employment Income

Yes

Itemize Deductions

Yes

Deduct Charitable Donations

Yes

Web/Desktop Software

Yes

How Does FreeTaxUSA Work?

FreeTaxUSA makes filing your taxes quick, easy, and affordable. The step-by-step guidance and automated calculations ensure accuracy, while the e-filing process saves time and hassle. Here’s how you can get started:

  • Create an account on FreeTaxUSA’s website by providing your email address and a password.
  • Select the pricing plan that best fits your needs. FreeTaxUSA offers four pricing plans: Basic, Advanced, Premium, and Self-Employed.
  • Once you have selected your plan, you can enter your tax information into the online tax preparation software. FreeTaxUSA will guide you through each step of the process by asking you a series of questions related to your income, deductions, credits, and other relevant information.
  • As you enter your information, the software will automatically calculate your tax liability and any refund you may be owed.
  • After you have completed your tax return, you can review and edit it to ensure accuracy.
  • Once you are satisfied with your return, you can e-file it directly through FreeTaxUSA’s website. If you owe taxes, you can also pay directly through the website.
  • FreeTaxUSA will now transmit your tax return to the IRS and state tax authority (if applicable). You can check the status of your return on the FreeTaxUSA website.

How Do I Check the Status of My Federal Refund?

Checking the status of your federal refund is straightforward with FreeTaxUSA. Here are the steps you need to follow:

  • Go to the FreeTaxUSA website and click the “Sign In” button in the top right corner of the homepage.
  • Enter your email address and password to log in to your account.
  • Once logged in, click the “My Account” button in the top right corner.
  • From the dropdown menu, select “Check E-File Status.”
  • You now be redirected to a page where you can check the status of your federal refund by entering your Social Security Number, filing status, and the exact amount of your expected refund.

Note that it may take a few days or weeks for your federal refund to be processed and for your status to be updated. The IRS typically updates its refund status tool once a day, usually overnight. If you have any questions or concerns about the status of your federal refund, you can contact FreeTaxUSA’s customer support team for assistance. They are available via phone, email, or live chat to help you with any issues or questions.

How Do I Enter Multiple W-2s?

If you have more than one W-2 to report, you can easily enter them into FreeTaxUSA. Here’s how:

  • Log in to your account with FreeTaxUSA and select the “Federal Taxes” tab.
  • Select “Wages and Salaries” from the menu and click “Add Another Form W-2.”
  • Enter the information from each W-2 form in the corresponding fields, including the employer’s name and EIN, as well as the wages and taxes withheld.
  • After entering all of your W-2 forms, double-check the information for accuracy.
  • Once you have confirmed all the information is correct, click “Continue” to move on to the next section of your tax return.

That’s it! With FreeTaxUSA, you can easily enter your W-2 forms and other tax information to file your taxes accurately and efficiently.

How Do I Retrieve a Forgotten Username or Password?

If you have forgotten your FreeTaxUSA username or password, you can easily retrieve it by following these steps:

  • Go to the FreeTaxUSA login page.
  • Click the “Forgot Username or Password?” link below the login button.
  • On the next page, enter the email address associated with your account and click “Submit.”
  • If you have forgotten your username, your username will be emailed to you.
  • If you have forgotten your password, you will be asked to answer the security question you had chosen when creating your account. Once you have provided the correct answer to the security question, you will be prompted to enter a new password. Enter your new password twice to confirm, then click “Submit.”

You should now be able to log in to your FreeTaxUSA account using your username and new password. If you continue having trouble accessing your account, contact FreeTaxUSA customer support for further assistance.

Top FreeTaxUSA Alternatives Comparison

TaxAct and TaxSlayer offer similar features and pricing structures, making them good alternatives to FreeTaxUSA. It’s always good to compare pricing and features across multiple tax preparation software solutions to find the one that best suits your needs.

FreeTaxUSA

TaxAct

Tax Slayer

Stimulus Credit

Free

Free+

Free+

Unemployment Income (1099-G)

Free

Deluxe+

Classic+

Student Loan Interest

Free

Deluxe+

Free+

Import Last Year's Taxes

Free

Free+

Free+

Snap a Pic of W-2

NA

Free

NA

Multiple States

$14.99 per state

Not advertised

Classic+

Multiple W-2s

Free

Free+

Free+

Earned Income Tax Credit

Free

Free+

Free+

Child Tax Credit

Free

Free+

Classic+

Dependent Care Deductions

Free

Deluxe+

Classic+

Here’s a brief overview of TaxAct and TaxSlayer:

TaxAct 

TaxAct is a popular tax preparation software offering a range of features for individuals and businesses. Its pricing is generally more affordable than some other major tax preparation software solutions, making it a good choice for those on a budget. TaxAct offers a variety of plans, including a free option for simple tax returns and more advanced ones for complex tax situations. Some of its features include a deduction maximizer tool, free tax support, and free federal e-filing.

TaxSlayer 

TaxSlayer is another popular tax preparation software offering various plans to suit different tax situations. Its pricing is generally competitive with other major tax preparation software solutions, making it a good choice for those looking for affordability. TaxSlayer offers a free package for simple tax returns and more advanced packages for complex tax situations. Some of its features include a refund calculator, a deduction finder tool, and live chat support.

Conclusion

FreeTaxUSA is a popular online tax preparation software that allows users to file federal and state tax returns quickly and easily. The platform has gained a reputation for being affordable, straightforward, and user-friendly, making it an attractive option for individuals and small business owners who want to file their taxes without the need for a tax professional.

A standout feature of FreeTaxUSA is its ease of use. The platform’s interface is simple and intuitive, so users can easily enter their tax information, check for errors, and file their returns. In addition, FreeTaxUSA provides helpful guides and tutorials throughout the process, making it useful even for people new to tax preparation.

Another key benefit is its customer service, which is available through email and phone. FreeTaxUSA has a comprehensive knowledge base and a help center on its website, which includes frequently asked questions, articles, and step-by-step guides to assist users with their tax preparation needs. Overall, FreeTaxUSA provides a good level of customer support to help users navigate the tax preparation process.

Whether you are a first-time filer or a seasoned tax pro, FreeTaxUSA is worth considering for your tax preparation needs!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Do I Contact FreeTaxUSA Support?

You can contact FreeTaxUSA support through their website by clicking the “Support” button in the homepage’s top right corner. You can access their knowledge base, email support, or live chat support from there.

  • Does FreeTaxUSA Offer Refund Advance Loans?

No, FreeTaxUSA doesn’t offer refund advance loans. However, they have a service called “refund transfer” that lets you have your refund deposited onto a prepaid card.

  • Is FreeTaxUSA Better Than TurboTax?

The answer to this question depends on your tax situation and preferences. Both FreeTaxUSA and TurboTax are legitimate tax preparation services. Still, FreeTaxUSA generally offers lower prices and a simpler interface, while TurboTax offers more advanced features and a more user-friendly experience.

  • Does FreeTaxUSA Carry Over Losses?

Yes, FreeTaxUSA can carry over losses from previous tax years. You can enter your previous year’s losses in the “Capital Loss Carryover” section of the software.

  • Is FreeTaxUSA IRS-approved?

FreeTaxUSA is an authorized IRS e-file provider and is included on the list of tax software providers on its website.

  • Is FreeTaxUSA a Legitimate Company?

Yes, FreeTaxUSA is a legitimate company that has been providing online tax preparation services since 2001. They have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and are a trusted option for individuals looking to file their taxes online.

FreeTaxUSA

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