On this page
- The short verdict
- How the pricing differs
- An example cost
- What you get for the extra money at TurboTax
- What FreeTaxUSA does well
- Ease of use and support
- Accuracy and safety
- Self-employed and investors
- Who should pick which
- Three example filers
- Practical details that surprise people
- Switching from TurboTax
- What to check first
- Final take
This is a comparison between the best-known premium tax software and the best-known budget one. Both file IRS-ready returns. The difference is in cost, interface and how much help you get along the way. If you are comfortable answering tax questions yourself, the savings from FreeTaxUSA can be large.
The short verdict
FreeTaxUSA wins on price by a wide margin, especially if you file a Schedule C or invest. TurboTax wins on guidance: a more detailed interview, broad imports and live expert help. Pick FreeTaxUSA if you know your forms; pick TurboTax if you want someone or something to walk you through every step.
How the pricing differs
Price snapshot checked October 20, 2026 for tax year 2025 returns filed in 2026. FreeTaxUSA currently lists federal returns at $0 and current-year state returns at $15.99; support add-ons and promotional tax-software prices vary. This is not a price quote for tax year 2026 returns, which are generally filed in 2027. Confirm the final amount on the provider’s own checkout page before filing.
| TurboTax Online current quote | FreeTaxUSA | |
|---|---|---|
| Federal return | $0 for eligible simple returns; paid tier price at checkout | $0 federal for supported returns |
| State return | Current state fee at checkout | $15.99 for a current-year state return (US; checked Oct. 20, 2026) |
| Optional upgrade | Live and full-service tiers cost more | Optional Deluxe support add-on; check current price and inclusions |
An example cost
For an itemized return with one state, TurboTax’s current paid-tier plus state total must be checked at checkout. FreeTaxUSA lists $0 federal and $15.99 for a current-year state return as of October 20, 2026; optional support add-ons are separate. For Schedule C, compare the exact supported forms and the complete federal-plus-state totals before deciding. FreeTaxUSA can be substantially cheaper for supported forms, while TurboTax offers more guided help.
What you get for the extra money at TurboTax
- A more guided interview: more explanations, more prompts and fewer blank forms.
- Wider imports: many payroll and financial sources can feed in your documents.
- Human help online: live expert tiers where a professional answers questions or prepares your return.
- A mobile app: FreeTaxUSA does not offer one.
What FreeTaxUSA does well
- Flat federal price: you do not get moved to a pricier tier because you have investment or business income.
- Low state fee: the same price in each state you file.
- Past returns: completed federal returns stay available for several years at no charge, which is handy for loan and aid paperwork.
- Straightforward add-ons: the Deluxe upgrade bundles audit support, amendments and chat.
Ease of use and support
FreeTaxUSA is a plainer product. It does ask the right questions, but it explains less and the interface is more utilitarian. People with a straightforward return usually finish without trouble. If you are filing for the first time with a complicated mix of income, you may miss the extra prompts TurboTax provides. For help, FreeTaxUSA relies on written help articles, chat with the Deluxe upgrade and an optional higher-priced support tier. TurboTax’s support is broader and costs more.
Accuracy and safety
Both tools use your answers to fill in the same IRS forms, so the numbers match if the inputs match. Neither one can know about income you forget to enter. The most useful habit is to gather every form first, such as W-2s, 1099s, 1098s and last year’s return, before you start with either tool.
Self-employed and investors
This is where the contrast is sharpest. TurboTax moves Schedule C and investment filers into its top tiers. FreeTaxUSA keeps the federal return free and still supports the forms. If you are comfortable entering income and expenses, the saving can be substantial, depending on your TurboTax tier and state fees. See best tax software for freelancers for more options.
Who should pick which
- Pick FreeTaxUSA if you want the lowest total cost, you have a Schedule C or investments, or you file in more than one state.
- Pick TurboTax if this is your first complicated return, you want more hand-holding or you may want a live expert.
- Consider other options if you want a free state return too. Cash App Taxes and H&R Block’s free plan can include one. See TurboTax alternatives.
Three example filers
A homeowner with itemized deductions and one state return. Check the current TurboTax tier plus state fee at checkout. FreeTaxUSA lists $0 federal and $15.99 for a current-year state return as of October 20, 2026; any optional support add-on is extra. Compare final totals rather than introductory prices.
A freelancer with a Schedule C and a state return. TurboTax’s paid-tier total depends on the selected tier and state. FreeTaxUSA lists $0 federal and $15.99 for a current-year state return. This freelancer can also consider Cash App Taxes for a free state return.
A first-time filer with a confusing mix of income. Here TurboTax’s explanations may be worth some of the premium, or the filer can use FreeTaxUSA and add the Deluxe upgrade for chat support. This is the one case where paying more can be justified by the experience.
Practical details that surprise people
- Refund speed: FreeTaxUSA says most customers who e-file with direct deposit get a federal refund in about one to two weeks. The IRS, not the software, controls timing.
- Amended returns: check each provider’s current inclusion rules and fee before filing.
- Prior-year state returns: check the provider’s current pricing and supported prior-year forms.
- Past returns: FreeTaxUSA keeps completed federal returns available for several years.
Switching from TurboTax
If you used TurboTax last year, you can usually import that return into FreeTaxUSA by uploading the prior-year file or using the import tool. If an import is unavailable, enter your basic details by hand, which takes a few minutes. Keep last year’s PDF, since your prior-year adjusted gross income helps verify your identity when you e-file.
What to check first
Before you pick either one, list your forms and your states, then see which tier of each product supports them. Look at the free plan’s eligibility list, add the state fee and decide whether you want chat or expert help. Those three answers usually settle the choice in a couple of minutes.
Final take
If you can answer tax questions on your own, FreeTaxUSA gives you nearly the same outcome for a small fraction of the cost. If you would pay to feel looked after, TurboTax sells exactly that. Whichever you choose, add the state fee and check the final price before you pay.
Frequently asked questions
Is FreeTaxUSA legitimate?
Yes. It is an established IRS-authorized e-file provider that makes money from state returns and optional add-ons, not from charging for federal filing.
Does FreeTaxUSA support self-employment income?
Yes. Its federal return is free for all situations, including self-employment and investment income, though you do the work with less guidance.
Is TurboTax more accurate?
Both generate the same IRS forms from the information you enter. Accuracy depends mostly on the answers you give and the documents you import.
Does FreeTaxUSA have live help?
Live chat with a tax specialist comes with the optional Deluxe upgrade, and a higher-priced Pro support option exists. Check the current options on its site.
Official sources and references
Use these first-party pages to verify current plans, prices, features and eligibility. Offers and terms can change by country, billing period and date; confirm the details that apply to you before buying. Links below are provider documentation, not independent endorsements.