FreeTaxUSA is fine for confident filers who are reasonably sure they can handle most of their taxes on their own, with only a little guidance. In the end, which product you choose depends on your tax needs and how much you’re willing to pay.įreeTaxUSA is much cheaper, but in many ways, you get what you pay for. Related: Top TurboTax Alternatives TurboTax vs FreeTaxUSA: Bottom Line However, even with that pricing, TurboTax still might cost less than hiring a CPA to do your taxes. If you get TurboTax Live for Self-Employed and add a state return, you’ll pay well over $200. If you want to add TurboTax Live to your product, its going to cost even more, but you do get access to live help from tax professionals-something that’s not even an option when you use FreeTaxUSA. If you get the Deluxe version, which is the next step up from free, you’re looking at a minimum of $59 to file your federal return and $59 to file one state tax return. There are several versions, and the free version is only available to those with the simplest of tax situations. TurboTax is one of the priciest tax prep software products on the market. If you get the Deluxe version of FreeTaxUSA and file a state return, you can get the whole thing for around $15 if you don’t add any other services. ![]() However, if you opt for the Deluxe version, you can get most of those services included, although you still have to pay to file a state return. State filings, amending your tax return, and priority customer support all come with extra costs when you get the free version. While you can get the free version, even for more complex tax situations, anything extra you do comes with additional costs. If you want an extra set of eyes to take a look, TurboTax is the better option. However, TurboTax gives you the option of paying to have a tax professional review your return and then sign it and file it for you. You’ll pay your fee and submit, and that’s it. When it comes time to file, you’re on your own with FreeTaxUSA. TurboTax also offers help with TurboTax Live, an additional service that allows screen sharing with a professional who can walk you through your situation. For an additional fee, you can also get help with tax questions, by accessing a tax professional. On the other hand, TurboTax offers extensive customer service options, including access to a searchable online database, email, and phone. However, direct customer support isn’t very accessible, so if you’re looking for a great deal of help, you’re not likely to find it with FreeTaxUSA. ![]() You get free access to the customer support page, and if you pay for the Deluxe version, you can get chat support or use the searchable Q&A database. In general, the customer service options available through FreeTaxUSA are fairly limited. However, if you’re worried about an audit and want maximum protection and help, paying for the TurboTax add-on at the time you file can give you greater peace of mind. If you’re not afraid of being audited, and if you think you can handle most correspondence with the IRS on your own, the lower-cost FreeTaxUSA Deluxe version can provide you with what you need to handle the situation. TurboTax has a more robust version with its third-party service called MAX. However, FreeTaxUSA only offers its Audit Assist product if you pay for the Deluxe version. TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA both offer DIY audit support, meaning you get help learning how to respond to the IRS. Related: Compare the 7 Best Tax Return Software Programs TurboTax vs FreeTaxUSA: Audit Help You aren’t charged until you’re ready to file your taxes. With TurboTax, you can start with one version and if you realize you have a more complicated tax situation, you can upgrade to another version. TurboTax also has an easy-to-follow question format that almost feels like you’re sitting down with a tax preparer to get a feel for your situation. It’s possible to upload forms as you get them, and work on different areas of your tax return. On the other hand, TurboTax is known for its feature-rich platform that does a lot of hand-holding. The interface is clean and easy to read and simple to use, even if it doesn’t take you through step by step. It works best if you’re ready to sit down and finish your taxes in one sitting. Plus, with FreeTaxUSA, you pretty much have to go in order of the tax form. FreeTaxUSA has fewer bells and whistles, though. TurboTax vs FreeTaxUSA: Ease of Useīoth TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA are easy to use. Prices are up-to-date as of January 24, 2020. Homeowners, those who have an HSA, those who qualify for the EICįreelancers, small businesses, and contractors Those who have investments and rental propertiesīasic, Deluxe, Premier, and Self-Employedįilers wanting unlimited guidance and help from a tax expert ![]() Homeowners and filers wanting to maximize deductions and credits
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |