FreeTaxUSA is cheaper, with free federal filing, while TurboTax offers more guidance and a polished interface at higher cost.
FreeTaxUSA
- Free federal filing.
- State returns cost about $15.
- Fewer extras.
TurboTax
- Free Edition for simple returns.
- More guidance and a polished interface.
- Higher prices for paid tiers and state filing.
Free File
IRS Free File is available for incomes below the IRS threshold.
Prices
Prices change by year. Check current prices.
Which
FreeTaxUSA for budget. TurboTax for hand-holding.
Pricing and features
FreeTaxUSA offers free federal filing, and charges a flat state return fee of about 15 USD. A Deluxe upgrade adds support and audit assistance for about 7 USD. TurboTax has a free version for simple returns with limited forms, and paid tiers (Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed) cost 60 to 130 USD or more for federal plus state fees, depending on the year.
- IRS Free File is available for taxpayers with adjusted gross income under a threshold (84,000 USD for 2024 tax year) via partner software.
- IRS Direct File, a government pilot, ran in 2024 and 2025 in some states, and its future was uncertain in 2025.
- Both support e-filing, major tax forms and common deductions.
Which to choose
FreeTaxUSA suits simple to moderately complex returns and cost-conscious filers. TurboTax has a polished interface, live help options and import features, but costs more and has faced FTC action over deceptive “free” advertising in 2022. Compare based on your forms (self-employment, investments, rental), state needs and support needs. Both claim accuracy guarantees. This is general information, not tax advice.
Pricing and features
TurboTax charges for federal filing, with paid tiers for forms. FreeTaxUSA offers free federal filing and charges about 15 USD for state returns. TurboTax has more guidance. The IRS Free File program offers free filing for income under a limit.
Which to choose
Simple returns suit FreeTaxUSA. Complex returns may benefit from TurboTax support.
Cost and filing
TurboTax charges for most federal returns beyond its free tier for simple returns, and state filing has additional fees, with higher plans costing from about 100 to over 200 USD. FreeTaxUSA offers free federal filing for most returns and charges about 15 USD per state, with an optional deluxe upgrade near 7 USD.
Features compared
TurboTax has a polished interface, live expert help add ons and many import options, and it is a partner in the IRS Free File program for some filers earlier. The FTC took action against TurboTax in 2022 about free file advertising. FreeTaxUSA handles most common forms, including self employment and investments, and offers audit assistance for a fee. For simple returns, many people choose the lower price. IRS Direct File was available in some states until it was discontinued. Prices change each season.
Based on data from the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Trade Commission
