Summary
We compared 6 tax preparation services for freelancers using only credibility-weighted sources (real hands-on and expert reviews, discounting marketing and affiliate listicles). The strongest evidence backs the TurboTax. Every claim below links to the source it came from — nothing here is invented.
We may earn an affiliate commission on qualifying purchases made through links on this page. Rankings remain independent and objective.
Frank's pick
TurboTax
★★★★☆ 4.5/5$85
Why 4.5/5: Strong, consistent praise across our credible sources. Main caveat reviewers raised: Constant nudges to upgrade to pricier tiers in TurboTax were found annoying and disruptive.
Backed by 5 credible sources. What reviewers liked: Who it’s best for: TurboTax’s Expert Assist and Expert Full Service packages are great for freelancers, gig workers and self-employed filers who want to simplify the filing process. The main drawback they noted: Constant nudges to upgrade to pricier tiers in TurboTax were found annoying and disruptive.
Prices checked June 2026
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Best for freelancers
Why 4.5/5: Strong, consistent praise across our credible sources. Main caveat reviewers raised: Constant nudges to upgrade to pricier tiers in TurboTax were found annoying and disruptive.
- ●Evidence Weight
- 3.5
- ●Sources
- 5
Backed by 5 credible sources. What reviewers liked: Who it’s best for: TurboTax’s Expert Assist and Expert Full Service packages are great for freelancers, gig workers and self-employed filers who want to simplify the filing process. The main drawback they noted: Constant nudges to upgrade to pricier tiers in TurboTax were found annoying and disruptive.
Pros
- Who it’s best for: TurboTax’s Expert Assist and Expert Full Service packages are great for freelancers, gig workers and self-employed filers who want to simplify the filing process.
- Tax Filing Software Megathread: A comprehensive list of .... [5 months ago TurboTax is easy to use, and has the best features/app support (multiple apps for self employed, tracking, etc).
- "TurboTax is always quick and accurate!
- Best tax services for the self employed: TurboTax vs.
Cons
- Constant nudges to upgrade to pricier tiers in TurboTax were found annoying and disruptive.
- TurboTax is more expensive than competitors.
- Who shouldn't buy it: If you own a small business, like a single- or multimember LLC, partnership or S-corp, you may need to upgrade to a TurboTax Business product.
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Best for freelancers and self-employed people who
Why 4.5/5: Strong, consistent praise across our credible sources. Main caveat reviewers raised: importing tools are limited.
- ●Evidence Weight
- 1.6
- ●Sources
- 2
Backed by 2 credible sources. What reviewers liked: Who it’s best for: TaxAct’s importing tools are limited, so it’s best suited for freelancers and self-employed people who don’t receive lots of 1099-NECs. The main drawback they noted: importing tools are limited
Pros
- Who it’s best for: TaxAct’s importing tools are limited, so it’s best suited for freelancers and self-employed people who don’t receive lots of 1099-NECs.
- Who shouldn't buy it: If you aren’t comfortable with manually inputting lots of information, TaxAct isn’t a good choice for you.
- TaxAct is rated Best live expert support options.
- TaxAct voted “Best Paid Tax Prep Software”.
Cons
- importing tools are limited
- Tools for calculating expenses and deductions also rely heavily on manual input
- you can upload PDFs of 1099-NECs, though if you have 1099-Ks, you’ll have to manually input the information
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Best for as low as
Why 4/5: Well-reviewed overall, with only minor trade-offs. Main caveat reviewers raised: H&R Block's paid tiers are more expensive than many other services.
- ●Evidence Weight
- 0.7
- ●Sources
- 1
Backed by 1 credible source. What reviewers liked: Our Picks Best Overall & Best Use of AI H&R Block Get H&R Block for as low as $32 with code: Sign Up & Save See at H&R Block 8.4/10 CNET Score CNET Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services. The main drawback they noted: H&R Block's paid tiers are more expensive than many other services.
Pros
- Our Picks Best Overall & Best Use of AI H&R Block Get H&R Block for as low as $32 with code: Sign Up & Save See at H&R Block 8.4/10 CNET Score CNET Score CNET provides expert, unbiased reviews of products and services.
- H&R Block is rated Best Overall & Best Use of AI for self-employed tax preparation.
- Who it’s best for: H&R Block is a great choice for freelancers, gig workers and independent contractors who want guidance on how to deduct expenses.
Cons
- H&R Block's paid tiers are more expensive than many other services.
- TurboTax’s Expert Assist tier pricing starts at $59 (significantly less than the $85 for H&R Block’s Self-Employed package pricing)
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Best for freelancers
Why 4/5: Well-reviewed overall, with only minor trade-offs. Main caveat reviewers raised: you’ll have to manually input the information.
- ●Evidence Weight
- 0.7
- ●Sources
- 1
Backed by 1 credible source. What reviewers liked: Who it’s best for: TaxSlayer is best for freelancers, independent contractors, gig workers and sole proprietors who want an affordable filing option. The main drawback they noted: you’ll have to manually input the information.
Pros
- Who it’s best for: TaxSlayer is best for freelancers, independent contractors, gig workers and sole proprietors who want an affordable filing option.
- TaxSlayer also isn’t a good choice for those who need a lot of expert help.
- it’s also easy to find guidance on tax terms you may not be familiar with.
Cons
- you’ll have to manually input the information.
- you may be a bit overwhelmed if you don’t have some basic knowledge on these topics.
- Filers with complicated business expenses may want to use a service with more advanced tools or hire a pro.
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Best for small business owners who can't justify t
Why 3.5/5: A solid, usable pick — but not the best in its class. Main caveat reviewers raised: For its part, FreeTaxUSA offers email and chat help for technical issues.
- ●Evidence Weight
- 1.5
- ●Sources
- 2
Backed by 2 credible sources. What reviewers liked: FreeTaxUSA and TurboTax are among the best free tax apps . The main drawback they noted: For its part, FreeTaxUSA offers email and chat help for technical issues.
⚠ Why some reviewers rated it low
This scores below 4★. Here’s the criticism reviewers actually raised — read it and decide whether any of it is a dealbreaker for you:
- [Apr 9, 2026 In short, FreeTaxUSA may not actually be free for most
- You don't have to pay for either app until you actually file your return, meaning you can try both before you decide between them.
Pros
- FreeTaxUSA and TurboTax are among the best free tax apps .
- Still Good?.
- Advertising expenses in TurboTax (Credit: Intuit/PCMag) Although TurboTax handles self-employment topics better overall, I still recommend FreeTaxUSA for small business owners who can't justify the former's high costs.
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