TurboTax vs FreeTaxUSA
TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA are both popular options in this category. After extensive testing, TurboTax leads with a 9.4/10 rating, though the best choice depends on your specific needs.
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Quick Answer
TurboTax beats FreeTaxUSA for most users. It scores 9.4/10 vs 8.6/10 and most user-friendly interface. Choose FreeTaxUSA if you need free federal for all situations.
TurboTax
Winner#1 tax software with expert guidance included
Starting from
$69
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.4/10 | 8.6/10 |
| Starting Price | $69 | $7.99 |
| User Reviews | ||
| Filing Options | ||
| Free Filing | Simple returns only | All federal returns |
| State Returns | $39-59 each | $14.99 each |
| W-2 Import | ||
| Prior Year Import | ||
| Tax Types | ||
| Self-Employment | ||
| Investments | ||
| Rental Income | ||
| Support | ||
| Audit Support | ||
| Live Expert Help | ||
| Mobile App | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
TurboTax
- Most user-friendly interface
- Excellent step-by-step guidance
- TurboTax Live expert help available
- Maximum refund guarantee
- Imports W-2s automatically
- Audit support included
- Easy prior year import
- Most expensive option
- Features locked behind tiers
- Upsells can be aggressive
FreeTaxUSA
- Free federal for ALL situations
- State returns only $14.99
- Covers complex returns
- No upsells for federal
- Audit assist available
- Import prior year data
- Basic interface
- Less guidance than premium options
- Limited live support
Key Difference
The core difference lies in approach: TurboTax focuses on most user-friendly interface, while FreeTaxUSA emphasizes free federal for all situations. Both philosophies have merit depending on your priorities.
Which Should You Choose?
TurboTax
Choose TurboTax if you prioritize most user-friendly interface, want to start with a free tier, or value excellent step-by-step guidance.
FreeTaxUSA
Choose FreeTaxUSA if you prioritize free federal for all situations, want to start with a free tier, or value state returns only $14.99.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, TurboTax is our winner with a rating of 9.4/10 compared to FreeTaxUSA's 8.6/10. TurboTax stands out for its most user-friendly interface and excellent step-by-step guidance. While FreeTaxUSA is more affordable, TurboTax's advantages justify the price difference for most users. However, FreeTaxUSA remains an excellent choice if free federal for all situations is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TurboTax better than FreeTaxUSA?
TurboTax scores higher in our testing (9.4/10 vs 8.6/10). TurboTax excels at most user-friendly interface, while FreeTaxUSA is better for free federal for all situations.
Which is cheaper, TurboTax or FreeTaxUSA?
FreeTaxUSA is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $0.00/mo. FreeTaxUSA offers NaN% savings.
TurboTax vs FreeTaxUSA: which should I choose?
Choose TurboTax if you prioritize most user-friendly interface. Choose FreeTaxUSA if you need free federal for all situations. Both are solid tax software options.
What's the main difference between TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA?
The main difference is TurboTax offers #1 tax software with expert guidance included, while FreeTaxUSA focuses on truly free federal filing, $14.99 state.