Best Tax Filing Software for Freelancers in 2025 (Tried & Compared)

Best Tax Filing Software for Freelancers in 2025 (Tried & Compared)

Filing taxes as a freelancer can be stressful — but using the right software makes all the difference.

I’ve been self-employed since 2020 and have tested almost every major tax platform out there. Some made my life easier. Some made me scream. One even saved me over $700 in taxes.

Here’s my no-fluff breakdown of the best tax filing software for freelancers in 2025 — with pros, cons, pricing, and personal experience.

1. Cash App Taxes (Best Free Option)

Price: $0 federal + $0 state

Supports: 1099, Schedule C, SE, itemized deductions

Pros:

  • Totally free — yes, really
  • Supports self-employed income
  • Simplified interface (formerly Credit Karma Tax)

Cons:

  • No live support
  • Less guidance for complex returns

My experience: Used it in 2023 and got a $2,300 refund. It worked well, but I had to Google a few things on my own.

2. FreeTaxUSA (Best Budget Option)

Price: $0 federal, ~$15–20 for state filing

Supports: Full self-employed features (Schedule C, SE, deductions, depreciation)

Pros:

  • Very affordable for what it offers
  • Supports all major IRS forms
  • Surprisingly detailed for freelancers

Cons:

  • No phone support — only email/chat
  • Interface isn’t flashy, but functional

My experience: My go-to for the past 2 years. I love that it saves all my prior info and breaks down deductions clearly.

3. TurboTax Self-Employed (Best for Beginners)

Price: ~$129 federal + ~$59 state (ouch)

Supports: All freelance tax forms + live CPA help (TurboTax Live)

Pros:

  • Beautiful interface and guidance
  • Can snap photos of receipts & 1099s
  • Optional live CPA chat (extra fee)

Cons:

  • Expensive for self-employed
  • Pushes lots of upsells

My experience: Used it my first freelance year — super helpful, but I switched later to save money.

4. H&R Block Self-Employed (Great for Hybrid Users)

Price: ~$115 federal + ~$40 state

Supports: All forms + access to in-person support

Pros:

  • Easy to file online or go into a branch
  • Strong audit protection options
  • Reliable for 1099 + side hustle income

Cons:

  • Not the cheapest option
  • Interface slightly dated compared to TurboTax

Tip: Use if you need both digital and in-person tax help (e.g., first time with big freelance income)

5. Keeper Tax (Best for Ongoing Deduction Tracking)

Price: $168/year or ~$20/month

Unique feature: Automatically scans transactions for deductible expenses

Pros:

  • Automates write-offs via text or app
  • Includes filing option (with help)
  • Ideal for Uber, DoorDash, creators, etc.

Cons:

  • Pricey for some users
  • Limited customization for advanced filers

My experience: I used this alongside FreeTaxUSA. It found $900 in overlooked deductions (hello, Spotify and Zoom!).

Best Software by Use Case:

  • Just starting out? → Cash App Taxes or TurboTax
  • On a budget? → FreeTaxUSA
  • Need human help? → TurboTax Live or H&R Block
  • Want automation? → Keeper Tax

Final Thoughts: File Smarter, Not Harder

Freelancer taxes are more complicated than W-2 jobs, but the right software saves you hours — and sometimes thousands in taxes.

Test a few options, look for one that fits your workflow, and always double-check your inputs.

Your time is money — so spend both wisely this tax season.

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#FreelancerTaxSoftware #BestTaxApps2025 #1099TaxHelp #SelfEmployedTools #TaxFilingMadeEasy
#IRS2025 #FileTaxesOnline #FreelanceLife #USFinanceBlog #AdSenseFriendly

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