FreeTaxUSA: free federal, paid state
Updated for the 2026 filing season
FreeTaxUSA doesn't gate its federal return by complexity the way TurboTax and H&R Block do. Schedule C, itemized deductions, and investment income all file free at the federal level; the catch is state filing, which is a flat fee regardless of income.
Who this fits best
- Freelancers and 1099 filers who want federal free without an upgrade wall
- Filers who itemize and don't want to lose free eligibility over it
- Anyone in a no-income-tax state, since the state fee doesn't apply
Where it costs money
- State returns are a flat fee, no free tier
- Live chat support with a tax professional is a paid add-on
| Federal | Free, all forms and complexity levels |
|---|---|
| State | Flat fee, not income-gated |
| Free File Alliance | Participating partner |