{"question": "best tax preparation software for freelancers", "category": "tax-preparation-software", "category_name": "tax preparation software", "audience": "freelancers", "audience_name": "freelancers", "engine": "Claude (Anthropic) with web search", "model": "claude-opus-5", "asked_at": "2026-10-08T23:39:36Z", "permalink": "https://bikoosh.com/answers/s/tax-preparation-software-freelancers-2026-10-08", "question_page": "https://bikoosh.com/answers/q/tax-preparation-software/freelancers", "brands_named": [{"position": 1, "brand": "FreeTaxUSA", "label": "recommended"}, {"position": 2, "brand": "TurboTax", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 3, "brand": "H&R Block", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 4, "brand": "H&R Block Self-Employed", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 5, "brand": "TurboTax Premium", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 6, "brand": "QuickBooks", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 7, "brand": "TaxSlayer", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 8, "brand": "TaxSlayer Self-Employed", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 9, "brand": "Keeper", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 10, "brand": "Collective", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 11, "brand": "TaxAct Entrepreneur", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 12, "brand": "Cash App Taxes", "label": "compared"}], "sources_cited": [{"url": "https://investormint.com/small-business/best-tax-software-self-employed-2026", "domain": "investormint.com", "source_type": "other"}, {"url": "https://www.primewayfcu.com/blog/turbotax-vs-hr-block-vs-taxact-vs-taxslayer-vs-freetaxusa-vs-cash-app-taxes", "domain": "primewayfcu.com", "source_type": "other"}, {"url": "https://www.supermoney.com/turbotax-vs-freetaxusa", "domain": "supermoney.com", "source_type": "other"}, {"url": "https://www.finder.com/best-tax-software/keeper-tax", "domain": "finder.com", "source_type": "other"}, {"url": "https://www.fueler.io/blog/best-tax-filing-platforms-for-us-freelancers", "domain": "fueler.io", "source_type": "other"}, {"url": "https://www.cbinsights.com/compare/collective-1-vs-keeper-tax", "domain": "cbinsights.com", "source_type": "other"}], "answer_text": "# Best tax prep software for freelancers\n\n**1. FreeTaxUSA - what I'd recommend to most freelancers.** Federal filing is $0 for *every* situation including Schedule C, 1099-NEC income, home office, and depreciation; state is $14.99. There's no upsell wall where self-employment income suddenly forces you into a $130 tier. The interface is plainer than TurboTax's and it won't hold your hand, but the tax logic is complete. If your freelance return is \"some 1099s, some expenses, maybe a home office,\" this is the answer and you keep ~$150.\n\n**2. H&R Block Self-Employed - the best mainstream option.** Around $100 federal, roughly $30-40 under TurboTax at every tier, with comparable Schedule C coverage and free live chat support. The real differentiator is physical offices - if you hit something you don't understand, you can hand it to a human in person. Good middle ground if you want polish without TurboTax pricing.\n\n**3. TurboTax Premium - only if you want maximum hand-holding.** ~$129 federal + ~$59 state, the most expensive of the group. What you're paying for is the best import pipeline (1099s pulled directly from many platforms, QuickBooks sync) and the most thorough guided deduction", "answer_truncated": true, "measurement": "One answer from one engine on one date. Not a ranking and not a claim about the world; brands the engine did not name are not recorded.", "limitation": "Coverage: Claude (Anthropic) with web search. Other engines not included.", "alerts": {"name": "Answer Watch Pro", "price_usd": 79, "period": "month", "gets": "daily change alerts for up to 5 brands in what one AI answer engine says, history, CSV export. Coverage: Claude (Anthropic) with web search. Other engines not included", "url": "https://bikoosh.com/answers"}}