{"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": "2026-10-23T23:29:15Z", "permalink": "https://bikoosh.com/answers/s/tax-preparation-software-freelancers-2026-10-23", "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": "TurboTax Premium", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 4, "brand": "QuickBooks", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 5, "brand": "H&R Block", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 6, "brand": "H&R Block Self-Employed", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 7, "brand": "TaxSlayer Self-Employed", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 8, "brand": "Cash App Taxes", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 9, "brand": "TaxAct Entrepreneur", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 10, "brand": "QuickBooks Self-Employed", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 11, "brand": "Wave", "label": "mentioned"}], "sources_cited": [{"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.techrepublic.com/article/turbotax-vs-hr-block/", "domain": "techrepublic.com", "source_type": "other"}, {"url": "https://investormint.com/small-business/best-tax-software-self-employed-2026", "domain": "investormint.com", "source_type": "other"}], "answer_text": "Here's who I'd actually name, in order:\n\n**1. FreeTaxUSA - my default recommendation for most freelancers.** It handles Schedule C, 1099-NEC income, home office, mileage, and self-employment tax on the free federal tier; state is ~$16. Same calculations as the expensive tiers, and the Deluxe add-on (~$8) gets you audit assist and priority support. If your freelance taxes are \"a few 1099s and a pile of deductions,\" this is the one. The UI is plain and it's weaker on importing forms automatically - you'll type more. ([FreeTaxUSA comparison](https://www.primewayfcu.com/blog/turbotax-vs-hr-block-vs-taxact-vs-taxslayer-vs-freetaxusa-vs-cash-app-taxes))\n\n**2. TurboTax Premium - if your situation is messy or you want hand-holding.** Best deduction-discovery interview in the business, best import (brokerages, payment platforms, QuickBooks), and the Live Assisted/Full Service options put a CPA on it. Worth it specifically if you have multiple income streams, crypto/stock sales alongside freelance income, a vehicle + home office, or you're filing self-employed for the first time and want the software to ask the right questions. It's the most expensive by a wide margin - roughly $130-160 fede", "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"}}