{"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": "2026-10-28T22:50:44Z", "permalink": "https://bikoosh.com/answers/s/tax-preparation-software-freelancers-2026-10-28", "question_page": "https://bikoosh.com/answers/q/tax-preparation-software/freelancers", "brands_named": [{"position": 1, "brand": "FreeTaxUSA", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 2, "brand": "TaxSlayer", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 3, "brand": "TaxSlayer Self-Employed", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 4, "brand": "TurboTax", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 5, "brand": "TurboTax Premium", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 6, "brand": "QuickBooks", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 7, "brand": "H&R Block", "label": "compared"}, {"position": 8, "brand": "H&R Block Self-Employed", "label": "compared"}, {"position": 9, "brand": "IRS Free File", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 10, "brand": "Keeper", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 11, "brand": "TaxAct", "label": "mentioned"}, {"position": 12, "brand": "TaxAct Self-Employed", "label": "mentioned"}], "sources_cited": [{"url": "https://www.forbes.com/advisor/taxes/best-tax-software-for-self-employed/", "domain": "forbes.com", "source_type": "other"}, {"url": "https://thecollegeinvestor.com/15201/comparing-prices-turbotax-hr-block-tax-act/", "domain": "thecollegeinvestor.com", "source_type": "other"}, {"url": "https://thecollegeinvestor.com/20925/taxslayer-review/", "domain": "thecollegeinvestor.com", "source_type": "other"}, {"url": "https://thecollegeinvestor.com/17356/free-tax-software/", "domain": "thecollegeinvestor.com", "source_type": "other"}, {"url": "https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/the-best-tax-prep-software-for-every-tax-situation", "domain": "kiplinger.com", "source_type": "other"}, {"url": "https://www.keepertax.com/switch-from/flyfin", "domain": "keepertax.com", "source_type": "other"}, {"url": "https://www.moneycrashers.com/keeper-tax-review/", "domain": "moneycrashers.com", "source_type": "other"}], "answer_text": "## My actual recommendations, in order\n\n**1. FreeTaxUSA** - what I'd tell most freelancers to use. Schedule C, Schedule SE, home office, vehicle, depreciation, and QBI are all in the free federal tier; you only pay for state (~$15.99). There's no \"self-employed upgrade\" paywall, which is the whole trick the big brands run. The interface is plain but competent. Unless your return is genuinely complicated, this is the right answer and saves you ~$100+.\n\n**2. TaxSlayer Self-Employed** - the best middle ground. Roughly $53 federal + $40 state (~$93 all-in), and at that tier you get self-employed-specific guidance plus access to a tax pro. Forbes and The College Investor both land on it as the value pick for Schedule C filers. Choose this over FreeTaxUSA if you want hand-holding and phone support but refuse to pay TurboTax prices.\n\n**3. TurboTax Premium** - only if your time is worth more than the money. ~$139 federal + ~$39-64 state. What you're buying is the smoothest interview, the best 1099/brokerage/platform imports, mileage and expense import from QuickBooks, and optional live CPA review. It is the most polished self-employment experience and also the most expensive by a wide marg", "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"}}