Honest breakdown — no paid placements. Which tax software is actually worth it for Schedule C filers, gig workers, and self-employed professionals?
| Software | Self-Employed Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax Self-Employed | $129 + $59/state | Complex returns, first-timers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| H&R Block Self-Employed | $85 + $37/state | Balance of price vs help | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| FreeTaxUSA Self-Employed | $0 federal + $15/state | Budget-conscious, confident filers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| TaxSlayer Self-Employed | $47 + $32/state | Mid-range, fast filing | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cash App Taxes | $0 (free!) | Simple Schedule C, 1 state | ⭐⭐⭐ |
TurboTax is the gold standard for a reason. The guided interview process is the most thorough of any DIY tax software, and its Schedule C deduction finder actively hunts for write-offs you'd miss.
What's included: Schedule C, Schedule SE, 1099-NEC/K imports, quarterly tax estimator, Year-Round Tax Planning tool, audit risk meter, and CPA access (for additional fee).
The case for it: At $129, the deduction finder typically uncovers $300-1,500+ in missed deductions for freelancers. That makes it net-positive for anyone earning over $40k self-employment income.
The case against it: Expensive. The price creeps up with state returns ($59 each) and add-ons. Some users feel upsold into features they don't need.
H&R Block's self-employed tier is significantly cheaper than TurboTax while offering solid coverage for most Schedule C situations. If you have a side hustle with straightforward expenses, H&R Block handles it well.
Key advantage: If you get stuck, you can take your return to an H&R Block physical office for in-person help — included in some plans. That peace of mind has real value.
Best for: Freelancers with 1-2 income sources, standard expense categories, and no complex situations (no S-Corp, no real estate).
FreeTaxUSA is the best-kept secret in tax software. Federal filing is completely free including Schedule C for self-employed. State returns cost $15. That's it — no hidden fees.
The catch: The interface is less polished than TurboTax or H&R Block. You need to know what you're doing — it won't hold your hand through deduction discovery. If you're comfortable with taxes, this is $110+ savings.
Best for: Returning self-employed filers who know their deductions, earners in no-state-tax states (saves the $15 state fee too), and anyone with straightforward Schedule C income.
New to self-employment (first year): → TurboTax Self-Employed. The guided deduction interview pays for itself.
Gig worker (Uber/DoorDash/Etsy): → TurboTax or FreeTaxUSA. TurboTax imports 1099-K directly; FreeTaxUSA handles it manually but for free.
Confident DIY filer, any income: → FreeTaxUSA. Why pay $129 for the same math?
S-Corp owner: → TurboTax Business OR hire a CPA. Personal software doesn't handle Form 1120-S correctly.
Multiple states: → H&R Block (cheaper state returns) or FreeTaxUSA ($15/state).
Know what you'll owe before you open the software. Our calculators are free and show exactly what to expect.
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