Tax Software
Best Tax Software for Self-Employed Filers in 2025
By ClearTaxGuide · Updated May 2026 · 8 min read ✓ 2025 pricing verified
Most tax software comparisons treat all filers the same. Self-employed individuals and freelancers have specific needs: Schedule C support, self-employment tax calculation, home office deductions, and quarterly tax tools. Here is an honest breakdown of which platforms handle these well in 2025 — and which charge the most for the same features.
ClearTaxGuide has no paid relationship with any tax software company. Pricing figures are verified from platform websites and independent reviews as of May 2026 and may change during filing season.
1. What self-employed filers actually need
These are the features that matter specifically for Schedule C filers:
- Schedule C support — required for all freelance and self-employment income
- Self-employment tax calculation — the 15.3% SE tax plus income tax
- Home office deduction — both simplified and actual expense methods
- 1099-NEC import — to pull contractor income in automatically
- Quarterly tax estimator — to plan payments throughout the year
All four platforms below support these features. The real difference is how much they charge you for them.
2. Quick comparison table
| Platform | Federal cost (Schedule C) | State cost | Best for |
|---|
| FreeTaxUSA | $0 (free) | $15.99 | Best value — most freelancers |
| TurboTax Premium | $129–$150 | $59 | Best experience, complex returns |
| H&R Block Self-Employed | $115–$130 | $45 | In-person backup option |
| TaxAct Self-Employed | $70–$100 | $40–$55 | S-corp and LLC owners |
Source: Platform websites and independent reviews verified May 2026. Prices subject to change during filing season.
3. FreeTaxUSA — best value for most freelancers
Federal: $0 · State: $15.99
Pros
- Free Schedule C — no upgrade needed
- Home office deduction (both methods)
- SE tax calculation included
- IRS Free File partner (AGI under $84,000)
- Accuracy guarantee
- 350+ credits and deductions supported
Cons
- No S-corp (Form 1120-S) support
- No partnership (Form 1065) support
- Less guided than TurboTax
- Limited phone support
For most freelancers and sole proprietors, FreeTaxUSA provides everything needed at zero federal cost. Self-employed filers who switched from TurboTax consistently report that FreeTaxUSA handles their Schedule C just as well — at a fraction of the price.
4. TurboTax Premium — best experience, highest price
Federal: $129–$150 · State: $59
Pros
- Best step-by-step guidance
- AI-powered expense categorisation (2025)
- Live CPA access option
- Auto-import from QuickBooks and banks
- Full mobile filing support
- Year-round tax estimator
Cons
- Most expensive — $129–$150 federal alone
- Same Schedule C as FreeTaxUSA at 10x cost
- Frequent upgrade prompts
- $59 state adds significantly to total
TurboTax makes sense if you have complex crypto holdings, brokerage accounts needing auto-import, or want guaranteed access to a live CPA. For a straightforward Schedule C freelancer, the premium is hard to justify.
5. H&R Block Self-Employed — best middle ground
H&R Block Self-Employed
Middle ground
Federal: $115–$130 · State: $45
Pros
- 12,000+ in-person US office locations
- AI Tax Assist included
- Audit support included
- Most robust free tier among paid platforms
- Import from TurboTax available
Cons
- Similar price to TurboTax, fewer features
- No S-corp support online
- State fee adds up for multi-state filers
H&R Block's main differentiator is its physical office network. If something complicated comes up mid-filing and you want face-to-face help, H&R Block is the only major platform that can provide it.
6. TaxAct Self-Employed — best for S-corp and LLC owners
TaxAct Self-Employed
S-corp & LLC owners
Federal: $70–$100 · State: $40–$55
Pros
- Supports S-corp (Form 1120-S)
- Supports partnership (Form 1065)
- Less expensive than TurboTax/H&R Block
- Expert access available as add-on
Cons
- Less intuitive interface
- Overkill for simple Schedule C filers
- State fee still adds to total
TaxAct is the only major online platform that handles S-corp and partnership returns without requiring a business-tier upgrade. For straightforward sole proprietors, it is unnecessary complexity.
7. Which should you choose?
Simple decision framework:
Sole proprietor or single-member LLC with straightforward income → FreeTaxUSA (save $100+)
Want hand-holding + live CPA access + complex investments → TurboTax Premium
Want in-person office backup option → H&R Block
Have an S-corp or multi-member LLC → TaxAct or hire a CPA
8. Frequently asked questions
What is the best free tax software for self-employed filers?
FreeTaxUSA offers completely free federal filing including Schedule C. State returns cost $15.99. For most freelancers and sole proprietors, it handles every Schedule C scenario at no federal cost.
Does TurboTax free version include Schedule C?
No. TurboTax's free tier does not include Schedule C. You must upgrade to TurboTax Premium ($129–$150 federal) to report self-employment income.
Should I use tax software or a CPA as a freelancer?
Tax software works well for most freelancers with straightforward Schedule C income. Hire a CPA if your net profit exceeds $100,000, you are considering an S corp election, or have complex multi-state situations. A CPA typically costs $250–$600 for a self-employed return.
Can I file for free as a self-employed person?
Yes. FreeTaxUSA offers free federal filing including Schedule C. If your AGI is $84,000 or below, you may also qualify for IRS Free File at irs.gov/freefile.