FreeTaxUSA vs TaxAct
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: FreeTaxUSA (4.3/5)
We tested FreeTaxUSA and TaxAct side-by-side. FreeTaxUSA comes out ahead overall, but TaxAct may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | FreeTaxUSA | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 8/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 7/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 10/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 6.5/10 | 7/10 |
| Overall | 8/10 | 7.6/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | FreeTaxUSA | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|
| Free Federal | Yes | No |
| Prior Year Import | Yes | No |
| Audit Assist | Yes | No |
| Federal + State | No | Yes |
| Price Lock | No | Yes |
| Import | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
FreeTaxUSA: Free federal / $14.99 state
TaxAct: Free tier / From $24.99
FreeTaxUSA Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free federal filing
- All forms included
- Very affordable state filing
- Audit support available
Cons
- Basic UI
- No mobile app
- Limited guidance
- Less brand recognition
TaxAct Pros & Cons
Pros
- Much cheaper than TurboTax
- Solid feature set
- Price lock guarantee
- Good import tools
Cons
- UI less polished
- Fewer guidance features
- Limited audit support
- Less hand-holding
Key Specifications
| Spec | FreeTaxUSA | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Pricing | Free federal / $14.99 state | Free tier / From $24.99 |
| Year Founded | 2001 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | Salt Lake City, UT | Cedar Rapids, IA |
Our Verdict
FreeTaxUSA wins overall. Choose FreeTaxUSA if you value Budget filers. Choose TaxAct if you prioritize Budget-conscious filers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FreeTaxUSA better than TaxAct?
Based on our testing, FreeTaxUSA scores higher with a rating of 4.3/5 compared to TaxAct's 4.1/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between FreeTaxUSA and TaxAct?
FreeTaxUSA is known for: Free federal tax filing with optional paid state returns — best budget option.. TaxAct is known for: Affordable tax filing software with solid features at lower prices than TurboTax..
Which is cheaper, FreeTaxUSA or TaxAct?
FreeTaxUSA pricing: Free federal / $14.99 state. TaxAct pricing: Free tier / From $24.99.
Can I use FreeTaxUSA and TaxAct together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the Tax Software category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of FreeTaxUSA?
Free federal filing. All forms included. Very affordable state filing
What are the pros of TaxAct?
Much cheaper than TurboTax. Solid feature set. Price lock guarantee
Which tax software should I choose?
Choose FreeTaxUSA if you value Budget filers. Choose TaxAct if you prioritize Budget-conscious filers.