TurboTax vs FreeTaxUSA
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: TurboTax (4.5/5)
We tested TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA side-by-side. TurboTax comes out ahead overall, but FreeTaxUSA may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | TurboTax | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9.5/10 | 7/10 |
| Value for Money | 6.5/10 | 10/10 |
| Customer Support | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| Overall | 8.5/10 | 8/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TurboTax | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Step-by-Step Filing | Yes | No |
| Live Expert | Yes | No |
| Import | Yes | No |
| Audit Support | Yes | No |
| Max Refund | Yes | No |
| Free Federal | No | Yes |
| Prior Year Import | No | Yes |
| Audit Assist | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
TurboTax: Free – $129+
FreeTaxUSA: Free federal / $14.99 state
TurboTax Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most user-friendly tax filing experience
- Excellent step-by-step guidance
- Live expert access (CPA/EA)
- Accurate calculations with guarantee
Cons
- Most expensive tax software option
- Aggressive upsells
- Free tier is very restrictive
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
Key Specifications
| Spec | TurboTax | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.3/5 |
| Pricing | Free – $129+ | Free federal / $14.99 state |
| Year Founded | 1984 | 2001 |
| Headquarters | San Diego, CA | Salt Lake City, UT |
| Employees | Part of Intuit (15,000+) | N/A |
| Best For Region | United States | N/A |
| State Filing Cost | $49/state | N/A |
| Live Expert Access | Yes | N/A |
Our Verdict
TurboTax wins overall. Choose TurboTax if you value First-time filers. Choose FreeTaxUSA if you prioritize Budget filers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TurboTax better than FreeTaxUSA?
Based on our testing, TurboTax scores higher with a rating of 4.5/5 compared to FreeTaxUSA's 4.3/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA?
TurboTax is known for: The most popular tax filing software with step-by-step guidance and expert help.. FreeTaxUSA is known for: Free federal tax filing with optional paid state returns — best budget option..
Which is cheaper, TurboTax or FreeTaxUSA?
TurboTax pricing: Free – $129+. FreeTaxUSA pricing: Free federal / $14.99 state.
Can I use TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA 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 TurboTax?
Most user-friendly tax filing experience. Excellent step-by-step guidance. Live expert access (CPA/EA)
What are the pros of FreeTaxUSA?
Free federal filing. All forms included. Very affordable state filing
Which tax software should I choose?
Choose TurboTax if you value First-time filers. Choose FreeTaxUSA if you prioritize Budget filers.