1040.com or FreeTaxUSA: Which Online Tax Prep Is Best?
Last updated 10/27/2025 by
Andrew Latham
Edited by
Andrew Latham
Summary:
Want flat-rate simplicity or rock-bottom pricing? 1040.com offers a single flat price with a streamlined workflow, while FreeTaxUSA provides free federal filing and low-cost state returns, with optional paid upgrades. The tradeoff: predictable costs with 1040.com, or ultra-low pricing with FreeTaxUSA’s à la carte model.
Compare Tax Preparation Services
Compare multiple vetted providers. Discover your best option.
How They Compare: 1040.com vs FreeTaxUSA
A quick pricing-and-features rundown:
| Feature | 1040.com | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Basic Price | $24.95 | $0 |
| Federal Standard Price | $24.95 | $0 |
| Federal Premium Price | $24.95 | $6.99 |
| Federal Basic + State Price | $24.95 | $12.95 |
| State Return Price | $0 | $12.95 |
| State Return Availability | $0 | $15.99 |
| Filing Options | File Online | File Online |
| Software Offerings | Web Browser-Based | Web Browser-Based |
| Tax Preparation Types | Personal | Personal |
| Tax Prep Differentiators | Flat-rate simplicity; mobile-friendly | Free federal filing; optional paid upgrades |
| SuperMoney User Score | mostly not recommended | mostly recommended |
Who Should Pick 1040.com?
1040.com is built for filers who want straightforward, predictable costs without navigating multiple tiers.
- Flat Pricing: One rate covers most tax situations.
- Simplicity: Clean, minimal interface for easy filing.
- Mobile Ready: Works smoothly across devices.
- Audit Support: Available if needed.
Who Should Pick FreeTaxUSA?
FreeTaxUSA is ideal for cost-conscious filers who want free federal filing and are comfortable paying modest fees for extras.
- Free Federal Filing: No cost for basic federal returns.
- Affordable State Returns: Low per-state pricing.
- Optional Upgrades: Deluxe and Pro packages available.
- Refund Guarantee: Maximum refund guarantee included.
Interface & Workflow
1040.com offers a streamlined, minimalistic workflow with flat-rate pricing baked in. FreeTaxUSA uses a modular approach—basic filing is free, with add-ons for support and complex features.
Help & Assistance Channels
1040.com keeps support simple with online resources and audit help. FreeTaxUSA offers basic online support and paid Deluxe/Pro upgrades for faster assistance.
Refund Delivery Choices
Both services support direct deposit refunds and standard delivery options. Neither emphasizes refund advances as a core feature.
Key Differences (Updated 2026)
- Federal Filing Price: 1040.com flat-rate starts at $24.95; FreeTaxUSA federal is $0.
- State Returns: 1040.com charges $0; FreeTaxUSA charges $12.95.
- Support Model: 1040.com = built-in audit help; FreeTaxUSA = à la carte Deluxe/Pro support.
- Software Approach: 1040.com = flat-rate, simple interface; FreeTaxUSA = free entry point with upsells.
- User Ratings: 1040.com: mostly not recommended; FreeTaxUSA: mostly recommended.
Which One Fits Your Situation?
Choose 1040.com if you want predictable, all-in-one pricing and a clean filing experience. Choose FreeTaxUSA if you’re looking for the absolute lowest upfront cost and are okay with paying for extras like state returns or priority support.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
On SuperMoney, 1040.com is noted for simplicity and flat-rate value, though it has fewer reviews. FreeTaxUSA earns praise for affordability and ease of access, with some reviewers noting limited free support unless upgraded.
User Experience & Support Comparison
| Category | 1040.com | FreeTaxUSA |
|---|---|---|
| Support Options | Email support and audit assistance | Email support; Deluxe/Pro upgrades for faster help |
| Refund Options | Direct deposit and standard refund delivery | Direct deposit and standard refund delivery |
| Ease of Use | Flat-rate workflow with minimal steps | Free federal filing, optional upgrades for more features |
| Best For | Filers who want cost predictability | Budget filers seeking the cheapest federal filing |
| Customer Reviews | SuperMoney User Score: mostly not recommended | SuperMoney User Score: mostly recommended |
Pricing Transparency
1040.com offers a single flat price covering most returns. FreeTaxUSA starts free but introduces costs for state returns and support add-ons. Predictable simplicity favors 1040.com, while bargain hunters may prefer FreeTaxUSA’s base model.
What’s Next
Get the full picture with our detailed reviews:
- 1040.com Review — Why flat-rate simplicity appeals to predictable-cost seekers.
- FreeTaxUSA Review — How free federal filing makes it a budget-friendly favorite.
Explore Other Tax Software Matchups
- FreeTaxUSA vs TaxAct — Budget DIY vs fuller guidance.
- FreeTaxUSA vs Liberty Tax — Online-first vs hybrid service.
- TaxSlayer vs FreeTaxUSA — Comparing two budget-friendly options.
- eFile vs FreeTaxUSA — Which affordable tax prep tool is smoother?
- FreeTaxUSA vs Cash App Taxes — Free filing compared to another free competitor.
Still exploring? See the full lineup of top tax preparation services.
Key takeaways
- 1040.com uses flat-rate pricing; FreeTaxUSA starts free and charges for add-ons.
- State returns cost extra on both platforms, but FreeTaxUSA’s are usually cheaper.
- 1040.com is best for predictable simplicity, while FreeTaxUSA is best for upfront savings.
- SuperMoney reviewers highlight 1040.com’s ease and FreeTaxUSA’s affordability.
FAQ
Is 1040.com really flat-rate?
Yes. 1040.com charges one flat rate for most federal and state returns, avoiding multiple tiers.
Does FreeTaxUSA charge for state returns?
Yes. While federal is free, each state return requires a small fee.
Which is easier to use, 1040.com or FreeTaxUSA?
1040.com emphasizes a clean, simple interface. FreeTaxUSA offers more features but requires selecting add-ons.
Do both offer refund guarantees?
Yes. Both platforms provide maximum refund guarantees to ensure you get the highest refund possible.
Andrew is the Content Director for SuperMoney, a Certified Financial Planner®, and a Certified Personal Finance Counselor. He loves to geek out on financial data and translate it into actionable insights everyone can understand. His work is often cited by major publications and institutions, such as Forbes, U.S. News, Fox Business, SFGate, Realtor, Deloitte, and Business Insider.
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