Best 1099 Tax Software for Independent Contractors (2024)
We tested and compared the top tax software options for freelancers and 1099 contractors. Find the best fit for your business based on price, features, and ease of use.
Quick Comparison
| Software | Best For | Price | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax Self-Employed | Most features & guidance | $89-$169 | 4.5/5 |
| H&R Block Self-Employed | Best value with live help | $75-$115 | 4.3/5 |
| TaxAct Self-Employed | Budget-conscious filers | $65-$95 | 4.2/5 |
| FreeTaxUSA | Free federal filing | Free-$15 | 4/5 |
| Keeper Tax | Automated expense tracking | $16/month | 4.4/5 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TurboTax | H&R | TaxAct | FreeTaxUSA | Keeper |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1099 Support | |||||
| Schedule C | |||||
| Expense Tracking | |||||
| Mileage Tracking | |||||
| Quarterly Estimates | |||||
| Audit Support | |||||
| Live Expert Help |
Before You File: Calculate Your Deductions
Use our free calculator to find all your eligible deductions before choosing tax software. Many users find $2,000+ in write-offs they would have missed.
Calculate Your Deductions FreeDetailed Reviews
TurboTax Self-Employed
Most features & guidance
TurboTax Self-Employed is the gold standard for freelancer tax software. Its deduction finder is unmatched, using AI to scan your connected accounts for write-offs you might miss. The interview-style questions make complex tax situations feel manageable. While expensive, the potential tax savings often justify the cost for contractors with significant income.
Pros
- Best deduction finder
- Expert help available
- Excellent UI
- Comprehensive 1099 support
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Upsells can be aggressive
H&R Block Self-Employed
Best value with live help
H&R Block Self-Employed offers excellent value with nearly all the features of TurboTax at a lower price. The standout feature is the option for in-person support at one of their 12,000+ locations. For 1099 workers who want human assistance without the CPA price tag, H&R Block is a compelling choice.
Pros
- Lower price than TurboTax
- In-person support option
- Good expense categorization
- Free audit support
Cons
- UI less polished
- Fewer integrations
TaxAct Self-Employed
Budget-conscious filers
TaxAct Self-Employed is perfect for contractors with straightforward tax situations who want to save money on filing. While it lacks some advanced features like mileage tracking and live expert help, it covers all the essentials for Schedule C filing. The price lock guarantee ensures no surprise charges.
Pros
- Affordable pricing
- Straightforward process
- Good for simple 1099s
- Price lock guarantee
Cons
- Basic expense tracking
- Limited integrations
- Less guidance
FreeTaxUSA
Free federal filing
FreeTaxUSA proves you don't need to spend $100+ to file 1099 taxes. Federal filing is completely free, with state returns at just $14.99. The trade-off is a no-frills experience with minimal guidance. Best for experienced filers who know what deductions to claim and just need a vehicle to file.
Pros
- Free federal filing
- $15 state filing
- Supports all 1099 forms
- No upsells
Cons
- Basic interface
- Limited guidance
- No live support
- Manual expense entry
Keeper Tax
Automated expense tracking
Keeper Tax is designed specifically for 1099 workers with its AI-powered expense tracking that scans your bank and credit card transactions year-round. This proactive approach often finds $1,000+ in deductions users would otherwise miss. The monthly subscription model may seem expensive, but it pays for itself in found deductions.
Pros
- AI expense categorization
- Year-round tracking
- Good mobile app
- Finds missed deductions
Cons
- Monthly subscription
- Filing costs extra
- Newer company
Our Recommendation
For most 1099 contractors, we recommend TurboTax Self-Employed if you can afford it, or H&R Block Self-Employed for the best value. Both have excellent 1099 support and will help you maximize deductions.
If you have a simple tax situation and want to save money, FreeTaxUSA is a solid free option that still supports all 1099 forms and Schedule C.
Regardless of which software you choose, use our free deduction calculator first to identify all your write-offs. This ensures you don't leave money on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tax software do most 1099 contractors use?
TurboTax Self-Employed is the most popular choice among 1099 contractors due to its comprehensive deduction finder and user-friendly interface. However, H&R Block Self-Employed offers similar features at a lower price point and is gaining popularity.
Can I file 1099 taxes for free?
Yes, FreeTaxUSA offers free federal filing for all tax situations including 1099 income and Schedule C. State filing is $14.99. However, free options typically lack expense tracking and deduction optimization features that paid software provides.
Is TurboTax worth it for 1099 workers?
For most 1099 contractors, yes. TurboTax's deduction finder typically identifies $1,500+ in additional write-offs that pay for the software many times over. However, if you have a simple tax situation and already track expenses, a cheaper option may suffice.
Do I need special tax software for 1099 income?
You need tax software that supports Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) and self-employment tax calculations. Most "Self-Employed" or "Premium" tiers of major tax software include these features. Basic or free versions typically don't support 1099 filing.
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