AI-Powered Universal Comparison Engine

Tax preparation services: FreeTaxUSA Deluxe vs. TurboTax Deluxe 2025

Quick Verdict

FreeTaxUSA Deluxe is the better option for users seeking an affordable solution with comprehensive support for self-employment and investment income. TurboTax Deluxe 2025 is more suitable for users who value a user-friendly interface, mobile app access, and various support options, but are willing to pay a higher price and don't require robust support for self-employment or investment income.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeFreeTaxUSA DeluxeTurboTax Deluxe 2025
Price$7.99$79 (promotional) / $89 (regular)
Federal filing includedYesYes
State filing includedNo, $14.99 per stateNo, $64 per state
Accuracy guaranteeYesYes, 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee
Audit supportYes, includes audit assistance. Audit defense is available for an additional $19.99Yes, free one-on-one audit guidance
Import prior year tax dataYes, from FreeTaxUSA, TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Cash App, or OLTYes
Deduction finderYes, looks at over 350 credits and deductionsYes, finds over 350 deductions and credits
Self-employment tax supportYesLimited, Schedule C income only
Investment income supportYesNo
Customer support options (phone, chat, email)Basic: Email support and in-app support center. Deluxe: Priority email support and live chat. Pro Support: Personal tax advice, phone support, and live screen share with a tax professional.Various support levels, Live Assisted service, chat, phone, and video
Ease of use (user interface)Intuitive and user-friendly interface with step-by-step guidanceIntuitive user interface, Q&A format
Mobile app availabilityNoYes, photo capture for W-2 and other documents

Overall Comparison

FreeTaxUSA Deluxe: $7.99, comprehensive support. TurboTax Deluxe 2025: $79/$89, mobile app, limited self-employment support.

Pros and Cons

FreeTaxUSA Deluxe

Pros:
  • Affordable, especially for complex returns
  • Clean and intuitive interface
  • Step-by-step guidance
  • 100% accuracy guarantee
  • Supports self-employment and investment income
  • Can import data from various tax software
Cons:
  • State filing costs extra
  • No mobile app
  • Audit defense incurs additional fees
  • May not be as seamless as TurboTax or H&R Block for complex tax situations

TurboTax Deluxe 2025

Pros:
  • User-friendly interface
  • 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee
  • Deduction finder
  • Audit support
  • Mobile app availability
  • Import prior year tax data
Cons:
  • State filing costs extra
  • Limited self-employment tax support
  • No investment income support
  • Can be more expensive than competitors
  • Potential upsells

User Experiences and Feedback