If you’re a freelancer, taxes can feel like a second full-time job. You’re tracking income from multiple clients, setting aside money for self-employment tax, and trying not to miss deadlines — all while still doing your actual work.
The good news? You don’t need to hire an accountant just to file correctly. Today’s tax filing apps for freelancers are built to handle self-employed income, deductions, quarterly payments, and even multi-state work — without complicated tax jargon.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the top 5 tax filing apps for freelancers that are genuinely easy to use. These tools are beginner-friendly, practical, and designed for real-world freelance situations.
Whether you’re filing taxes for the first time or switching from spreadsheets, this list will help you choose the right option with confidence.
Why Freelancers Need a Tax App (Not Just Software)
Freelancers don’t have it easy at tax time.
You’re responsible for:
- Tracking income without a W-2
- Paying self-employment tax
- Reporting 1099-NEC forms
- Claiming deductions like home office or software
- Making quarterly estimated tax payments
A general tax program can miss these details. A freelancer tax app, on the other hand, asks the right questions and walks you through each step.
Good tax apps:
- Break things into plain language
- Flag common deductions
- Reduce filing mistakes
- Save time and stress
Let’s get into the best options available right now.
1. TurboTax Self-Employed (Best Overall for Freelancers)
Best for: Freelancers who want step-by-step guidance and automatic deductions
Pricing: Higher than average, but very complete
TurboTax Self-Employed is one of the most popular tax filing apps for freelancers, and for good reason. It’s designed specifically for people who work for themselves.
The interface feels more like a conversation than a tax form. It asks about your work, income sources, and expenses in simple language — then fills in the forms behind the scenes.
What Freelancers Love
- Walk-through style filing with clear explanations
- Automatically searches for deductions
- Handles self-employment tax and quarterly estimates
- Supports freelancers with multiple income streams
If you’re unsure about deductions like mileage, phone use, or home office expenses, TurboTax does the heavy lifting.
Things to Consider
- More expensive than other options
- Add-ons can increase total cost
Best fit: Freelancers who want confidence, clarity, and hand-holding from start to finish.
2. H&R Block Self-Employed (Best Value for Simplicity)
Best for: Freelancers who want solid support at a lower cost
Pricing: Mid-range and more affordable than TurboTax
H&R Block’s Self-Employed version offers many of the same features as TurboTax, but at a slightly lower price point.
The layout is clean, and the questions are easy to follow. It supports freelance income, deductions, and even offers live tax help if you want reassurance from a real person.
What Freelancers Love
- Simple dashboard with fewer distractions
- Clear deduction prompts
- Live tax help available
- Strong accuracy guarantees
It’s especially good if you already know the basics of your freelance income and just want a reliable system.
Things to Consider
- Fewer advanced tools than TurboTax
- Less automation for niche deductions
Best fit: Freelancers who want reliability without paying premium prices.
3. TaxSlayer Self-Employed (Best Budget Option)
Best for: Freelancers with straightforward finances
Pricing: Very affordable
If your freelance income is simple — a few clients, common deductions, no complex investments — TaxSlayer is worth a look.
It covers all the essentials without extra fluff. The interface isn’t flashy, but it gets the job done efficiently.
What Freelancers Love
- Low cost
- Unlimited tax support included
- Covers self-employment income and expenses
This is a good option if you’re confident about your numbers and don’t need much guidance.
Things to Consider
- Interface feels basic
- Less visual explanation
Best fit: Budget-conscious freelancers with uncomplicated taxes.
4. FreeTaxUSA (Best Free Option for Freelancers)
Best for: Freelancers who want to file federal taxes for free
Pricing: Federal filing free, state filing low cost
FreeTaxUSA is surprisingly powerful for a free platform. It supports Schedule C, self-employment income, and deductions without charging for federal returns.
It’s not fancy, but it’s accurate and efficient.
What Freelancers Love
- Free federal filing
- Transparent pricing
- Covers most freelance scenarios
It’s especially useful for newer freelancers who don’t want to spend money while still earning.
Things to Consider
- No automatic deduction discovery
- Less guided than premium apps
Best fit: New freelancers or side hustlers testing the waters.
5. Cash App Taxes (Best for Mobile-First Freelancers)
Best for: Freelancers who prefer filing on their phone
Pricing: Free federal and state filing
Cash App Taxes is a solid choice if you’re comfortable using your phone for finances. It supports self-employment income and doesn’t charge for filing.
The experience is simple and fast, especially for freelancers with digital income.
What Freelancers Love
- Completely free
- Clean mobile interface
- Fast filing
Things to Consider
- Fewer explanations
- Not ideal for complex deductions
Best fit: Mobile-savvy freelancers with straightforward tax needs.
How to Choose the Best Tax Filing App for Freelancers
Before picking a tool, ask yourself:
- Do I want guidance or speed?
- How complex is my freelance income?
- Am I filing in multiple states?
- Do I need quarterly tax help?
If you’re unsure about deductions or filing structure, guided apps save time. If your finances are simple, budget options work just fine.
Common Freelance Tax Mistakes These Apps Help Prevent
Good tax apps help freelancers avoid:
- Forgetting self-employment tax
- Missing deductions
- Filing late or incorrectly
- Underpaying quarterly taxes
Even experienced freelancers make these mistakes without proper tools.
Short FAQ: Tax Filing Apps for Freelancers
Are tax filing apps safe?
Yes. Reputable apps use encryption and security standards similar to banks.
Can I file quarterly taxes with these apps?
Many apps help calculate quarterly estimates, though payments may be manual.
Do I still need an accountant?
Not usually. Many freelancers file accurately using apps alone.
Can I deduct home office expenses?
Yes. Most freelancer tax apps support home office deductions.
Final Thoughts
Freelance taxes don’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right tax filing app for freelancers, you can file accurately, claim deductions, and stay compliant — without panic or confusion.
Choose a tool that matches your income level, experience, and comfort. Whether you want step-by-step guidance or a quick free option, there’s an app that fits.
The key is consistency. Once you find a system that works, tax season becomes just another task — not a crisis.