Quick Overview
- 1#1: TurboTax Self-Employed - Comprehensive tax preparation software designed for freelancers and self-employed users with automated mileage tracking, expense categorization, and Schedule C optimization.
- 2#2: QuickBooks Self-Employed - Cloud-based accounting tool that tracks income, expenses, and mileage for self-employed individuals, seamlessly integrating with TurboTax for tax filing.
- 3#3: H&R Block Self-Employed - User-friendly tax software offering maximum refund guarantees, deduction maximizer, and support for self-employment taxes including quarterly estimates.
- 4#4: Keeper Tax - AI-powered app that automatically scans bank transactions to find and claim tax deductions for gig workers and self-employed professionals.
- 5#5: Hurdlr - Mobile-first platform for self-employed users to automatically track mileage, expenses, and income while estimating quarterly taxes.
- 6#6: TaxAct Self-Employed - Affordable tax filing software with specialized tools for Schedule C filers, including import from QuickBooks and deduction recommendations.
- 7#7: TaxSlayer Self-Employed - Cost-effective e-filing solution with self-employment tax support, audit assistance, and easy import of prior-year data.
- 8#8: Wave Accounting - Free invoicing and accounting software for freelancers that generates tax-ready reports and tracks expenses without monthly fees.
- 9#9: FreshBooks - Cloud accounting software for self-employed users focusing on invoicing, time tracking, and expense management with tax time reports.
- 10#10: FreeTaxUSA - Low-cost federal tax filing service supporting self-employment forms like Schedule C with accurate calculations and free state filing options.
We ranked these tools based on core functionality—including automated mileage tracking, Schedule C support, and self-employment tax optimization—along with user experience, reliability, and value, ensuring they meet the unique demands of freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners.
Comparison Table
Simplify the choice of self-employed tax software with this comparison, featuring top tools like TurboTax Self-Employed, QuickBooks Self-Employed, H&R Block Self-Employed, Keeper Tax, Hurdlr, and more. Learn to evaluate key features, ease of use, and cost to find the best fit for your business's tax filing needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TurboTax Self-Employed Comprehensive tax preparation software designed for freelancers and self-employed users with automated mileage tracking, expense categorization, and Schedule C optimization. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 2 | QuickBooks Self-Employed Cloud-based accounting tool that tracks income, expenses, and mileage for self-employed individuals, seamlessly integrating with TurboTax for tax filing. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 3 | H&R Block Self-Employed User-friendly tax software offering maximum refund guarantees, deduction maximizer, and support for self-employment taxes including quarterly estimates. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 4 | Keeper Tax AI-powered app that automatically scans bank transactions to find and claim tax deductions for gig workers and self-employed professionals. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Hurdlr Mobile-first platform for self-employed users to automatically track mileage, expenses, and income while estimating quarterly taxes. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 6 | TaxAct Self-Employed Affordable tax filing software with specialized tools for Schedule C filers, including import from QuickBooks and deduction recommendations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 7 | TaxSlayer Self-Employed Cost-effective e-filing solution with self-employment tax support, audit assistance, and easy import of prior-year data. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 8 | Wave Accounting Free invoicing and accounting software for freelancers that generates tax-ready reports and tracks expenses without monthly fees. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 9 | FreshBooks Cloud accounting software for self-employed users focusing on invoicing, time tracking, and expense management with tax time reports. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 10 | FreeTaxUSA Low-cost federal tax filing service supporting self-employment forms like Schedule C with accurate calculations and free state filing options. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.7/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.6/10 |
Comprehensive tax preparation software designed for freelancers and self-employed users with automated mileage tracking, expense categorization, and Schedule C optimization.
Cloud-based accounting tool that tracks income, expenses, and mileage for self-employed individuals, seamlessly integrating with TurboTax for tax filing.
User-friendly tax software offering maximum refund guarantees, deduction maximizer, and support for self-employment taxes including quarterly estimates.
AI-powered app that automatically scans bank transactions to find and claim tax deductions for gig workers and self-employed professionals.
Mobile-first platform for self-employed users to automatically track mileage, expenses, and income while estimating quarterly taxes.
Affordable tax filing software with specialized tools for Schedule C filers, including import from QuickBooks and deduction recommendations.
Cost-effective e-filing solution with self-employment tax support, audit assistance, and easy import of prior-year data.
Free invoicing and accounting software for freelancers that generates tax-ready reports and tracks expenses without monthly fees.
Cloud accounting software for self-employed users focusing on invoicing, time tracking, and expense management with tax time reports.
Low-cost federal tax filing service supporting self-employment forms like Schedule C with accurate calculations and free state filing options.
TurboTax Self-Employed
specializedComprehensive tax preparation software designed for freelancers and self-employed users with automated mileage tracking, expense categorization, and Schedule C optimization.
Self-Employed Deduction Finder that proactively scans and suggests industry-specific business expenses to maximize refunds
TurboTax Self-Employed is a premium online tax software from Intuit, specifically designed for freelancers, contractors, gig workers, and small business owners filing Schedule C forms. It provides step-by-step guidance through complex self-employment taxes, including 1099 income, business expenses, and quarterly estimated payments. The platform maximizes deductions with specialized tools and offers live CPA/expert support, accuracy guarantees, and audit defense options for peace of mind.
Pros
- Comprehensive self-employment tools like Deduction Finder and Schedule C optimization
- Live expert assistance and import from banks/credit cards for seamless expense tracking
- Year-round features for quarterly taxes and audit protection
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to DIY alternatives
- Occasional upsells to additional services during filing
- Requires stable internet and can feel lengthy for simple returns
Best For
Freelancers, contractors, and sole proprietors who need guided support to maximize deductions and handle complex 1099 income.
Pricing
Federal filing starts at $119; $49-59 per state return; includes unlimited live expert help (prices for 2023 tax year).
QuickBooks Self-Employed
specializedCloud-based accounting tool that tracks income, expenses, and mileage for self-employed individuals, seamlessly integrating with TurboTax for tax filing.
GPS-enabled automatic mileage tracking that logs drives in real-time and maximizes deductible miles
QuickBooks Self-Employed is a streamlined mobile app tailored for freelancers, gig workers, and sole proprietors to automatically track income, expenses, and mileage from linked bank accounts and GPS. It categorizes transactions intelligently, generates quarterly tax estimates, and produces Schedule C reports for seamless import into TurboTax or accountant software. This tool simplifies tax prep by focusing on deductions like mileage and business expenses without requiring full accounting knowledge.
Pros
- Automatic bank imports and smart categorization for effortless tracking
- GPS-powered mileage logger with IRS-compliant reports
- Quarterly tax estimates and easy Schedule C export for tax filing
Cons
- Lacks invoicing, payroll, or advanced reporting features
- Customer support primarily self-service with limited live options
- Relatively pricey for users who only need basic tax tracking
Best For
Freelancers and rideshare drivers who rely heavily on mileage deductions and want automated, mobile-first expense tracking.
Pricing
$15/month (billed annually) or $20/month; no free tier.
H&R Block Self-Employed
specializedUser-friendly tax software offering maximum refund guarantees, deduction maximizer, and support for self-employment taxes including quarterly estimates.
Worry-Free Audit Support, offering free representation by an enrolled agent or CPA if audited on prepared returns
H&R Block Self-Employed is an online tax preparation software designed specifically for freelancers, independent contractors, and small business owners filing Schedule C forms. It guides users through entering 1099 income, business expenses, home office deductions, mileage tracking, and self-employment taxes with step-by-step prompts and built-in error checks. The platform also offers optional access to tax professionals via chat or review services for added assurance.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for Schedule C and self-employment deductions
- Worry-Free Audit Support with full IRS representation
- Accurate calculations backed by a major tax brand
Cons
- Interface less intuitive than top competitors like TurboTax
- Additional fees for live expert help or state returns
- Limited integrations with accounting software
Best For
Freelancers and sole proprietors seeking reliable self-employment tax handling with strong audit protection.
Pricing
$115 for federal and one state (additional states $37 each); discounts often available.
Keeper Tax
specializedAI-powered app that automatically scans bank transactions to find and claim tax deductions for gig workers and self-employed professionals.
AI Deduction Finder that proactively scans transactions and suggests overlooked deductions tailored to self-employed schedules
Keeper Tax is a mobile-first platform designed for freelancers, gig workers, and self-employed individuals to simplify tax filing and expense tracking. It automatically connects to bank accounts and credit cards to categorize transactions, scans receipts via the app, and uses AI to uncover hidden deductions. Users can file their federal and state taxes directly through the app, with options for expert review to maximize refunds.
Pros
- AI-driven deduction finder maximizes refunds effortlessly
- Seamless mobile app for receipt scanning and auto-tracking
- Free tax filing available for qualifying low-to-mid income users
Cons
- Subscription required for unlimited expense tracking and advanced features
- Limited support for complex business structures or multi-state filings
- Primarily US-focused, no international tax support
Best For
Gig workers and freelancers who want automated expense tracking and simple tax filing without accounting expertise.
Pricing
Free tax filing for single filers earning under $50K (qualifying W-2/1099); Keeper app starts at $20/month or $192/year for full tracking.
Hurdlr
specializedMobile-first platform for self-employed users to automatically track mileage, expenses, and income while estimating quarterly taxes.
Background GPS-powered automatic mileage tracking with geofencing for accurate, audit-proof logs
Hurdlr is a mobile-first app tailored for self-employed individuals, freelancers, and gig workers to automatically track mileage, expenses, and income for tax purposes. It categorizes transactions, identifies deductions, and provides real-time quarterly tax estimates to help users avoid surprises at tax time. The platform integrates with bank accounts and payment processors for seamless data import, making it easier to maximize deductions without manual entry.
Pros
- Automatic GPS mileage tracking with IRS-compliant logs
- Real-time tax estimates and deduction finder
- Intuitive mobile interface with bank integrations
Cons
- No built-in tax filing; requires export to TurboTax or similar
- Advanced features locked behind paid subscriptions
- Limited desktop experience compared to mobile
Best For
Gig workers and freelancers needing simple, automated expense and mileage tracking on mobile devices.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Pro: $9.99/month or $99/year; Premium: $19.99/month or $199/year.
TaxAct Self-Employed
specializedAffordable tax filing software with specialized tools for Schedule C filers, including import from QuickBooks and deduction recommendations.
Deduction Maximizer that scans your return for overlooked self-employment deductions
TaxAct Self-Employed is an affordable online tax filing platform tailored for freelancers, gig workers, and small business owners filing Schedule C forms. It simplifies reporting 1099 income, tracking business expenses, and claiming deductions with tools like the Deduction Maximizer. The software supports federal and state returns, prior-year imports, and offers audit risk assessment for self-employed filers.
Pros
- Exceptionally low cost compared to competitors
- Robust support for Schedule C and self-employment deductions
- Deduction Maximizer tool to uncover missed savings
Cons
- User interface feels somewhat dated and less intuitive
- Limited live chat support during peak season
- Fewer educational resources than top-tier options
Best For
Cost-conscious self-employed filers comfortable navigating forms independently.
Pricing
Self-Employed federal: $64.95; each state: $44.95; bundle discounts and free federal for simple returns often available.
TaxSlayer Self-Employed
specializedCost-effective e-filing solution with self-employment tax support, audit assistance, and easy import of prior-year data.
Unlimited priority access to tax professionals via live chat and phone for real-time self-employment tax questions
TaxSlayer Self-Employed is an affordable online tax filing platform specifically designed for freelancers, independent contractors, and small business owners. It handles Schedule C for business income and expenses, self-employment tax calculations, mileage tracking, and Qualified Business Income (QBI) deductions. Users benefit from step-by-step guidance, import options from prior years or QuickBooks, and priority support to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Pros
- Significantly lower cost than competitors like TurboTax Self-Employed
- Unlimited live chat and phone support from tax pros
- Strong deduction finder and error checks for self-employment forms
Cons
- Less hand-holding and interview-style guidance compared to top-tier options
- Interface feels somewhat dated and less polished
- No dedicated mobile app optimized for self-employed workflows
Best For
Budget-conscious self-employed individuals with straightforward business expenses who value responsive expert support over extensive automated guidance.
Pricing
Self-Employed plan: $64.95 federal + $44.95 per state (2023 pricing; discounts often available early season)
Wave Accounting
specializedFree invoicing and accounting software for freelancers that generates tax-ready reports and tracks expenses without monthly fees.
100% free unlimited invoicing and accounting with no transaction limits
Wave Accounting is a free cloud-based platform tailored for freelancers and small businesses, providing tools for invoicing, expense tracking, receipt scanning, and basic financial reporting. For self-employed tax software needs, it shines in categorizing income and expenses, tracking mileage, and generating profit/loss statements to support Schedule C forms. While it lacks direct tax filing capabilities, it streamlines data preparation for tax season without any core subscription costs.
Pros
- Completely free core accounting, invoicing, and expense tracking
- User-friendly interface with mobile app for on-the-go management
- Automatic categorization and mileage tracking for easy tax prep
Cons
- No built-in tax filing or e-submission capabilities
- Transaction fees for payments (2.9% + $0.60) and payroll add-ons
- Limited advanced reporting for complex self-employment tax scenarios
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs who need simple, cost-free bookkeeping to organize income, expenses, and deductions for tax filing.
Pricing
Free for unlimited accounting, invoicing, and receipts; payments at 2.9% + $0.60 per transaction; payroll from $20/month + $6 per employee.
FreshBooks
specializedCloud accounting software for self-employed users focusing on invoicing, time tracking, and expense management with tax time reports.
Automated bank feeds and transaction categorization that directly populate tax-ready expense reports
FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting platform tailored for freelancers and small businesses, focusing on invoicing, expense tracking, and time management to streamline financial operations. For self-employed tax purposes, it offers robust expense categorization, mileage tracking, and customizable reports like profit/loss statements and tax summaries that simplify preparing Schedule C forms. While it excels in bookkeeping that feeds into tax prep, it lacks direct e-filing or advanced tax calculation features, requiring integration with tools like TurboTax.
Pros
- Intuitive interface ideal for non-accountants
- Strong expense tracking with categorization and receipt capture
- Generates tax-ready reports and integrates with tax software
Cons
- No built-in tax filing or form generation
- Subscription pricing is higher for basic tax-only needs
- Limited advanced tax deductions or multi-state support
Best For
Freelancers and solopreneurs who handle invoicing alongside tax bookkeeping and want user-friendly tools for year-end reporting.
Pricing
Lite ($19/mo), Plus ($33/mo), Premium ($60/mo); annual discounts available, 30-day free trial.
FreeTaxUSA
specializedLow-cost federal tax filing service supporting self-employment forms like Schedule C with accurate calculations and free state filing options.
Free federal e-filing for self-employed Schedule C users, even with business deductions
FreeTaxUSA is a budget-friendly online tax software that provides free federal filing for most returns, including those for self-employed individuals using Schedule C for business income and expenses. It handles common self-employment taxes, deductions like home office and mileage, and quarterly estimated payments. While it supports a broad range of IRS forms, it uses a more form-driven interface rather than guided interviews, making it suitable for users comfortable with tax basics.
Pros
- Free federal filing for self-employed Schedule C returns
- Low flat fee of $14.99 for state returns
- Supports key deductions and depreciation for small businesses
Cons
- No live phone or chat support, only email
- Basic interface lacks advanced guidance for complex scenarios
- No audit defense or tax expert review options
Best For
Cost-conscious self-employed filers and freelancers with straightforward Schedule C needs who are comfortable navigating forms independently.
Pricing
Free federal filing (including Deluxe for $7.99 with extra forms); state returns $14.99 each.
Conclusion
Evaluating self-employed tax software reveals tools tailored to unique needs, with TurboTax Self-Employed leading for its comprehensive features like Schedule C optimization and mileage tracking. QuickBooks Self-Employed and H&R Block Self-Employed stand out as strong alternatives—offering cloud integration and refund guarantees, respectively—ensuring there’s a fit for diverse users.
Don’t let tax season stress you; start with TurboTax Self-Employed to simplify filing and take advantage of its robust, user-friendly tools designed for those in business for themselves.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison