Quick answer
Every major tax program handles Schedule C and Schedule SE. The real differences are price, guidance and access to a human expert.
- Cheapest: FreeTaxUSA. Federal returns are $0, including self-employment income. State returns cost about $15.99.
- Low-cost paid: TaxSlayer Self-Employed (about $53 federal) and TaxAct Self-Employed (about $70 federal).
- Most guidance: TurboTax Premium (from about $139 federal) and H&R Block Self-Employed (about $125 federal).
- IRS Direct File is not available. The IRS told states it would not run in the 2026 filing season, and it never covered Schedule C anyway.
Prices are approximate as of September 2026 and change during filing season. Check the provider before you file.
What happened to IRS Direct File?
IRS Direct File was a free, government-run filing tool piloted in 2024 and expanded in 2025. In November 2025 the IRS emailed participating states that “IRS Direct File will not be available in Filing Season 2026.”
It would not have helped most freelancers anyway. Direct File was limited to simple returns and did not support Schedule C business income.
IRS Free File still exists. It is a partnership with private software companies. For returns filed in 2026, guided Free File software was open to people with AGI of $89,000 or less. Not every Free File partner supports Schedule C, so check each offer’s list of supported forms.
Comparison table
| Software | Federal (approx.) | State (approx.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| FreeTaxUSA | $0 | $15.99 | Confident filers on a budget |
| TaxSlayer Self-Employed | $52.99 | $39.99 | Low cost with self-employment guidance |
| TaxAct Self-Employed | $69.99 | $39.99 | Mid-price, good for simple S-corp owners too |
| TurboTax Premium | From $139 | Extra | Most hand-holding, QuickBooks users |
| H&R Block Self-Employed | $125 | $49 | Guidance plus in-person offices as backup |
Paid tiers are often cheaper early in the season and rise closer to April. Add-ons such as audit defense or live expert help cost extra.
Short reviews
FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA charges nothing for federal returns, including Schedule C and self-employment tax. You pay about $15.99 per state. Optional add-ons include Deluxe support (about $7.99) and Pro Support with a tax pro review (about $44.99).
It suits freelancers who keep clean books and know their numbers. The interface is plain, and guidance is lighter than the big brands.
TaxSlayer Self-Employed
TaxSlayer’s self-employed tier costs about $53 federal and $40 per state. It adds priority support and access to tax pros with self-employment experience.
It suits freelancers who want a bit more support without TurboTax prices.
TaxAct Self-Employed
TaxAct’s self-employed tier runs about $70 federal plus about $40 per state. TaxAct also sells business editions for Form 1120-S, which helps S-corp owners who prepare their own entity returns.
TurboTax Premium
TurboTax folded its old Self-Employed product into Premium, which starts at about $139 federal. It covers Schedule C, 1099-NEC and 1099-K imports, crypto and rentals. It connects with QuickBooks, which saves time if you already use it.
Upgrades such as Expert Assist or Full Service cost significantly more.
H&R Block Self-Employed
H&R Block Self-Employed costs about $125 federal and $49 per state. Its advantage is a large network of offices if you want a person to take over.
Features that matter for freelancers
Beyond Schedule C, look for these when you compare programs:
- 1099-NEC and 1099-K import. Photo or PDF import saves typing and reduces errors. See 1099-NEC vs MISC vs K.
- QBI deduction support. The 20% qualified business income deduction is calculated on Form 8995 or 8995-A. Every major program handles it, but guidance differs. See QBI Deduction.
- Estimated payment entry. You need to enter each quarterly payment and its date. Some programs also create next year’s vouchers.
- Home office and vehicle worksheets. Form 8829 and the mileage method need careful inputs.
- Prior-year import. Switching programs is easier if the new one can read last year’s return as a PDF.
- Accounting software import. Useful if you keep books in QuickBooks or another app.
How to choose
| If you… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Have one or two 1099s and few expenses | FreeTaxUSA |
| Want support without paying top price | TaxSlayer or TaxAct |
| Use QuickBooks for bookkeeping | TurboTax Premium |
| May want a pro to step in | H&R Block, or a CPA |
| Own an S corporation | Business software for Form 1120-S, or a CPA |
Before you file, gather your 1099-NEC and 1099-K forms, your profit and loss report and your estimated tax payment dates and amounts. See How to Fill Out Schedule C and Schedule SE Explained.
Worked example: federal plus one state
Marcus is a freelance photographer who needs one federal and one state return.
| Software | Federal | State | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| FreeTaxUSA | $0 | $15.99 | $15.99 |
| TaxSlayer Self-Employed | $52.99 | $39.99 | $92.98 |
| TaxAct Self-Employed | $69.99 | $39.99 | $109.98 |
| H&R Block Self-Employed | $125 | $49 | $174 |
The gap between the cheapest and priciest option is $158.01. If Marcus mostly needs guidance on deductions, a paid tier may be worth it. If his books are clean, FreeTaxUSA files the same forms.
The part of your tax prep cost that relates to your business is deductible on Schedule C. The personal part is not.
Frequently asked questions
Can I file Schedule C for free?
Yes. FreeTaxUSA files federal returns with Schedule C for $0. Some IRS Free File partners also support it if your AGI qualifies.
Is IRS Direct File coming back?
The IRS said it will not be available in the 2026 filing season. No return date has been announced. Watch irs.gov for updates.
Is TurboTax Self-Employed still sold?
Its features now sit in TurboTax Premium. Check Intuit’s site for the current tier names.
Should I use software or a CPA?
Software works for most sole proprietors with simple books. Consider a CPA if you own an S corporation, have multi-state income or received an IRS notice. See Do You Need a CPA as a Freelancer?
This article is general information, not tax advice. Prices are approximate and change often. Consult a CPA or Enrolled Agent for your situation.
About this guide
Written by the Freelancer Tax HQ editorial team, based on our professional experience, official US government sources (IRS, SSA and other agencies) and reputable informational articles listed in the sources below. Last reviewed on . Tax rules change often, and we update this guide when they do. Read our editorial policy or report an error.
Sources
IRS Free File; Nextgov/FCW: Direct File won’t happen in 2026; TurboTax Premium; FreeTaxUSA; The College Investor: Tax software pricing comparison. Example figures are FreelancerTaxHQ illustrations.
Official resources linked in this guide: IRS: Tax preparer credentials; IRS: Self-Employment Tax; IRS Instructions for Schedule C; Instructions for Form 8829.