TurboTax Self-Employed
Best for most freelancers — comprehensive and guided
TurboTax Self-Employed handles every freelance scenario: multiple 1099s, Schedule C business expenses, self-employment tax, home office deduction (simplified and regular methods), and quarterly estimated payment calculation. The step-by-step guidance catches deductions most people miss.
Pros
- Best-in-class deduction finder
- Automatic 1099 import
- Live CPA review available
- Quarterly estimate calculator included
Cons
- Most expensive option — $129+ federal
- State filing additional cost
- Some deduction guidance feels like upsell
H&R Block Self-Employed
Best value full-service for freelancers
H&R Block's Self-Employed tier ($85 federal) costs less than TurboTax while covering all Schedule C scenarios. Their Accuracy Guarantee and free in-person review at 12,000+ locations provides reassurance for first-time self-employed filers.
Pros
- More affordable than TurboTax
- In-person review at physical offices
- Good deduction guidance
- Audit support included
Cons
- Interface less intuitive than TurboTax
- State filing additional cost
- Fewer integrations than TurboTax
FreshBooks + TaxAct bundle
Best for freelancers already using accounting software
If you use FreshBooks for invoicing and accounting, their TaxAct integration lets you export your business income and expenses directly into TaxAct's self-employed return — eliminating double-entry and catching every deductible expense automatically.
Pros
- FreshBooks integration auto-populates Schedule C
- Lower cost than TurboTax
- Good for organized freelancers with existing software
- Clear quarterly estimate guidance
Cons
- Requires FreshBooks subscription to maximize value
- Less hand-holding than TurboTax
- Interface less polished
The quarterly estimated tax reminder
Freelancers must pay estimated taxes 4 times per year (April 15, June 16, September 15, January 15). Failing to pay quarterly results in an underpayment penalty. A safe rule: pay 100% of last year's tax liability in quarterly installments, regardless of this year's actual income.
Calculate your self-employment tax liability
Our Tax Estimator includes self-employment tax scenarios — see your quarterly estimated payment obligation.