Side by side
FreeTaxUSA vs SimpleFile
Both stand on tax calculators. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidiPhoneWeb
FreeTaxUSA offers free federal filing alongside broad income and deduction support. Check its limits on foreign income, nonresident returns and filer location, and account for state filing as a paid add-on.
Visit FreeTaxUSA Free plan Web
SimpleFile can simplify federal filing for eligible people with straightforward tax situations. Confirm eligibility and supported deductions before relying on it, especially if you live in Quebec.
Visit SimpleFileThe facts
| FreeTaxUSA | SimpleFile | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, iPhone, Web | Web |
| Lowest paid plan | See the plans | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 5 | 1 |
| Maker | FreeTaxUSA | Not published |
| Website | freetaxusa.com | canada.ca |
| On tax calculators | #1 of 30 | #5 of 30 |
FreeTaxUSA: what it does well
- Federal filing is free for all tax situations.
- Supports over 350 credits and deductions.
- Imports W-2s, 1099s and prior-return PDFs.
- Includes free tax extension filing.
What to know first
- State filing is a paid add-on.
- Does not support Form 2555 foreign employment income.
- Does not support nonresident alien returns.
- Filers living outside the United States are unsupported.
SimpleFile: what it does well
- Free online filing service
- Uses quick questions instead of forms
- Supports listed benefits and credits
- Uses CRA information already on file
- Available through a web browser
What to know first
- Eligibility depends on personal conditions
- Medical and tuition deductions unsupported
- Quebec provincial return requires separate filing
- Phone and paper options require invitations
Alternatives to FreeTaxUSA Alternatives to SimpleFile The whole list