TurboTax Self-Employed
The most trusted tax software for freelancers and independent contractors.
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TurboTax Self-Employed is the gold standard for filing taxes as a freelancer or independent contractor. It walks you through every Schedule C deduction, handles 1099 income from multiple sources, and includes industry-specific deduction lists for over 500 job categories. For most self-employed Americans, it is the most reliable path to an accurate tax return.
Our Scores
4.6
Ease of Use
4.7
Features
3.9
Value
4.3
Support
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓Comprehensive Schedule C coverage with 500+ industry deduction lists
- ✓Deduction Maximizer finds overlooked write-offs
- ✓Integration with QuickBooks Self-Employed for one-click import
- ✓Live CPA help available as an add-on
- ✓Audit support included
Cons
- ✗Most expensive option in the market
- ✗Upsells aggressively throughout the filing process
- ✗Price jumps significantly when adding state filing
- ✗Some users find the step-by-step format slow
Best For
- →Freelancers filing Schedule C
- →1099 workers with multiple income sources
- →Anyone wanting step-by-step guidance
- →Self-employed people with complex deductions
Not Ideal For
- ✗Budget-conscious filers (premium pricing)
- ✗Business owners who need payroll or multi-entity filing
- ✗People comfortable with DIY spreadsheet filing
Pricing
Self-Employed
$129
federal return
- ✓Schedule C
- ✓1099 income
- ✓Deduction Maximizer
- ✓Home office deduction
- ✓Mileage tracking
Self-Employed + State
$169
federal + state
- ✓Everything above
- ✓One state return included
- ✓State deductions
- ✓Estimated tax payments
Live Full Service
$289
federal + state
- ✓CPA does your taxes for you
- ✓Screen share session
- ✓Expert review
- ✓Year-round advice
Estimate Your Tax Bill First
Use our free quarterly tax calculator to estimate how much you owe before filing.
Free Quarterly Tax Calculator →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need TurboTax Self-Employed vs regular TurboTax?
Yes. Only TurboTax Self-Employed includes Schedule C, which is required for freelancers and independent contractors. The standard "Deluxe" or "Premium" plans do not include Schedule C.
How much does TurboTax Self-Employed cost?
TurboTax Self-Employed costs $129 for a federal return, plus $49-59 for each state return. If you need live CPA help, prices go higher.
Can I import from QuickBooks to TurboTax?
Yes. If you use QuickBooks Self-Employed, you can export your data directly to TurboTax with one click — a major time saver during tax season.
Is TurboTax Self-Employed worth the cost?
For most freelancers with moderate complexity, yes. The deduction maximizer alone often finds enough missed deductions to justify the cost. Simple returns might not need the premium price.
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Tax Information Notice
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute tax, legal, or financial advice. Tax laws change frequently. Always consult a qualified CPA or Enrolled Agent for your specific situation.