Self-employed filers need Schedule C support, expense tracking, and quarterly estimate tools. Here are the best options for 2026.
Best Overall
TurboTax SE
Most deductions found
Best Value
TaxSlayer
$59.95 federal
Best Free
FreeTaxUSA
$0 federal
What Self-Employed Filers Need
- Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business)
- Schedule SE (Self-Employment Tax)
- Expense categorization (home office, mileage, supplies, equipment)
- Quarterly estimate calculation (Form 1040-ES)
- 1099-NEC and 1099-K import
- QBI deduction calculation
1. TurboTax Self-Employed — Best for Deductions
TurboTax Self-Employed includes the most thorough expense interview. It asks about industry-specific deductions most filers miss.
- Cost: $169 federal + $59 state
- Includes: One year of QuickBooks Self-Employed ($180 value)
- Standout: Industry-specific deduction guidance
2. TaxSlayer Self-Employed — Best Value
Strong Schedule C support at half the cost of TurboTax. Unlimited phone and email support included.
- Cost: $59.95 federal + $44.95 state
- Standout: Best price for full self-employment support
3. H&R Block Self-Employed — Best Hybrid
Online software with the option to upgrade to in-person review. Good for filers who want a safety net.
- Cost: $115 federal + $50 state
- Standout: In-person support available at 10,000+ locations
4. FreeTaxUSA — Best Free Option
Surprisingly robust Schedule C support for $0 federal. No expense tracker, but all forms are supported.
- Cost: $0 federal + $14.99 state
- Standout: Free audit defense included
| Software | Cost | Schedule C | Expense Tracker | Quarterly Estimates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax SE | $228 | Excellent | Yes (QuickBooks) | Auto |
| TaxSlayer SE | $104.90 | Good | Basic | Manual |
| H&R Block SE | $165 | Good | Basic | Auto |
| FreeTaxUSA | $14.99 | Good | No | Manual |
Track Expenses Year-Round
Pair your tax software with a dedicated expense tracker. QuickBooks Self-Employed syncs with TurboTax and automates mileage tracking.
Accounting Software →Self-employed filers must make quarterly estimated tax payments if they expect to owe $1,000+. Tax software can calculate these, but you must pay them yourself via IRS Direct Pay or EFTPS. Missing quarterly payments triggers penalties.