eTax.com: online tax filing from free to $49.95, with state returns

Shopping at eTax.com? See all current eTax.com discount codes and deals, checked regularly.

eTax.com is an online tax preparation service and an authorized IRS e-file provider. It's been around since 2009 and walks you through your federal and state returns with step-by-step questions, then e-files them for you. It suits people with straightforward to moderately complex returns who want a lower-cost alternative to the big-name tax software, and anyone who likes being able to preview the whole return before paying anything.

You can start a return for free and only pay when you file, and eTax.com says it automatically picks the cheapest edition that fits your situation. Every edition includes free e-file and direct deposit, a full return preview, three years of return storage and live support from US-based agents seven days a week, by phone or email. It also offers a Maximum Refund Guarantee, under which it says it will refund your preparation fees if you find a larger refund elsewhere.

What's worth a look

Here are the four federal editions and the two add-ons most people consider.

FreeFederal return, no dependents, with a state purchase$0View at eTax.com BasicW-2, unemployment, Social Security and EITC$19.95View at eTax.com DeluxeDependents, itemized deductions and credits$29.95View at eTax.com PremiumInvestments, rentals and self-employment$49.95View at eTax.com State Tax ReturnE-file in every state with an income tax$29.95View at eTax.com Tax Review ProPre-filing check for mistakes and missed credits$24.95View at eTax.com

Which edition you need depends on your income and credits. Free and Basic cover single or married filers without dependents whose income is from W-2 jobs, unemployment or Social Security, including the earned income tax credit. Deluxe at $29.95 adds dependents, itemized deductions and credits such as the child tax credit, the child and dependent care credit and education credits. Premium, at $49.95, is the one for investors, landlords and the self-employed, covering stock sales, home sales, rental income and Schedules C, E and K-1.

State returns are a $29.95 add-on, and all states with an income tax can be e-filed. Tax Review Pro, at $24.95, has your return checked for common mistakes and missed deductions or credits before you file.

Current offers

• Free federal tax return when you buy a state return. It applies to filers who'd otherwise fit the Basic edition.
• Basic federal tax return for $19.95.
• Deluxe federal tax return with dependents for $29.95.
• Premium federal tax return for investors and the self-employed for $49.95.
• On the site, starting a return is free, and you pay only when you file. eTax.com notes that prices can change without notice.

How to save more

• If you have a simple return and need to file a state return anyway, the free federal edition with a $29.95 state return is the cheapest full package.
• Pay the fee up front rather than choosing the $39.95 Refund Transfer, which deducts the cost from your refund. Paying by card avoids that extra fee.
• Fill in the return and use the free preview before deciding on add-ons like Tax Review Pro. You may find you don't need them.

Products, prices and offers checked on the store's own website on 4 Nov 2026. Prices and stock can change.

Ad: affiliate links. If you buy through links in this article we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. eTax.com didn't pay for this article or check it before we published it. How we make money.