Tax preparation software for freelancers should handle self-employment income and business deductions while matching your tax year, computer, and state-filing needs. H&R Block Premium & Business 2026 is my best overall pick in this lineup because it pairs business-focused tax preparation with a current-year release; TurboTax Home & Business Desktop 2025 is a standout for freelancers who prefer a guided workflow, while H&R Block Deluxe 2026 suits simpler returns without the same business emphasis. The main tradeoffs are business-form support versus ease of use, and current-year compatibility versus older software that may no longer fit a new return. Check the tax year and operating-system requirements before choosing, then continue for the full breakdown of all 13 options.
Get smart everyday buys delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
Key Takeaways
Tax year is the first filter. The lineup spans 2016 through 2026, so an older release may not cover the forms, rules, or filing year you need for a 2027 filing season.
Business-focused editions are the clearest fit for freelancer income. H&R Block Premium & Business and TurboTax Home & Business are more directly aligned with business tax preparation than Deluxe editions.
Deluxe is a narrower choice, not a universal substitute. H&R Block Deluxe can suit a freelancer with a relatively simple return, but buyers should confirm that its business-income workflow covers their situation.
Platform limits separate otherwise similar releases. Several H&R Block Premium & Business listings are Windows-only, while some Deluxe editions and TurboTax listings specify Windows and Mac support.
TaxRight serves a different filing need. ComplyRight TaxRight 2026 is a federal and state preparation option, but buyers should compare its forms and workflow with the more explicitly freelancer-oriented Home & Business products.
| TurboTax Home & Business 2023, Federal and State Tax Return, PC/Mac Download |  | Best for Freelancers Who Also Manage Payroll Forms | Tax year: 2023 | Platform: PC/Mac download | Federal e-files: 5 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| H&R Block Deluxe + State 2024 Tax Software for Windows and Mac |  | Best for Freelancers with Home and Investment Deductions | Tax year: 2024 | Platforms: Windows and Mac | Included state program: 1 download | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| H&R Block Deluxe 2025 Tax Software for Windows and Mac |  | Best for 2025 Personal Returns with Itemized Deductions | Tax year: 2025 | Platform: Windows and Mac | Supported operating systems: Windows 10; macOS 12 Monterey | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software 2023 for Windows (PC Online Code) |  | Best for Freelancers Filing Multiple Business Returns | Tax year: 2023 | Platform: Windows PC | Delivery: Online code | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software 2025 for Windows |  | Best for 2025 Freelancers Who Want Guided Business Filing | Tax year: 2025 | Platform: Windows PC | Minimum operating system: Premium: Windows 10; Business: Windows 11 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software 2026 for Windows |  | Best for Freelancers with Complex Business Returns | Included downloads: Premium and Business | Premium system requirement: Windows 10 or later | Business system requirement: Windows 11 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TurboTax Home & Business Desktop Edition 2025, Federal and State Tax Return Software |  | Best for Self-Employed Guidance | Format: Downloadable desktop software | Tax year: 2025 | Supported operating systems: Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2026 for Windows and Mac |  | Best for Freelancers with Side Income and Personal Deductions | Tax year: 2026 | Compatibility: Windows and Mac | Included state program: One state program download | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software 2024 for Windows (PC Download) |  | Best for Business-Form Coverage in a 2024 Filing Workflow | Tax year: 2024 | Platform: Windows PC | Delivery: Online code | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| ComplyRight TaxRight 2026 Federal and State Tax Preparation Software Download Card |  | Best for Preparing and Printing Contractor Forms | Brand: ComplyRight | Manufacturer part number: 11014AMZ | Platform: Windows 10 or later | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software 2022 for PC |  | Best for Freelancers with Complex Business Returns | Tax year: 2022 | Platform: PC download | Supported business returns: Forms 1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, and 990 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TurboTax Home & Business 2016 Tax Software for PC and Mac |  | Best for Simple Sole-Proprietor Returns from 2016 | Tax year: 2016 | Compatibility: PC and Mac | Format: CD-ROM | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software 2021 for Windows |  | Best for Importing Prior-Year Tax Records | Platform: Windows | Tax year: 2021 | Included state programs: One state program download; unlimited business state programs | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| tax preparation software for freelancer | Federal e-files | Tax year | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax Home & Business 2023 | 5 | 2023 | PC/Mac download |
| H&R Block Deluxe + State 2024 | 5 free | 2024 | — |
| H&R Block Deluxe 2025 Tax Soft | 5 included | 2025 | Windows and Mac |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | Five free e-files | 2023 | Windows PC |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | Five free federal e-files | 2025 | Windows PC |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | 5 free | — | — |
| TurboTax Home & Business Deskt | Up to 5 | 2025 | — |
| H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe | Five free federal e-files | 2026 | — |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | Five free federal e-files | 2024 | Windows PC |
| ComplyRight TaxRight 2026 Fede | — | — | Windows 10 or later |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | Five free federal e-files; free e-file for most business forms | 2022 | PC download |
| TurboTax Home & Business 2016 | Five included | 2016 | — |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | Five free federal e-files | 2021 | Windows |
More Details on Our Top Picks
TurboTax Home & Business 2023, Federal and State Tax Return, PC/Mac Download
TurboTax Home & Business 2023 is the most freelancer-focused choice here for someone filing a personal return while also preparing basic worker paperwork. Its deduction tools cover personal and small-business expenses, and imports from prior returns and participating sources can cut down on manual entry. The included Quick Employer Forms add a practical way to create and e-file W-2s and 1099s—something the H&R Block Deluxe products in this lineup do not list as a feature.
The tradeoff is scope: this is aimed at self-employed individuals and small businesses, not the broader range of entity returns supported by H&R Block Premium & Business. It also covers tax year 2023, so it suits buyers who specifically need that filing year rather than current-year preparation. A state program is included for download, but state e-filing costs extra, and an Intuit Account is required.
Pros:- Identifies personal and industry-specific small-business deductions
- Imports information from prior returns and participating companies
- Includes Quick Employer Forms for creating and e-filing W-2s and 1099s
- Checks for errors and potentially missed deductions or credits
Cons:- State e-file is sold separately
- Requires an Intuit Account
- Limited to tax year 2023
Best for: Freelancers and contractors filing an individual return who also need tools to prepare W-2s or 1099s.
Not ideal for: Owners of partnerships, S corporations, or other entities needing business return forms, or buyers preparing a tax year other than 2023.
- Tax year:2023
- Platform:PC/Mac download
- Federal e-files:5
- State program:1 included via download
- State e-file:Sold separately
- Business forms:W-2s and 1099s via Quick Employer Forms
- Account requirement:Intuit Account required
Our verdict“Choose this for a 2023 freelance return when deduction guidance and W-2 or 1099 preparation matter more than filing business entity returns.”
H&R Block Deluxe + State 2024 Tax Software for Windows and Mac
H&R Block Deluxe + State 2024 fits freelancers whose return has shifted beyond straightforward self-employment income and into home, investment, or retirement tax questions. Its guidance covers more than 350 credits and deductions, while searchable help articles and imports for common forms and prior-year returns can make a complicated personal return easier to organize. Compared with TurboTax Home & Business 2023, however, this Deluxe edition does not list tools for preparing W-2s or 1099s or a dedicated set of small-business return features.
That distinction makes it a better match for a freelancer who needs personal-return support than for someone managing payroll or entity filings. One state program download is included, alongside five federal e-files and audit support. The product data does not spell out system compatibility requirements, which leaves less clarity for buyers checking an older computer. Its tax-year coverage is 2024, so it is not a substitute for software for another filing year.
Pros:- Guidance for home, investment, and retirement-related tax situations
- Imports W-2, 1099, 1098, and prior-year returns, including from TurboTax and Quicken
- Includes one state program download
- Offers accuracy checks and audit support
Cons:- Limited to personal-return features described for the Deluxe edition, rather than business entity filing
- Only one state program download is included
- The provided product details do not specify operating-system compatibility requirements
Best for: Freelancers with a 2024 personal return that includes home, investment, or retirement income and itemized deduction questions.
Not ideal for: Self-employed filers who need dedicated small-business forms, payroll documents, or W-2 and 1099 preparation tools.
- Tax year:2024
- Platforms:Windows and Mac
- Included state program:1 download
- Federal e-files:5 free
- Federal preparation and printing:Unlimited
- Import support:W-2, 1099, 1098, and prior-year returns, including from TurboTax and Quicken
- Guidance:More than 350 credits and deductions; over 13,000 searchable help articles
Our verdict“Pick this for a 2024 freelance household return with home or investment tax questions, but choose TurboTax Home & Business if you need employer-form tools.”
H&R Block Deluxe 2025 Tax Software for Windows and Mac
H&R Block Deluxe 2025 is aimed at freelancers who need help with their personal return—especially itemized deductions, investments, home sales, or retirement income—but do not need dedicated business-return software. Step-by-step guidance and imports from tax forms or prior returns can reduce repetitive entry, while five included federal e-files and unlimited federal preparation and printing suit households working through more than one return. Compared with the 2024 Deluxe + State edition, this version specifies its operating-system requirements and adds a clear state-download charge, but does not include a state program in the listed features.
That makes state filing a separate planning decision, and the internet connection requirement may rule it out for offline preparation. Its 32-bit processor requirement and stated Windows and macOS versions are also worth checking against the computer you plan to use. For freelancers needing employer forms or business entity returns, H&R Block Premium & Business 2025 is the more relevant option; Deluxe keeps its focus on the individual return.
Pros:- Provides step-by-step guidance and deduction tools
- Supports itemized deductions and investment, home-sale, and retirement income reporting
- Includes five federal e-files and unlimited federal preparation and printing
- Can import tax forms and prior returns from TurboTax and Quicken
Cons:- State downloads cost an additional $39.95
- Requires an internet connection
- The listed operating-system and 32-bit processor requirements may exclude some computers
Best for: Freelancers preparing a 2025 personal return with itemized deductions, investment income, a home sale, or retirement income.
Not ideal for: Freelancers who need business entity returns, payroll forms, or a state program included with the software.
- Tax year:2025
- Platform:Windows and Mac
- Supported operating systems:Windows 10; macOS 12 Monterey
- Processor:32-bit
- Available hard drive space:Windows: 1.5 GB; Mac: 150 MB
- Display:1024 x 768 SVGA color monitor
- Federal e-files:5 included
- State downloads:$39.95
- Internet connection:Required
Our verdict“Choose this for a 2025 personal return with itemized or investment-related tax work, but use Premium & Business if your freelance activity needs business forms.”
H&R Block Premium & Business 2023 has the broadest stated business-return coverage among these five picks. Alongside an individual return, it supports forms for corporations, S corporations, partnerships, estates, trusts, and nonprofits, plus payroll and employer forms such as W-2s and 1099s. That reach separates it from TurboTax Home & Business 2023, which is more directly tailored to self-employed individuals and small businesses but does not list the same entity-return range.
For a freelancer operating through a partnership or S corporation, the wider form set may matter more than a simpler personal-return workflow. The costs of that breadth are practical: this version is Windows-only, and state e-filing is sold separately even though one state program download and unlimited business state programs are included. It also covers tax year 2023, so buyers should match the software to the return year they need rather than assume it handles a later filing year.
Pros:- Supports individual, corporate, S-corporation, partnership, estate, trust, and nonprofit returns
- Includes payroll and employer forms, including W-2 and 1099 forms
- Provides step-by-step tax guidance and deduction tools
- Includes five federal e-files and one state program download
Cons:- Runs on Windows PC only
- State e-file is sold separately
- Limited to tax year 2023
Best for: Freelancers with a Windows PC who need to prepare individual and multiple types of business or entity returns for tax year 2023.
Not ideal for: Mac users, people preparing a later tax year, or sole proprietors who want a more self-employment-centered product and do not need entity forms.
- Tax year:2023
- Platform:Windows PC
- Delivery:Online code
- Included state program:One download
- Business returns:Forms 1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, and 990
- Payroll and employer forms:Forms 940, 941, W-2, and 1099
- Federal e-files:Five free e-files
- Business state programs:Unlimited included
- State e-file:Sold separately
Our verdict“Choose this for a 2023 freelance business with entity or payroll filings on Windows, rather than a simple individual return.”
H&R Block Premium & Business 2025 pairs guided individual tax preparation with support for business returns and payroll documents, making it the most current-year business-focused fit in this group. Its listed forms cover several entity types, while vehicle and depreciation deductions speak to freelancers managing business assets. AI Tax Assist adds a way to get real-time answers, and imports from common tax forms and prior-year returns can help reduce re-entry. Compared with the 2023 Premium & Business edition, this version is the better match for a 2025 return and adds the named AI assistance.
Its main constraint is computer compatibility: the Premium component lists Windows 10 as its minimum, but the Business component requires Windows 11. That split matters if you intend to use the business features on an older PC. Internet access and a compatible printer are also required, and the supplied specs call for substantial disk space for the Business component. Choose H&R Block Deluxe 2025 instead if you only need a personal return and do not need business forms.
Pros:- AI Tax Assist provides real-time expert answers
- Imports common tax forms and prior-year returns, including from TurboTax and Quicken
- Supports multiple business return types and payroll forms
- Includes guided filing and resources for credits and deductions
Cons:- The Business component requires Windows 11
- Requires an internet connection and a compatible printer
- The Business component requires 15 GB of disk space
Best for: Freelancers preparing a 2025 individual and business return on a Windows 11 PC who want guided filing, business forms, and payroll support.
Not ideal for: Mac users, owners with PCs below Windows 11 who need the Business component, or freelancers filing only a personal return.
- Tax year:2025
- Platform:Windows PC
- Minimum operating system:Premium: Windows 10; Business: Windows 11
- Processor:32-bit
- Disk space:Premium: 1.5 GB; Business: 15 GB
- Display requirement:1024 x 768 SVGA color monitor
- Internet connection:Required
- Federal e-files:Five free federal e-files
- Supported business forms:1120, 1120S, 1041, 990, 940, 941, W-2, and 1099
Our verdict“Pick this for a 2025 freelance operation needing both personal and business filing on Windows 11; choose Deluxe if business forms are unnecessary.”
For a freelancer whose tax work extends beyond a sole-proprietor return, this bundle pairs Premium for personal taxes with separate Business software for a broad range of entity and employer filings. Support for forms such as 1065, 1120S, 941, W-2, and 1099 makes it more suitable for partnerships, incorporated businesses, or employers than TurboTax Home & Business Desktop Edition 2025, which focuses on self-employed and small-business workflows. Guidance and deduction tools can help organize business expenses, while searchable articles offer a reference point during preparation.
The tradeoff is setup and platform friction: Premium supports Windows 10 or later, but Business requires Windows 11. The bundle includes just one personal state download, even though business state programs are included without a stated limit. I’d choose it for varied business filings, not for a simple freelance return or a Mac household.
Pros:- Includes separate Premium and Business downloads for personal and business returns.
- Supports corporate, partnership, estate, trust, nonprofit, payroll, and employer forms.
- Provides deduction and business-expense guidance with searchable help articles.
- Includes five federal e-files and unlimited business state programs.
Cons:- Business software requires Windows 11, even though Premium supports Windows 10 or later.
- Only one personal state program download is included.
- The broad entity-form coverage may be unnecessary for freelancers filing only a sole-proprietor return.
Best for: Freelancers who operate a partnership, corporation, nonprofit, or employer business and need personal and business tax preparation on Windows 11.
Not ideal for: Sole proprietors with only straightforward freelance income, Mac users, or anyone needing more than one personal state program download.
- Included downloads:Premium and Business
- Premium system requirement:Windows 10 or later
- Business system requirement:Windows 11
- Federal e-files:5 free
- Federal preparation and printing:Unlimited
- Business state programs:Unlimited included
- State program download:1 included
- Supported business forms:1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, 990, 940, 941, W-2, 1099
Our verdict“Choose this bundle when your freelance operation needs entity or employer filings as well as personal taxes, and your computer meets the Business software’s Windows 11 requirement.”
TurboTax Home & Business Desktop Edition 2025, Federal and State Tax Return Software
This edition is aimed squarely at freelancers, contractors, and sole proprietors who want guided help with deductions and credits rather than the wider business-entity coverage in H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software 2026. Its deduction suggestions and audit alerts address common concerns for self-employed filers, while Quick Employer Forms and electronic K-1 tools add useful support for people who issue forms or handle partnership income. Desktop software also keeps tax data available on the computer rather than making the workflow entirely browser-based.
The limits matter: it supports Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma and later, not Windows 10, and state e-filing is sold separately. Live tax advice also costs extra. I’d favor it over H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2026 when freelance income is central to the return, but not when included state filing or older-computer compatibility is the priority.
Pros:- Tailors tax guidance and deduction suggestions to self-employed filers.
- Includes audit alerts and tools for creating W-2, 1099, and K-1 forms.
- Desktop format lets users view and manage tax data on their computer.
- Supports Windows 11 and macOS Sonoma or later.
Cons:- Does not support Windows 10.
- State e-filing may require a separate purchase.
- Live tax advice is available for an additional fee.
Best for: Freelancers, contractors, and sole proprietors with a supported Mac or Windows 11 computer who want guided deduction help and tools for preparing information returns.
Not ideal for: Windows 10 users or filers seeking included state e-filing and live tax advice without an additional fee.
- Format:Downloadable desktop software
- Tax year:2025
- Supported operating systems:Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later
- Federal e-files:Up to 5
- State e-file:1 state via download; sold separately
- Technical support:U.S.-based; hours may vary
- Live tax advice:Available for an additional fee
- Additional features:Quick Employer Forms for W-2s and 1099s; electronic K-1 forms; deduction guidance; audit alerts
Our verdict“Pick this edition for guided self-employment tax preparation and form-creation tools, provided you have a supported computer and account for separate state filing.”
H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2026 for Windows and Mac
H&R Block Deluxe + State is the more restrained fit for freelancers whose business activity sits alongside a mainly personal return. It includes guidance for home, investment, and charitable deductions, plus imports for W-2s, 1099s, 1098s, and prior-year personal returns. That makes it more useful for a freelancer balancing client income with mortgage interest, investments, or donations than ComplyRight TaxRight 2026, which concentrates on preparing and printing information forms rather than a complete personal return.
Windows and Mac compatibility gives it a wider device fit than the Windows-only H&R Block Premium & Business 2026. It also includes one state program download and five federal e-files. But this is not the choice for complex entity filings, payroll returns, or broad business-form support; the Premium & Business bundle covers those needs better. I’d choose Deluxe for personal-return guidance, not as a substitute for dedicated business-return software.
Pros:- Provides step-by-step guidance for federal and state tax preparation.
- Imports common forms and prior-year personal returns, including from TurboTax and Quicken.
- Offers deduction support for Schedule A items and guidance on investments, stock options, home sales, and retirement.
- Works on Windows and Mac and includes AI Tax Assist and an Accuracy Review.
Cons:- Includes only one state program download.
- Does not provide the broad business-entity and employer-form coverage of H&R Block Premium & Business.
- Its personal-return focus may not suit freelancers with complex business filings.
Best for: Freelancers with a relatively straightforward business situation who also need help with common personal deductions, investments, or home-related tax items.
Not ideal for: Freelancers filing partnership, corporate, nonprofit, or employer returns, or anyone needing more than one state program download.
- Tax year:2026
- Compatibility:Windows and Mac
- Included state program:One state program download
- Federal e-files:Five free federal e-files
- Federal preparation and printing:Unlimited
- Tax forms supported for import:W-2, 1099, 1098, and prior-year personal tax returns
- Deduction support:Schedule A, including mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and charitable donations
- Additional guidance:Investments, stock options, home sales, and retirement
Our verdict“Choose Deluxe + State when your freelance income is manageable within a personal return and you value deduction guidance across other parts of your finances.”
For a freelancer filing a 2024 tax return who also needs business, payroll, or employer forms, this H&R Block package covers far more than a basic personal-tax product. It supports forms for corporations, S corporations, partnerships, estates, nonprofits, and payroll, and includes searchable tax articles and step-by-step guidance. Compared with H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State 2026, its advantage is the breadth of business-return support; Deluxe is a better fit for personal deductions and a simpler filing situation.
The tradeoff is clear: this is a Windows PC download tied to a specific tax year, so it is not a flexible choice for Mac users or someone preparing a different year’s return. It includes one personal state download, though business state programs are unlimited. I’d select it for the stated year and business-form needs, not for current-year filing or a straightforward freelance return.
Pros:- Supports corporate, partnership, estate, and nonprofit returns.
- Includes payroll and employer tax forms.
- Offers step-by-step guidance and searchable tax articles.
- Includes five free federal e-files and unlimited business state programs.
Cons:- Designed for 2024 tax returns, limiting its fit to that filing year.
- Windows PC only.
- Includes only one personal state program download.
Best for: Windows-based freelancers preparing a 2024 return who need business, partnership, corporate, nonprofit, or payroll forms alongside personal taxes.
Not ideal for: Mac users, people preparing a different tax year, or sole proprietors who only need a simple personal return.
- Tax year:2024
- Platform:Windows PC
- Delivery:Online code
- Included state program:One personal state program download
- Business state programs:Unlimited
- Federal e-files:Five free federal e-files
- Supported business forms:1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, 990, 940, 941, W-2, 1099
Our verdict“Choose this package for a 2024 filing that needs extensive business forms on Windows; choose a personal-tax-focused option for simpler freelance income.”
ComplyRight TaxRight 2026 Federal and State Tax Preparation Software Download Card
TaxRight serves a narrower job than the H&R Block and TurboTax products in this roundup: it prepares, prints, and e-files information returns such as 1099s and W-2s, rather than guiding a freelancer through a complete personal income-tax return. For a small business that pays multiple contractors or needs to issue forms to many recipients, its support for unlimited payers and recipients can simplify repeated form preparation. It also works with blank or pre-printed forms and a range of Windows-compatible printers.
That focused workflow is also its limitation. Unlike TurboTax Home & Business Desktop Edition 2025, TaxRight does not offer the described self-employment deduction guidance or personal-return preparation. It is Windows-only, needs internet access for updates and e-filing, and the download card does not include paper forms. I’d use it alongside separate tax software when form production is the main task, not as a freelancer’s only tax program.
Pros:- Prepares, prints, or e-files a broad range of federal and state tax forms.
- Supports unlimited payers and recipients.
- Can print on pre-printed or blank forms.
- Works with most Windows-compatible printers, with laser printing recommended.
Cons:- Windows only.
- Internet access is required for updates and e-filing.
- Paper forms are not included, and the software is not a full personal tax-return solution.
Best for: Freelancers and small businesses that issue many 1099s, W-2s, or related information returns and want print or e-file support.
Not ideal for: Freelancers seeking a complete personal tax return, guided deduction help, Mac support, or included paper forms.
- Brand:ComplyRight
- Manufacturer part number:11014AMZ
- Platform:Windows 10 or later
- Processor:2 GHz or higher
- Memory:4 GB RAM minimum; 8 GB for e-filing
- Disk space:600 MB
- Display:1920 x 1080 resolution or higher
- Connectivity:Internet access required for updates and e-filing
- Supported forms and included item:1096, 1098, 1098-T, 1099 series, W-2, W-2C, W-2G, W-3, W-3C, 5498; download card only, paper forms not included
Our verdict“Choose TaxRight as a form-production tool for contractor and payroll paperwork, not as your sole software for filing freelance income taxes.”
Broad business-return coverage sets this apart for freelancers whose tax work extends beyond a sole-proprietor return. It supports corporate, partnership, estate, trust, and nonprofit filings, along with payroll and employer forms, so it can suit a business with more varied filing needs than TurboTax Home & Business 2016, which targets sole proprietors and single-member LLCs. Step-by-step guidance and online chat help add support while preparing those returns.
The tradeoff is the 2022 tax year: this is a dated edition, not a sensible choice for filing a current-year return. It is also a PC download, so it lacks the Mac option listed for the TurboTax 2016 product. I’d consider it only when the tax year matches a legitimate amended or late filing need and its supported return types fit the business.
Pros:- Supports multiple business, estate, trust, and nonprofit return types
- Includes payroll and employer form preparation
- Step-by-step guidance and online chat help are available
- Includes one state program download and unlimited business state programs
Cons:- Limited to the 2022 tax year, making it unsuitable for current-year filing
- PC download does not provide the Mac compatibility listed for TurboTax Home & Business 2016
- The refund gift-card bonus is eligibility-limited and subject to terms
Best for: PC users handling a 2022 filing for a freelancer business that also needs partnership, corporate, estate, trust, nonprofit, or payroll forms.
Not ideal for: Freelancers preparing a current-year return, Mac users, or people with only straightforward self-employment income who do not need the broader business forms.
- Tax year:2022
- Platform:PC download
- Supported business returns:Forms 1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, and 990
- Payroll and employer forms:Forms 940, 941, W-2, and 1099
- State programs:One state program download; unlimited business state programs
- Federal e-files:Five free federal e-files; free e-file for most business forms
- Refund bonus offer:2.75% bonus for eligible federal refunds placed on an Amazon gift card
Our verdict“Choose this for a matching 2022 filing that needs broad business-return and payroll support, not for a current-year freelancer return.”
TurboTax Home & Business 2016 Tax Software for PC and Mac
For a sole proprietor or single-member LLC, this edition is aimed more directly at everyday self-employment filing than H&R Block Premium & Business 2022, which supports a wider range of entity returns and payroll forms. TurboTax’s deduction-finding tools can help users identify business expenses, while stock-transaction importing and return checks add support for people with investment activity alongside freelance income. It includes personal and business filing, five federal e-files, and state software.
The defining limitation is also the deciding one: this software covers the 2016 tax year only. Its CD-ROM format also requires a compatible disc drive, unlike the PC download format of the H&R Block 2022 option. I’d treat it as a narrowly useful fit for a matching historical filing, not as a general solution for freelancers choosing software for a current return.
Pros:- Designed for sole proprietors, self-employed individuals, and single-member LLCs
- Helps identify self-employment and business deductions
- Can import stock transactions and check returns for accuracy
- Includes five federal e-files and state software
Cons:- Supports the 2016 tax year only
- CD-ROM installation requires a compatible drive
- Does not list the wider range of entity and payroll forms supported by H&R Block Premium & Business 2022
Best for: A sole proprietor, self-employed filer, or single-member LLC owner who specifically needs to prepare a 2016 tax return and has a compatible PC or Mac with a CD-ROM drive.
Not ideal for: Freelancers filing for any year other than 2016, or users without a CD-ROM drive and a compatible computer.
- Tax year:2016
- Compatibility:PC and Mac
- Format:CD-ROM
- Intended users:Sole proprietors, self-employed individuals, and single-member LLCs
- Federal e-files:Five included
- State software:Included
- Item dimensions:7 x 0.5 x 5 inches
Our verdict“Pick this only for a 2016 sole-proprietor filing when its CD-ROM format is usable on your computer.”
Document and prior-return importing gives this Windows edition a useful role for freelancers organizing an older filing: it can import W-2, 1099, and 1098 forms, plus prior-year personal returns from TurboTax and Quicken. That can reduce re-entry when records already live in those sources. Like H&R Block Premium & Business 2022, it supports corporate, partnership, estate, trust, nonprofit, and payroll filings, so it reaches well beyond the simpler sole-proprietor focus of TurboTax Home & Business 2016.
Its main drawback is age: the software is for the 2021 tax year, and the included state program is a download rather than a stated physical component. Windows-only compatibility also narrows its fit. I’d choose it over the 2022 H&R Block edition only when the filing year is 2021 and importing the listed records is especially helpful.
Pros:- Imports W-2, 1099, and 1098 tax documents
- Can import prior-year personal returns, including from TurboTax and Quicken
- Supports business, estate, trust, and nonprofit returns
- Includes payroll and employer form preparation
Cons:- Limited to the 2021 tax year
- Runs on Windows rather than offering the PC-and-Mac compatibility listed for TurboTax Home & Business 2016
- The included state program is a download
Best for: Windows-based freelancers or small-business owners preparing a 2021 return who want to import tax documents or prior-year returns from supported software.
Not ideal for: Anyone filing a current-year return, Mac users, or freelancers who need only a straightforward sole-proprietor filing without the broader business forms.
- Platform:Windows
- Tax year:2021
- Included state programs:One state program download; unlimited business state programs
- Federal e-files:Five free federal e-files
- Supported business returns:Forms 1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, and 990
- Payroll and employer forms:Forms 940, 941, W-2, and 1099
- Import support:W-2, 1099, 1098, and prior-year personal returns, including from TurboTax and Quicken
Our verdict“Choose this for a 2021 Windows filing when importing existing tax documents matters more than using a newer tax-year edition.”
How We Picked
I ranked these products around the decisions freelancers face first: whether the edition is aimed at business income, which tax year it covers, what operating systems it supports, and whether state filing is included or specified. I gave priority to newer releases and editions whose names directly signal business tax preparation, since a freelancer’s return may require more than a standard personal-return workflow. I treated Deluxe editions as plausible fits for simpler circumstances, not as automatic replacements for business editions.
The ranking also reflects the limits of the supplied product information. The lineup includes releases from several tax years, and product titles alone do not establish current form coverage, update availability, or suitability for every business structure. I placed products with clearer freelancer-oriented positioning and more current tax years ahead of older or less clearly matched choices, while factoring in platform restrictions and the need to verify state and form support. Before buying, I would confirm the exact tax year, included state return, operating-system compatibility, and supported business forms with the seller or publisher.
| tax preparation software for freelancer | Platform |
|---|---|
| TurboTax Home & Business 2023 | PC/Mac download |
| H&R Block Deluxe + State 2024 | — |
| H&R Block Deluxe 2025 Tax Soft | Windows and Mac |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | Windows PC |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | Windows PC |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | — |
| TurboTax Home & Business Deskt | — |
| H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe | — |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | Windows PC |
| ComplyRight TaxRight 2026 Fede | Windows 10 or later |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | PC download |
| TurboTax Home & Business 2016 | — |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | Windows |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tax Preparation Software For Freelancers
Choosing software is not just a matter of picking the newest label. I would match the edition to the return you actually need to file, then check the practical details that can make a technically suitable product unusable.
Match the Product’s Tax Year to the Return You Are Filing
A release year and a tax year are not always the same thing, so confirm which return year the software prepares before purchase. This matters especially in this lineup, which ranges from a 2016 release to 2026 editions. Older software may lack later forms, rule changes, or publisher support, even if it still installs. Do not assume that a newer-looking listing prepares the upcoming filing year; check the package details for the specific tax year. If you are catching up on a prior-year return, an older edition may be relevant, but only if it matches that return year. For a current return, prioritize an edition explicitly built for that year and verify its update status.
Choose Business Features Based on How You Earn Income
Freelancer income can range from a few contract payments to several streams of business revenue with extensive expenses. A Home & Business or Premium & Business edition is more directly positioned for business-related tax preparation than a Deluxe product, but the name alone does not confirm every needed form. Before buying, list your income sources, deductions, and business structure, then check whether the software supports them. A sole proprietor may have different filing needs from an S corporation or partnership, which can require separate business-return software. A common mistake is buying a personal-return edition because it mentions deductions without checking self-employment coverage. Pay for a business-focused edition when its supported forms match your situation, not simply because your work is freelance.
Treat State Filing as a Separate Checklist Item
Federal and state preparation are distinct parts of the filing process, and a product title that mentions state software does not answer every state-filing question. Check whether the relevant state return is included, whether it is a separate download or code, and whether your state is supported. If you moved, worked across state lines, or have income tied to more than one state, a single state return may not meet your needs. Also check whether state preparation and electronic filing are both supported for the tax year you plan to file. Buyers often focus on federal business forms and only discover the state limitation after installing the product. Confirm the state details before choosing between otherwise similar editions.
Check Operating-System and Installation Requirements Before Purchase
Compatibility can rule out a product regardless of its tax features. Several H&R Block Premium & Business listings here specify Windows, while other titles identify Windows and Mac support. Verify the exact operating-system version, hardware requirements, and whether the product is a download, code, or another delivery format. Do not assume that a product labeled for Mac supports every recent macOS release, or that an old disc-based edition will run on a newer computer. If you use a work-managed device, confirm that you can install desktop software and store tax records locally. This check can prevent wasted effort and narrow the shortlist quickly.
Decide How Much Guidance You Need
Freelancers who are new to filing business income may value explanations and prompts more than a long list of advanced forms. A guided workflow can help organize common income and expense information, but it does not replace professional tax advice or confirm that your entries are correct. Experienced filers may prefer a desktop program that gives them direct access to forms and schedules. Think about whether you need help identifying deductions, importing records, or reviewing a prior return before you choose an interface. Avoid paying for a more elaborate edition if its added workflow does not address a real gap in your filing process. If your return involves uncertain classification or complex business arrangements, consider whether a tax professional is a better fit than software alone.
Weigh Older Editions Against Support and Update Needs
An older edition may appear attractive if you need to prepare a matching prior-year return, but it carries more uncertainty around installation, publisher updates, and access to support. A product’s year in the title should not be treated as proof that it remains suitable for a current filing. Check whether the seller provides a valid activation code and whether the publisher still supports the edition. Consider whether you need to amend or revisit the return later, since access to saved files and software updates may matter after filing. For an old-year return, verify form coverage for that exact year; for a current return, prefer software built for the current tax year. The tradeoff is straightforward: an older release may fit a specific historical filing, while a current release is generally the safer starting point for a current return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an older edition in this lineup to file my current tax return?
Do not choose based on the release year alone. Confirm the tax year the software prepares and whether it supports the forms and rule changes for your return. The lineup includes releases as old as 2016, which may be intended for historical returns rather than current filing. Also check whether the publisher still provides updates and activation support. If you are filing a prior-year return, match the software to that exact year; for a current return, select an edition explicitly built for it.
Is H&R Block Deluxe enough for someone who works as a freelancer?
It depends on the structure and complexity of your income, not just your job title. A freelancer with a simple return should check whether the specific Deluxe release supports the self-employment income and schedules they need. The Premium & Business editions are more directly positioned for business tax preparation, so they may be a better match when the return includes more involved business reporting. Compare the supported forms and deductions for the exact tax year before buying. If you operate a partnership or corporation, confirm that the product handles that entity or plan on separate business-return software.
Do these desktop products include state tax preparation?
Some titles explicitly mention state software or a federal and state return, but that wording does not confirm support for every state or filing situation. Check whether your state return is included, whether it requires a separate download or code, and whether electronic filing is available. If you lived or worked in multiple states, verify support for each return you need. Product listings can vary by tax year, so do not transfer details from one edition to another. Confirm the state features with the seller or publisher before purchase.
Which option should I choose if I use a Mac?
Start with the exact platform details in the product title and listing. Some H&R Block Premium & Business editions are identified as Windows-only, while certain Deluxe and TurboTax listings specify Windows and Mac. That still does not confirm compatibility with your particular operating-system version. Check system requirements and download or installation instructions before paying. If the listing is ambiguous, contact the seller or publisher rather than assuming a Windows product will run on a Mac.
When should a freelancer use tax software instead of hiring a tax professional?
Software may suit a freelancer whose income, deductions, and business structure are straightforward and whose records are organized. A tax professional can be a better choice when you have multiple entities, complicated multi-state income, unusual asset sales, or uncertainty about how income should be reported. The software’s prompts can help with data entry, but they cannot resolve every legal or tax judgment for you. Compare the time you will spend learning the workflow with the value of personalized advice. If you choose software, keep records organized and confirm that the edition supports your forms before filing.
Conclusion
Best overall: I would start with H&R Block Premium & Business 2026 for a freelancer seeking a current, business-focused desktop edition, after confirming its forms and platform requirements. Best for guided filing: choose TurboTax Home & Business Desktop 2025 if its tax year matches your return and you prefer a guided approach. Best for beginners with simpler returns: H&R Block Deluxe 2026 is the more restrained option, provided its business-income support fits your filing. Best value for a specific prior-year return: consider an older H&R Block or TurboTax edition only when it matches that exact tax year and remains supported; I would not treat old software as a shortcut for a current return. Best for a distinct federal-and-state workflow: compare ComplyRight TaxRight 2026 against the business editions by checking its supported forms and state coverage. The right choice is the newest compatible edition that supports your actual tax year, business structure, and state needs—not simply the product with the broadest-sounding name.
Halloween Picks
Gemmy 5.4 ft The Nun Animatronic Halloween Decoration
ELAMAS 11ft Animatronic Flying Witch Halloween Decoration
Kalolary 11 ft Halloween Inflatable Archway Ghost House Tunnel
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
