freetaxact.com

November 19, 2025

What FreeTaxAct.com is (and why it exists)

FreeTaxAct.com is essentially a TaxAct-branded doorway for online tax filing. When you land there, you’ll see TaxAct’s consumer products, sign-in/create-account links, and a pitch to file before the April 15 deadline. The site lists a Free option (free federal, state costs extra) plus paid tiers for more complex returns.

One reason people run into this domain is that it’s been used in community and assistance-program materials as a “go file here” link (often with tracking parameters). If you got the link from a school, a county office, or a volunteer tax program flyer, that’s not unusual.

What you can file for free on FreeTaxAct.com

TaxAct’s “Free” product on FreeTaxAct.com is free for federal only if your return stays within a pretty narrow lane. The site’s own eligibility description is very specific: it’s based on filing Form 1040 with no added forms or schedules and sticking to “no added tax complexity” situations. Covered examples include W-2 income, unemployment, retirement income, common credits like EITC/Child Tax Credit, dependents, student status, and student loan interest.

The same page is also clear about what pushes you out of “Free.” If you have investments (stocks/dividends/crypto/capital gains), sold a home, have rental income, have foreign accounts, have business or farm income, itemize deductions, need certain family-related credits (adoption, child/dependent care), or use an HSA, you’re likely looking at a paid tier instead.

That matters because people hear “free tax filing” and assume it means “free no matter what.” On this domain, it’s more like “free if you’re a basic filer and your return stays basic.”

Pricing and tiers you’ll actually see on the site

On FreeTaxAct.com, the product menu is laid out in tiers:

  • Free: “Free Federal,” with state listed as additional.
  • Deluxe (home/family situations like childcare, property, HSA): shown at $54.99 (state additional).
  • Premier (investments, selling assets, rental income): shown at $94.99 (state additional).
  • Self-Employed (gig work, freelancing, sole proprietor): shown at $109.99 (state additional).

You’ll also see add-ons. One example on the page is “Unlimited Access,” which is positioned as one-on-one help with credentialed experts and shown at $45.00.

Two practical notes before you pick a tier:

  1. State filing is usually where “free” stops. Even the free federal offering calls out that state is extra.
  2. The site can show time-limited promos (for example, an “extended” offer tied to filing by April 15). If you’re comparing options, look at the current checkout total, not just the headline price.

The IRS Free File trap people fall into

Here’s the big confusion point: IRS Free File is a separate program run through the IRS and participating tax software companies. The IRS is explicit that to get an IRS Free File offer, you need to start on IRS.gov, choose an offer there, and then you’ll be sent to the partner’s site. If you go directly to a company website, you may not get the Free File version or the Free File pricing.

For the 2026 filing season timing: the IRS Free File page notes that Free File closes and reopens seasonally, and that taxpayers should check back in January 2026.

So if your goal is “I want the official Free File deal I qualify for,” don’t start at FreeTaxAct.com. Start at the IRS Free File page and follow the path from there.

Security and privacy: what TaxAct says it does

TaxAct states that information exchanged with its servers is encrypted and that it follows industry-standard practices, storing data on secure servers with multiple layers of network security. It also mentions using DigiCert Extended Validation (EV) SSL certificates.

On the privacy side, TaxAct’s privacy notice describes collecting typical tax-filing information (contact info and tax return information, including sensitive identifiers), and it calls out that TaxAct is subject to the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA), which is a common compliance framework for financial services.

If you’re deciding whether to trust the site itself: the TaxAct sign-in page and the FreeTaxAct footer identify the company as TaxAct, LLC / TaxAct, Inc., a Taxwell company, which is at least consistent branding across their domains.

Who FreeTaxAct.com fits best (and who should skip straight to another option)

FreeTaxAct.com tends to work best for:

  • Straightforward W-2 filers who don’t itemize
  • Students and families claiming common credits (EITC/CTC)
  • People who want a guided interview flow and don’t mind paying for state

You might want to skip it (or at least compare) if:

  • You’re eligible for IRS Free File and want to make sure you’re getting the official free offer (again: start on IRS.gov).
  • You want a free government-run option and were planning on IRS Direct File. Recent reporting indicates IRS Direct File won’t be available for the 2026 filing season, so you’ll likely be choosing between Free File, other software, VITA, or paper filing.

Key takeaways

  • FreeTaxAct.com is a TaxAct storefront/entry point, not a generic government “free taxes” portal.
  • The free option is free federal only and only for very simple returns (Form 1040 without added forms/schedules).
  • Paid tiers on the site are shown at $54.99 (Deluxe), $94.99 (Premier), $109.99 (Self-Employed), with state additional.
  • If you want IRS Free File, the IRS says you must start at IRS.gov to get the Free File offer.
  • TaxAct describes encryption in transit and layered security controls, and it publishes a detailed privacy notice for its services.

FAQ

Is FreeTaxAct.com the same thing as TaxAct.com?

It’s closely tied. The FreeTaxAct.com pages present TaxAct products, link into TaxAct flows, and use TaxAct branding and disclosures.

Will I definitely file for free if I use FreeTaxAct.com?

Not necessarily. Federal can be $0 only for basic returns (Form 1040 with no added forms/schedules, limited situations). State is typically extra, and certain income types or deductions push you into paid tiers.

I qualify for IRS Free File. Can I start at FreeTaxAct.com anyway?

If you want the IRS Free File version, the IRS says you should start at IRS.gov. Going directly to a company site may not route you through the Free File offer.

What kinds of tax situations usually force a paid upgrade?

Investments (stocks/crypto/capital gains), selling a home, rental income, business/self-employment income, itemized deductions, HSAs, and certain credits like adoption or child/dependent care are specifically called out as not covered under the free federal filing criteria on the site.

Is it safe to enter my Social Security number on the site?

TaxAct states it uses encryption in transit and layered security measures, and it provides a privacy notice describing how personal and tax-return information is handled. Still, you should only proceed if you’re on the correct domain with HTTPS and you’re comfortable with the provider’s privacy terms.