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Quick answer: E-file.com is a no-frills, IRS-authorized online tax program that costs noticeably less than the big brands. Its free Basic edition covers simple federal returns, and its paid editions top out at $49.99 federal plus $32.99 per state (prices listed on e-file.com in October 2026). It’s a good fit for budget-minded filers who are comfortable answering interview questions without much hand-holding. It’s a weaker fit if you want live expert review or a polished mobile app.
What E-file.com is
E-file.com is an online tax preparation service run by E-file.com LLC, a Florida company, and it has been around for more than a decade. It is an authorized IRS e-file provider, which means returns prepared on it go to the IRS electronically through the same channel the big brands use. You create an account, answer questions about your income and deductions, and the software fills in the forms. When you’re done you can e-file or print and mail.
It sells only online, with no retail boxes and no storefront offices, and says that is how it keeps prices low. It also states that it does not sell customer information to third parties.
E-file.com editions and prices
These are the prices E-file.com listed in October 2026. Tax software prices usually change when the filing season opens in late January, so check the site before you start.
| Edition | Federal price | State | Built for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Basic | $0 | $32.99 | Single or married-filing-jointly filers with under $100,000 in wages, limited deductions and limited credits |
| Deluxe Plus | $29.99 ($25.49 with code FED15OFF) | $32.99 | Dependents, mortgage interest, retirement income, income up to $100,000; adds phone support |
| Premium Plus | $49.99 ($42.49 with code FED15OFF) | $32.99 | Itemized deductions, all credit schedules, business and self-employment income, IRS audit assistance |
The 15% coupon (FED15OFF) applies to the federal software only, not the state return. E-file.com runs coupons periodically, so the code you see may differ.
Which edition do you need?
- W-2 only, standard deduction, under $100,000 in wages: Free Basic will likely cover your federal return. You’d still pay $32.99 if you need a state return.
- Kids, a mortgage, or retirement income: Deluxe Plus.
- Itemizing (for example big medical bills, property tax or charitable gifts): Premium Plus. Itemized deductions are only supported there.
- Self-employed, freelance, 1099 or side-gig income (Schedule C): Premium Plus. Business income is only supported there.
A practical tip: if you think you might itemize, compare your total itemized deductions to the 2026 standard deduction ($16,100 single, $32,200 married filing jointly, $24,150 head of household) before paying for Premium Plus. Our standard deduction vs. itemizing guide walks through it.
What we like
- Price. A self-employed federal return on Premium Plus costs $49.99, which is well under what the big brands usually charge for their self-employed tiers.
- Self-employment income isn’t locked behind the most expensive add-ons. Schedule C, itemizing and every credit schedule are all in one $49.99 edition.
- Audit assistance is included in Premium Plus rather than sold as an extra.
- Phone support comes with both paid editions, and online support with every edition.
- Privacy statement. E-file.com says it does not sell customer data to advertisers.
What to watch out for
- State returns aren’t cheap. At $32.99 each, a state return can cost more than the federal one on the free tier. Some competitors, like Cash App Taxes, include a state return free.
- Free Basic has real limits. It’s for single or joint filers under $100,000 in wages with limited deductions and credits. Dependents push you to Deluxe Plus.
- Less hand-holding. E-file.com does not advertise live CPA or EA review of your return, the add-on some big brands sell. If you want an expert to look over your return, a full-service option fits better.
- A more basic interface than the heavily marketed brands. It works, but it’s plainer.
E-file.com vs. the alternatives
| If you are… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Self-employed and price-sensitive | E-file.com Premium Plus or FreeTaxUSA (see our FreeTaxUSA review) |
| A simple filer who also needs a free state return | Cash App Taxes |
| Earning $89,000 or less AGI | Check IRS Free File first; see our free tax filing options guide |
| Wanting expert help built in | A paid tier with live help, or a professional preparer (see our software comparison) |
Compare E-file.com editions
See the current prices and editions, and apply code FED15OFF at checkout if it is still running.
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Frequently asked questions
Is E-file.com legit?
Yes. E-file.com is an authorized IRS e-file provider and has offered online tax software for more than a decade. Returns are transmitted to the IRS electronically, the same way other e-file software does it.
Is E-file.com really free?
The federal return is free on the Basic edition if you file single or married filing jointly, have under $100,000 in wages, and claim limited deductions and credits. State returns cost $32.99. If you need dependents, itemized deductions or business income, you’ll be moved to a paid edition.
Can I file self-employment income on E-file.com?
Yes, on Premium Plus ($49.99 federal as of October 2026). It supports business income (Schedule C) along with itemized deductions and all credit schedules. Our estimated tax calculator can help you plan quarterly payments for next year.
Does E-file.com offer audit help?
Premium Plus includes IRS audit assistance, according to E-file.com’s published edition details.
Prices and features are as published on e-file.com in October 2026 and can change. Last updated October 27, 2026.