# TaxHawk

> TaxHawk is an online tax preparation service founded in 2001 by TaxHawk, Inc. It offers 100% free federal tax filing and state returns for $15.99. The service supports 900+ tax forms, has filed 82M+ returns with the IRS, and is rated 4.8 out of 5 stars from 23K+ customer reviews. It is an authorized IRS e-file provider.

## About TaxHawk

In 2001, a CPA and a software developer sat at a kitchen table, determined to make tax filing fast, easy, and affordable. That dream has grown into TaxHawk. We support hundreds of forms and every year we file millions of tax returns to the IRS. Our mission is to make high-quality, reasonably priced tax filing available for everyone.

TaxHawk is owned and operated by TaxHawk, Inc., an original member of the IRS Free File Alliance and an authorized IRS e-file provider. TaxHawk, Inc. also operates FreeTaxUSA.com and Express1040.com.

### Our promise to you

- **Honesty**: We're upfront about our pricing, so you don't have to worry about hidden fees or forced upgrades.
- **Quality**: We're always improving our site to give you the smoothest, easiest, and fastest experience possible.
- **Security**: We encrypt, secure, and protect your data every step of the way. We never sell your private information.
- **Respect**: We treat you as we'd like to be treated. You can count on us for privacy, affordability, and support.

### Key facts

- 82M+ tax returns filed with the IRS
- 4.8 out of 5 star customer rating
- 23K+ verified customer reviews
- 100% staffed in the USA
- 900+ tax forms supported
- 24 years in business (founded 2001)

## Pricing

TaxHawk covers all tax situations -- basic, advanced, investment, and self-employed -- with no forced upgrades for complex federal returns.

### Core products

| Product | Price | Description |
|---------|-------|-------------|
| Federal tax return | $0 (Free) | All tax situations included, no upgrades required |
| State tax return | $15.99 | E-file to your state, pulls info from federal return |
| Tax extension | $0 (Free) | File Form 4868 to extend your deadline to October 15 |

### Support tiers

| Tier | Price | Features |
|------|-------|----------|
| Basic Support | $0 (Free) | Email support and in-app support center |
| Deluxe | $7.99 | Live chat, priority support, unlimited amended returns |
| Pro Support | $44.99 | Personalized advice from CPAs and EAs via phone, screen share, or chat |

### Optional services

| Service | Price |
|---------|-------|
| Audit Defense | $19.99 |
| Amended tax return (current year) | $16.98 |
| Amended tax return (prior year) | $17.97 |
| Prior year state tax return | $17.99 |
| Professionally printed return | $8.96 (includes shipping) |
| Professionally bound return | $17.96 (includes shipping) |

### Payment methods for filing fees

| Method | Fee |
|--------|-----|
| Credit or debit card (including Apple Pay, Google Pay) | $0 |
| Pay with your federal refund | $24.99 |

### Payment methods for taxes owed to the IRS

| Method | Fee |
|--------|-----|
| Direct debit from bank account | $0 |
| Credit or debit card | 2.5% processing fee |

### How TaxHawk makes money

TaxHawk makes money from state tax return filings and other optional services. Federal filing is always free with no upgrades. TaxHawk does not sell personal information to third parties.

## Features

### Free features included with every return

- E-File directly to the IRS
- Customer support (email and in-app message center)
- Printable/downloadable tax return
- Stock and crypto upload (1099-B e-file)
- Tax extension filing
- Direct deposit of refund
- 1099 and W-2 import
- Returning user info import (carry-over from prior year)
- Competitor return import (TurboTax, H&R Block, and others)
- Real-time accuracy checking

### What's included free in federal filing

**Basic features**: Beginner friendly, education/child/earned income tax credits, W-2 photo import, customer support, unemployment and retirement

**Premium features**: Itemized deductions, homeowner taxes (Forms 1098, 1049, 8949), HSAs, medical expenses, charitable contributions, interest and dividends

**Investment features**: Crypto investments/mining/wages, stock and mutual fund trades, rental income, bonds/real estate/IRAs, 1099-B/1099-OID/1099-S

**Self-Employed features**: Freelancers/contractors/gig workers, small business income, business write-offs and deductions, Schedule C/K-1/1120-S/1099s

### W-2 and document import

Snap a photo or upload a PDF of your W-2 to auto-fill your information. You can also import prior year returns from TurboTax, H&R Block, or other tax software by uploading a PDF. Returning users get their info carried over automatically.

### Accuracy guarantee

TaxHawk checks for accuracy at three stages:

1. **Instant check**: Real-time accuracy checking as you enter your tax information
2. **Double check**: After completing each section, checks for issues and alerts you if something doesn't look right
3. **Final check**: Before filing with the IRS, a final scan ensures your return is correct, complete, and ready to file

All calculations are guaranteed 100% accurate. If there is a calculation error, TaxHawk will reimburse any resulting penalties and interest.

### Three ways to get your refund

1. **Direct deposit**: Refund deposited electronically into your bank account
2. **Prepaid debit card**: Refund loaded onto a prepaid debit card
3. **Paper check**: Refund mailed from the IRS to your address

### Compare TaxHawk to other tax software

If you are self-employed, own a home, or have investments, you won't pay extra to file with TaxHawk. Features that require paid upgrades with other software are free with TaxHawk:

- Over 350 credits/deductions (including itemized deductions)
- Prior year info import
- Home ownership (mortgage interest, property taxes)
- Charitable donations
- Filing history comparison
- Small business income (self-employed, 1099, contractor)
- Investment income (stocks, bonds, dividends)
- Rental property
- Health Savings Account (HSA)

## Guarantees

### Maximum refund guarantee

TaxHawk guarantees you'll get your maximum refund. If you find a larger refund with another tax preparation service, TaxHawk will refund your filing fees and provide a free amended return.

### Free federal guarantee

There are never any upgrades required to file complex federal returns. All tax situations are included for free.

### Accuracy guarantee

All calculations are guaranteed 100% accurate. TaxHawk will reimburse penalties and interest caused by calculation errors.

### Pro Support guarantee

If a Tax Pro provides incorrect advice that results in penalties, TaxHawk will reimburse those penalties.

## Deluxe ($7.99)

Get more assistance and peace of mind with Deluxe.

### Priority Support

Get the fastest support and jump to the front of the line whenever you have questions.

### Live Chat

Chat directly with one of our tax specialists as you prepare your return.

### Unlimited Amendments

Add something new or correct mistakes after your return has been submitted, at no extra cost. Amendments are unlimited with Deluxe.

[Learn more about Deluxe](https://www.taxhawk.com/deluxe)

## Pro Support ($44.99)

Get access to a Tax Pro for your tax questions. Pro Support includes everything in Deluxe plus personalized expert help.

### How Pro Support works

1. **Self-prepare**: Start your tax return and enter your information
2. **Step-by-step**: Answer simple questions and enter your tax information on each screen
3. **Experts standing by**: When you have a specific question, schedule a call with a Tax Pro

### Personal tax advice

CPAs and EAs are available to answer your tax questions about small business income, investments, and any other tax situation.

### Access to a Tax Pro

Connect with a tax expert who can help you file your federal and state taxes right the first time and help you get the refund you deserve.

### Live Screen Share

With your permission, Tax Pros can view your TaxHawk screens in real-time to provide additional guidance and support.

### Phone Support

Schedule a phone call with a Tax Pro to talk through any questions you have.

### Compare Deluxe and Pro Support

| Feature | Deluxe ($7.99) | Pro Support ($44.99) |
|---------|----------------|----------------------|
| Priority support | Yes | Yes |
| Live chat | Yes | Yes |
| Unlimited amended returns | Yes | Yes |
| Personal tax advice | No | Yes |
| Access to a Tax Pro (CPA/EA) | No | Yes |
| Phone support | No | Yes |
| Live screen share | No | Yes |
| Federal and state tax help | No | Yes |

### Support hours

- **Tax Season Chat** (January 2 - April 30): Monday-Saturday, 9 AM to 11 PM Eastern
- **Off-Season Chat** (May 1 - December 31): Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 9 PM Eastern (no holidays)
- **Tax Season Pro Support**: Monday-Saturday, 10 AM to 9 PM Eastern
- **Off-Season Pro Support**: Monday-Friday, 10 AM to 8 PM Eastern (no holidays)

[Learn more about Pro Support](https://www.taxhawk.com/pro)

## Audit Defense ($19.99)

Get up to $500,000 in audit defense services for only $19.99.

### How Audit Defense works

1. **Get an IRS notice**: If you're audited, sign in to your account to find your tax return defense code
2. **Contact an audit expert**: Provide your code to alert the team of your situation
3. **We'll help with the rest**: Experts will help you every step of the way through the audit process

### What Audit Defense includes

- **Personal audit defense team**: Full-time CPAs and EAs evaluate the notice, explain the situation, and find the best resolution
- **Lasting peace of mind**: Federal return covered for 3 full years, state return covered for 4 years
- **IRS and state support**: Coverage for IRS and state notices, from big audits to denied credits
- **Tax debt relief**: Tax debt resolution experts work to reduce taxes owed and handle remaining liability
- **Tax identity theft support**: Help filing your return and recovering your refund if someone fraudulently files in your name

[Learn more about Audit Defense](https://www.taxhawk.com/audit)

## Tax situations supported

TaxHawk supports all tax situations at no extra cost. Federal filing is always free regardless of complexity.

- Filing jointly
- Home ownership
- Itemized deductions
- Dependents
- Investments
- Self-employed
- Rental property
- Education

TaxHawk supports over 350 credits and deductions. The free federal service includes basic, premium, and self-employed tax forms.

[See all supported forms](https://www.taxhawk.com/forms)

## Prior year tax filing

File prior year federal returns for free. State returns are $17.99 per year. Prior year returns generally must be mailed to the IRS.

Supported years: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018

### How to file back tax returns

1. **Gather your tax documents**: If you're missing documents, file IRS Form 4506-T to get a copy
2. **File on TaxHawk**: Use TaxHawk's prior year tax software to prepare your return
3. **Mail your forms**: Print and mail your completed return to the IRS (processing takes a few weeks)
4. **Get your refund**: Most people with old tax returns have a refund waiting

### Print or download prior year returns

If you filed with TaxHawk, you can access and print your returns for the past seven years from your account.

If you aren't a TaxHawk customer, you can request a copy from the IRS using [Form 4506](https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f4506.pdf).

[File prior year taxes](https://www.taxhawk.com/prior-year)

## Tax extensions

File a free federal tax extension (Form 4868) to extend your deadline by 6 months.

### How extensions work

- **Fast filing**: Done in minutes
- **Pay your taxes**: If you owe taxes, pay from your checking account for free or schedule a payment for the deadline
- **Email notification**: TaxHawk emails you as soon as the IRS accepts your extension
- **Free federal return later**: When you're ready, sign in with the same account to file your full return

### Reasons to file an extension

- You need more time to organize documents
- A sudden life change needs your full attention
- You're still waiting for tax forms or documents
- Your W-2 or other forms need to be replaced
- Extreme weather or another event delays your filing
- Filing later has tax planning advantages
- You want to avoid late filing penalties

Note: Extensions extend the filing deadline only. If you owe taxes, they are still due by the original April deadline.

[File a free tax extension](https://www.taxhawk.com/extension)

## Tax deadlines (2025 tax year)

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| January 27, 2026 | IRS starts processing 2025 tax returns |
| April 15, 2026 | Filing deadline for 2025 taxes |
| October 15, 2026 | Deadline for extension filers |

[View all tax deadlines](https://www.taxhawk.com/deadline)

## Security and privacy

TaxHawk takes security seriously. Over 82 million tax returns have been filed securely with the IRS.

### Security features

- **Data encryption**: All data encrypted at rest and in transit
- **Secure submission**: Meets and exceeds IRS security requirements
- **Server security**: Physical servers in secure data center, monitored 24/7/365
- **Information privacy**: Never collect or sell tax return data to third parties
- **Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)**: SMS, Voice, Email PIN, or TOTP via authenticator app
- **Passkeys**: Biometric login support, no passwords needed
- **Account alerts**: Email notifications on account changes

### Certifications

- PCI data security (SecurityMetrics Site Certification)
- Authorized IRS e-file provider
- Active monitoring and responsible disclosure policy

[Learn more about security](https://www.taxhawk.com/safe)

## Customer support

### Getting help

- **In-app support**: Sign in to your account for secure answers (typically responds within 30 minutes)
- **FAQ search**: Search tax topics at [taxhawk.com/answer](https://www.taxhawk.com/answer)
- **Account recovery**: Recover forgotten username or password at [taxhawk.com/account-recovery](https://www.taxhawk.com/account-recovery)

### Contact information

**Mailing address**:
TaxHawk.com
1255 S State St
Provo, UT 84606

**Customer support**: support@support.taxhawk.com (sign in to your account for fastest response)
**Press and media**: press@taxhawk.com

[Contact TaxHawk](https://www.taxhawk.com/contact)

## Amended tax returns

File an amended return (Form 1040-X) to correct mistakes or add information after filing.

- **Current year amendment**: $16.98 (free with Deluxe or Pro Support)
- **Prior year amendment**: $17.97 (free with Deluxe or Pro Support)
- **Unlimited amendments**: Included with Deluxe and Pro Support at no extra cost

## Printed tax returns

Get a copy of your tax return professionally printed and sent to your home.

| Option | Price |
|--------|-------|
| Self-printed (download PDF) | $0 (Free) |
| Professionally printed return | $8.96 (includes shipping) |
| Professionally bound return | $17.96 (includes shipping) |

## Account actions

- [Start 2025 return](https://auth.taxhawk.com/?NEWTAX&PRMPT&appYear=2025)
- [Sign in](https://auth.taxhawk.com/?&PRMPT&appYear=2025)
- [Account recovery](https://www.taxhawk.com/account-recovery)
- [Check e-file status](https://auth.taxhawk.com/?goto_page=50&PRMPT&appYear=2025)
- [Print/download return](https://auth.taxhawk.com/?goto_page=100001&PRMPT&appYear=2025)
- [Share with friends](https://www.taxhawk.com/share)

## Legal and policies

- [Privacy policy](https://www.taxhawk.com/privacy)
- [Terms of use](https://www.taxhawk.com/terms)
- [State privacy requests (CCPA)](https://www.taxhawk.com/state-privacy)
- [Accessibility statement](https://www.taxhawk.com/accessibility): WCAG 2.1 Level AA conformance target
- [Vulnerability disclosure policy](https://www.taxhawk.com/vulnerability-disclosure-policy)
- [Email security](https://www.taxhawk.com/email-security)

## Giveaway

TaxHawk runs a $25,000 grand prize giveaway. No purchase necessary. Open to legal US residents 18+ (excludes NY, PR, RI, FL). Sponsor: TaxHawk, Inc., PO Box 51048, Provo, UT 84605-1048.

[Official giveaway rules](https://www.taxhawk.com/giveaway)

## Frequently asked questions

**Is TaxHawk really free?**
Yes, federal tax filing is 100% free for all tax situations. There are no upgrades or hidden fees for complex returns. TaxHawk makes money from optional services like state filing ($15.99) and support upgrades.

**What tax situations does TaxHawk support?**
All of them. Basic, advanced, investment, self-employed, crypto, rental income, small business, and more. Over 900 tax forms are supported.

**How much does a state tax return cost?**
State tax returns cost $15.99 per state.

**Can I file prior year taxes?**
Yes, you can file taxes from 2024 back to 2018. Federal is free, state is $17.99 per year.

**What is the filing deadline for 2025 taxes?**
April 15, 2026 is the filing deadline. Extension filers have until October 15, 2026.

**Can I get help from a tax professional?**
Yes, with Pro Support ($44.99) you get access to CPAs and EAs via phone, screen share, or chat.

**Is my information secure?**
Yes. All data is encrypted at rest and in transit. TaxHawk meets and exceeds IRS security requirements, supports MFA and passkeys, and never sells personal information.

**Can I import my return from another tax service?**
Yes. Upload a PDF of your prior year return from TurboTax, H&R Block, or others.

**What if I need to amend my return?**
You can file an amended return (Form 1040-X) for $16.98, or get unlimited amendments free with Deluxe ($7.99) or Pro Support ($44.99).

**Does TaxHawk offer audit protection?**
Yes. Audit Defense costs $19.99 and provides up to $500,000 in audit defense services from CPAs and EAs. It covers your federal return for 3 years and state return for 4 years.

**What are the support hours?**
During tax season (January-April): Monday-Saturday, 9 AM to 11 PM Eastern. Off-season: Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 9 PM Eastern.

## Metadata

- **Last Updated**: 2026-02-18
- **Tax Year**: 2025
- **Primary Language**: English
- **Contact**: support@support.taxhawk.com
- **Corporate Entity**: TaxHawk, Inc.
- **Address**: 1255 S State St, Provo, UT 84606
- **Website**: https://www.taxhawk.com