SHORT ON TIME? HERE’S A QUICK SUMMARY
E-File.com is an online tax preparation service designed to make filing your taxes straightforward and affordable. With its user-friendly interface, it guides you step by step through the tax filing process, ensuring accuracy and ease. E-File.com offers multiple plans tailored to different tax situations, from simple W-2 filings to more complex scenarios involving dependents and self-employment income. It provides a budget-friendly solution for those seeking an efficient and accessible way to file taxes online.
E-File.com is an online tax preparation service designed to make filing your taxes straightforward and affordable. With its user-friendly interface, it guides you step by step through the tax filing process, ensuring accuracy and ease. E-File.com offers multiple plans tailored to different tax situations, from simple W-2 filings to more complex scenarios involving dependents and self-employment income. It provides a budget-friendly solution for those seeking an efficient and accessible way to file taxes online.
👍 PROS:
- Affordable pricing compared to leading competitors
- User-friendly interface with guided preparation
- Free federal filing for simple tax returns
- Secure platform authorized by the IRS
- Step-by-step guidance with helpful prompts
- Ability to file multiple state returns for one price
- Access to a library of tax explainer articles
- Automatic error-checking mechanisms
- Data encryption and multi-factor authentication for security
- More affordable than top competitors
- One flat fee for multiple state returns
- Extensive collection of tax guides and resources
👎 CONS:
- Free version has restrictions on income types and credits
- No mobile app available for on-the-go filing
- Lacks advanced features for complex tax situations
- Missing time-saving tools like document uploads
WHAT IS E-FILE.COM?
E-File.com is an online tax preparation platform that aims to simplify the tax filing process for individuals and families. Established in 2012, it offers a range of services to help you prepare and file your federal and state taxes electronically. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, guiding you through each step with easy-to-understand questions and prompts. E-File.com is an authorized IRS e-file provider, ensuring that your tax information is handled securely and efficiently. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some premium tax software, it provides the essential tools needed for straightforward tax filing at a fraction of the cost.
WHO SHOULD USE E-FILE.COM?
E-File.com is best suited for budget-conscious filers who have a straightforward tax situation and don’t require extensive customer support or advanced features. If you’re comfortable filing taxes on your own and simply need an affordable, no-frills tax software, E-File.com is a practical choice.
E-File is a good fit for:
First-time filers with basic tax needs – If you earn W-2 income and qualify for the standard deduction, E-File.com’s free version can help you file at no cost.
Budget-conscious taxpayers – With plans starting at just $23.99 for federal filing, E-File.com is significantly cheaper than other tax software, making it a great option if you don’t want to spend much on tax prep.
Self-sufficient filers – If you understand tax forms and don’t need one-on-one tax expert support, E-File.com provides all the necessary tools to complete your return on your own.
Those who don’t need a mobile app – If you prefer filing taxes on a desktop or laptop, E-File.com’s web-based platform is sufficient. However, if mobile access is important, this may not be the best choice.
Filers who don’t require extensive integrations – If you don’t need to import financial data from QuickBooks, stock trading platforms, or gig economy apps, E-File.com’s simple data entry process will work fine.
If you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills tax software and don’t need extra hand-holding, E-File.com is a cost-effective choice for filing taxes online.
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES?
E-File.com offers a range of features designed to make tax filing simple, accurate, and affordable. Whether you’re filing solo or jointly, the platform provides step-by-step guidance, error-checking tools, and flexible filing options to help you complete your return with confidence.
Guided Tax Preparation: Filing taxes doesn’t have to be complicated. E-File.com walks you through the entire process with its step-by-step, interview-style approach, making it easy to complete your return—even if you have no prior tax experience. Instead of manually filling out complex forms, you’ll answer simple questions about your income, deductions, and credits. The platform will then auto-populate the necessary tax forms, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
To help you understand your tax situation, E-File.com provides real-time explanations so you can see how each entry impacts your return. Whether you’re claiming deductions, reporting self-employment income, or applying for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the software ensures you’re on the right track.
To minimize errors, E-File.com includes automatic error-checking, which flags potential mistakes before submission—reducing the risk of audits or IRS delays. Plus, your progress is automatically saved, so you can stop and resume filing at any time.
Single or Joint Filing: E-File.com makes it easy to choose the filing status that best fits your situation. Whether you’re filing as a single taxpayer or jointly with your spouse, the platform ensures that you select the most tax-efficient option.
For married filers, E-File.com compares joint vs. separate filing so you can see which method results in the lowest tax liability and highest deductions. This feature is particularly helpful if you're unsure whether to combine or separate income and deductions to maximize your refund.
Online Filing Support: Need assistance while filing? E-File.com provides online support through its personal support page, where you can submit questions and receive responses directly within your account. Your previous questions and answers are saved for easy reference throughout the process.
The platform also offers a comprehensive library of tax resources, including FAQs, tax guides, and explainer articles to help you understand deductions, credits, and tax laws. While phone support is not available, the platform is designed for self-sufficient users who prefer a do-it-yourself, budget-friendly tax filing solution.
To further streamline your experience, E-File.com also includes error-checking features that catch common mistakes before submission, ensuring a smooth and accurate filing process.
File Electronically or Print & Mail: E-File.com offers flexibility when it comes to submitting your return. You can e-file your taxes directly with the IRS and your state tax agency for fast, secure processing, or, if you prefer, you can print and mail your completed forms.
For those who want their refunds processed faster, e-filing is the best option. However, if you prefer to have a physical record of your return or need to mail additional documents, printing and mailing remain an option. Either way, E-File.com ensures your return is accurately prepared and IRS-compliant.
Access to Tax Resources: Even though E-File.com does not offer live tax expert assistance, it provides a detailed knowledge base to guide you through the tax filing process. The platform includes step-by-step guides, tax definitions, and explainer articles covering everything from deductions and credits to filing extensions and amendments.
These resources are particularly valuable if you prefer a self-directed filing experience. Whether you need to determine which tax credits you qualify for, how to report self-employment income, or how to maximize deductions, E-File.com’s knowledge base provides up-to-date and IRS-compliant information.
Since tax laws change frequently, E-File.com updates its content regularly to ensure you have access to the latest IRS policies and tax regulations. While the platform lacks live chat or phone support, its self-help approach makes it a practical choice for independent filers looking for a cost-effective tax filing solution.
Free Federal Filing for Simple Returns: If your tax situation is straightforward, E-File.com provides a Free Federal Basic Edition, allowing you to file your federal taxes at no cost. This option is ideal for individuals with taxable income under $100,000, who are single or married filing jointly, and do not claim dependents. It supports income from wages, salaries, unemployment benefits, taxable scholarships, and tips. However, it excludes those with dependents, taxable interest over $1,500, or those who wish to itemize deductions.
Affordable State Tax Filing: While federal filing may be free for eligible users, state tax returns typically require a fee. E-File.com charges a flat rate of $21 for state filings when using the "SAVE25" promotion code (regularly $28), which is up to 50% less than what other software providers charge. This fee remains consistent regardless of the complexity of your tax situation.
Timely Tax Refund Processing: E-File.com emphasizes prompt tax refund processing. By choosing to e-file and opting for direct deposit, you can expedite the receipt of your tax refund, often receiving it in as little as 8 days. The platform provides tools to track the status of your federal and state refunds, offering peace of mind and up-to-date information on your return.
Comprehensive Tax Term Glossary: To assist users in understanding complex tax terminology, E-File.com offers a detailed glossary of common income tax terms and definitions. This resource is designed to clarify various tax-related concepts, making the filing process more transparent and less intimidating.
These features, combined with E-File.com's user-friendly interface and guided preparation process, aim to make tax filing accessible, efficient, and affordable for a wide range of taxpayers.
IS IT EASY TO USE?
E-File.com provides a functional and straightforward interface, though it lacks the polish and intuitive design of some higher-priced competitors. While it may not be the most user-friendly tax software on the market, it offers flexibility in how you navigate the filing process, which can help reduce stress depending on your level of experience.
If you’re new to online tax filing, E-File.com offers a guided version that walks you through each step, making it easier to complete your return. Along the way, you’ll find helpful calculators to assist with deductions and credits, though they can be a bit tricky if you’re unfamiliar with tax terminology. The platform’s layout can also feel somewhat cluttered, requiring you to juggle multiple sections at once. While E-File.com gets the job done, it may not be as seamless or visually appealing as other tax software options.
USER INTERFACE
E-File.com takes a more lighthearted approach to tax filing than many of its competitors, incorporating songs, videos, and catchy phrases to make the process feel less stressful. While some users may find this engaging, others might see it as gimmicky. Unlike premium tax software, E-File.com doesn’t have a sleek, modern interface, but it still provides the essential tools needed to file your taxes.
The platform is designed to be affordable, fast, and easy to use, making it a solid choice for self-filers. Once you create an account, you’ll be guided through a step-by-step, question-and-answer format that helps you complete your return. If you already know which forms you need, you can jump directly to specific sections without waiting for prompts. Plus, everything you enter is automatically saved, so you can stop and return to your filing at any time.
However, one major drawback is the lack of a document upload feature. Unlike competitors that allow you to import W-2s or 1099s automatically, E-File.com requires you to enter everything manually. If you prefer a faster process with fewer data entry steps, you may find this limitation frustrating and worth paying extra for a more feature-rich tax software.
DESKTOP AND MOBILE APPS
e-file.com is an online tax preparation service that operates entirely through web browsers, offering a cloud-based platform for users to prepare and file their tax returns. This approach ensures compatibility across various devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, without the need for specific desktop or mobile applications. Users can access their accounts and manage their tax filings directly through the website, eliminating concerns about operating system compatibility or software updates. Additionally, e-file.com provides automatic backups on secure servers, ensuring that prior year returns are stored and accessible at any time.
While e-file.com does not offer dedicated desktop or mobile apps, its web-based platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible from any web-enabled device. This design choice streamlines the tax filing process, allowing users to complete their returns efficiently without the need to download or install additional software.
IS IT SAFE AND SECURE?
Yes! E-File.com uses industry-standard encryption and IRS-approved security measures to protect your personal and financial data. All information transmitted through the platform is encrypted, ensuring that your tax details remain secure from unauthorized access. While E-File.com follows standard security protocols, it’s always a good idea to take extra precautions, such as using a strong password and avoiding public Wi-Fi when accessing your account.
In terms of privacy, E-File.com states that it does not sell your personal information to third parties without your consent. Your data is used strictly for tax preparation purposes unless you agree otherwise. If you’d like to review how your information is handled, you can find the full privacy policy on their website.
IS THERE A FREE VERSION?
Yes, E-File.com offers a Free Basic Edition, but it comes with significant limitations compared to other free tax software options. If your tax situation is simple, you may qualify for free federal filing, but your taxable income must be below $100,000 and come exclusively from W-2 employment. You can only file as single or married filing jointly, and the only tax credit you’re allowed to claim is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). If you have dependents, need to itemize deductions, or have additional income sources—such as freelance work, investments, or rental properties—you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.
One unique feature of E-File.com is its automatic downgrade system. If you start with a paid plan but qualify for free filing, the system will automatically downgrade your plan so you aren’t charged unnecessarily. While this ensures you don’t overpay, the Free Edition still has strict limitations. State tax filing isn’t included, so even if you qualify for free federal filing, you’ll still need to pay extra to file your state return.
HOW MUCH IS IT?
E-file.com offers three pricing tiers to accommodate various tax filing needs. Here's a breakdown of each plan:
Free Basic Edition
Cost: $0 for federal returns; state returns are an additional $32.99.
Eligibility: Designed for single or married filing jointly individuals with taxable income below $100,000 from W-2 employment. This plan supports the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) but excludes filers over 65, those with dependents, and other deductions or credits.
Automatic Downgrade: If you begin with a higher-tier plan but qualify for the Free Basic Edition, E-file.com will automatically adjust your plan to ensure you don't incur unnecessary charges.
Premium Edition
Cost: $49.99 for federal returns; state returns are an additional $32.99.
Eligibility: Tailored for individuals with taxable income of $100,000 or more from any source, including trusts and business partnerships. This edition covers all forms and schedules, including standard adjustments to income like Health Savings Account (HSA) deductions and penalties on early savings withdrawals.
State Filing Fees
Cost: $32.99 per state return across all plans.
Note: While some competitors charge higher fees per state return, E-file.com offers a consistent rate, though it's important to note that state filing is not included in the free federal plan.
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
E-File.com offers convenient customer support through a personalized support page available to all registered users. You can easily submit questions or request live chat assistance with a tax expert, ensuring you get the help you need during the filing process. All inquiries and responses are saved to your account, allowing you to reference them at any time.
E-File.com’s support team consists of real humans, not AI bots, providing a personal touch to the assistance you receive. While the platform doesn’t offer phone support, its straightforward online system is designed to efficiently address questions and guide users through the tax filing process.
E-File.com is ideal for independent tax filers who prefer an organized, online support system. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly platform with an easy-to-use support feature, E-File.com provides a practical solution to help you file with confidence.
BOTTOMLINE
E-File.com is an IRS-authorized tax software that provides an affordable and straightforward way to file your taxes online. It covers all the essential features needed to complete your return, making it a great option for budget-conscious filers who prefer a no-frills approach. The guided process helps you navigate tax filing with ease, and its automatic downgrade system ensures you don’t overpay for unnecessary features.
E-File.com is an online tax preparation platform that aims to simplify the tax filing process for individuals and families. Established in 2012, it offers a range of services to help you prepare and file your federal and state taxes electronically. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, guiding you through each step with easy-to-understand questions and prompts. E-File.com is an authorized IRS e-file provider, ensuring that your tax information is handled securely and efficiently. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of some premium tax software, it provides the essential tools needed for straightforward tax filing at a fraction of the cost.
WHO SHOULD USE E-FILE.COM?
E-File.com is best suited for budget-conscious filers who have a straightforward tax situation and don’t require extensive customer support or advanced features. If you’re comfortable filing taxes on your own and simply need an affordable, no-frills tax software, E-File.com is a practical choice.
E-File is a good fit for:
If you’re looking for an affordable, no-frills tax software and don’t need extra hand-holding, E-File.com is a cost-effective choice for filing taxes online.
WHAT ARE THE FEATURES?
E-File.com offers a range of features designed to make tax filing simple, accurate, and affordable. Whether you’re filing solo or jointly, the platform provides step-by-step guidance, error-checking tools, and flexible filing options to help you complete your return with confidence.
Guided Tax Preparation: Filing taxes doesn’t have to be complicated. E-File.com walks you through the entire process with its step-by-step, interview-style approach, making it easy to complete your return—even if you have no prior tax experience. Instead of manually filling out complex forms, you’ll answer simple questions about your income, deductions, and credits. The platform will then auto-populate the necessary tax forms, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
To help you understand your tax situation, E-File.com provides real-time explanations so you can see how each entry impacts your return. Whether you’re claiming deductions, reporting self-employment income, or applying for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the software ensures you’re on the right track.
To minimize errors, E-File.com includes automatic error-checking, which flags potential mistakes before submission—reducing the risk of audits or IRS delays. Plus, your progress is automatically saved, so you can stop and resume filing at any time.
Single or Joint Filing: E-File.com makes it easy to choose the filing status that best fits your situation. Whether you’re filing as a single taxpayer or jointly with your spouse, the platform ensures that you select the most tax-efficient option.
For married filers, E-File.com compares joint vs. separate filing so you can see which method results in the lowest tax liability and highest deductions. This feature is particularly helpful if you're unsure whether to combine or separate income and deductions to maximize your refund.
Online Filing Support: Need assistance while filing? E-File.com provides online support through its personal support page, where you can submit questions and receive responses directly within your account. Your previous questions and answers are saved for easy reference throughout the process.
The platform also offers a comprehensive library of tax resources, including FAQs, tax guides, and explainer articles to help you understand deductions, credits, and tax laws. While phone support is not available, the platform is designed for self-sufficient users who prefer a do-it-yourself, budget-friendly tax filing solution.
To further streamline your experience, E-File.com also includes error-checking features that catch common mistakes before submission, ensuring a smooth and accurate filing process.
File Electronically or Print & Mail: E-File.com offers flexibility when it comes to submitting your return. You can e-file your taxes directly with the IRS and your state tax agency for fast, secure processing, or, if you prefer, you can print and mail your completed forms.
For those who want their refunds processed faster, e-filing is the best option. However, if you prefer to have a physical record of your return or need to mail additional documents, printing and mailing remain an option. Either way, E-File.com ensures your return is accurately prepared and IRS-compliant.
Access to Tax Resources: Even though E-File.com does not offer live tax expert assistance, it provides a detailed knowledge base to guide you through the tax filing process. The platform includes step-by-step guides, tax definitions, and explainer articles covering everything from deductions and credits to filing extensions and amendments.
These resources are particularly valuable if you prefer a self-directed filing experience. Whether you need to determine which tax credits you qualify for, how to report self-employment income, or how to maximize deductions, E-File.com’s knowledge base provides up-to-date and IRS-compliant information.
Since tax laws change frequently, E-File.com updates its content regularly to ensure you have access to the latest IRS policies and tax regulations. While the platform lacks live chat or phone support, its self-help approach makes it a practical choice for independent filers looking for a cost-effective tax filing solution.
Free Federal Filing for Simple Returns: If your tax situation is straightforward, E-File.com provides a Free Federal Basic Edition, allowing you to file your federal taxes at no cost. This option is ideal for individuals with taxable income under $100,000, who are single or married filing jointly, and do not claim dependents. It supports income from wages, salaries, unemployment benefits, taxable scholarships, and tips. However, it excludes those with dependents, taxable interest over $1,500, or those who wish to itemize deductions.
Affordable State Tax Filing: While federal filing may be free for eligible users, state tax returns typically require a fee. E-File.com charges a flat rate of $21 for state filings when using the "SAVE25" promotion code (regularly $28), which is up to 50% less than what other software providers charge. This fee remains consistent regardless of the complexity of your tax situation.
Timely Tax Refund Processing: E-File.com emphasizes prompt tax refund processing. By choosing to e-file and opting for direct deposit, you can expedite the receipt of your tax refund, often receiving it in as little as 8 days. The platform provides tools to track the status of your federal and state refunds, offering peace of mind and up-to-date information on your return.
Comprehensive Tax Term Glossary: To assist users in understanding complex tax terminology, E-File.com offers a detailed glossary of common income tax terms and definitions. This resource is designed to clarify various tax-related concepts, making the filing process more transparent and less intimidating.
These features, combined with E-File.com's user-friendly interface and guided preparation process, aim to make tax filing accessible, efficient, and affordable for a wide range of taxpayers.
IS IT EASY TO USE?
E-File.com provides a functional and straightforward interface, though it lacks the polish and intuitive design of some higher-priced competitors. While it may not be the most user-friendly tax software on the market, it offers flexibility in how you navigate the filing process, which can help reduce stress depending on your level of experience.
If you’re new to online tax filing, E-File.com offers a guided version that walks you through each step, making it easier to complete your return. Along the way, you’ll find helpful calculators to assist with deductions and credits, though they can be a bit tricky if you’re unfamiliar with tax terminology. The platform’s layout can also feel somewhat cluttered, requiring you to juggle multiple sections at once. While E-File.com gets the job done, it may not be as seamless or visually appealing as other tax software options.
USER INTERFACE
E-File.com takes a more lighthearted approach to tax filing than many of its competitors, incorporating songs, videos, and catchy phrases to make the process feel less stressful. While some users may find this engaging, others might see it as gimmicky. Unlike premium tax software, E-File.com doesn’t have a sleek, modern interface, but it still provides the essential tools needed to file your taxes.
The platform is designed to be affordable, fast, and easy to use, making it a solid choice for self-filers. Once you create an account, you’ll be guided through a step-by-step, question-and-answer format that helps you complete your return. If you already know which forms you need, you can jump directly to specific sections without waiting for prompts. Plus, everything you enter is automatically saved, so you can stop and return to your filing at any time.
However, one major drawback is the lack of a document upload feature. Unlike competitors that allow you to import W-2s or 1099s automatically, E-File.com requires you to enter everything manually. If you prefer a faster process with fewer data entry steps, you may find this limitation frustrating and worth paying extra for a more feature-rich tax software.
DESKTOP AND MOBILE APPS
e-file.com is an online tax preparation service that operates entirely through web browsers, offering a cloud-based platform for users to prepare and file their tax returns. This approach ensures compatibility across various devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones, without the need for specific desktop or mobile applications. Users can access their accounts and manage their tax filings directly through the website, eliminating concerns about operating system compatibility or software updates. Additionally, e-file.com provides automatic backups on secure servers, ensuring that prior year returns are stored and accessible at any time.
While e-file.com does not offer dedicated desktop or mobile apps, its web-based platform is designed to be user-friendly and accessible from any web-enabled device. This design choice streamlines the tax filing process, allowing users to complete their returns efficiently without the need to download or install additional software.
IS IT SAFE AND SECURE?
Yes! E-File.com uses industry-standard encryption and IRS-approved security measures to protect your personal and financial data. All information transmitted through the platform is encrypted, ensuring that your tax details remain secure from unauthorized access. While E-File.com follows standard security protocols, it’s always a good idea to take extra precautions, such as using a strong password and avoiding public Wi-Fi when accessing your account.
In terms of privacy, E-File.com states that it does not sell your personal information to third parties without your consent. Your data is used strictly for tax preparation purposes unless you agree otherwise. If you’d like to review how your information is handled, you can find the full privacy policy on their website.
IS THERE A FREE VERSION?
Yes, E-File.com offers a Free Basic Edition, but it comes with significant limitations compared to other free tax software options. If your tax situation is simple, you may qualify for free federal filing, but your taxable income must be below $100,000 and come exclusively from W-2 employment. You can only file as single or married filing jointly, and the only tax credit you’re allowed to claim is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). If you have dependents, need to itemize deductions, or have additional income sources—such as freelance work, investments, or rental properties—you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan.
One unique feature of E-File.com is its automatic downgrade system. If you start with a paid plan but qualify for free filing, the system will automatically downgrade your plan so you aren’t charged unnecessarily. While this ensures you don’t overpay, the Free Edition still has strict limitations. State tax filing isn’t included, so even if you qualify for free federal filing, you’ll still need to pay extra to file your state return.
HOW MUCH IS IT?
E-file.com offers three pricing tiers to accommodate various tax filing needs. Here's a breakdown of each plan:
Free Basic Edition
Premium Edition
State Filing Fees
CUSTOMER SUPPORT
E-File.com offers convenient customer support through a personalized support page available to all registered users. You can easily submit questions or request live chat assistance with a tax expert, ensuring you get the help you need during the filing process. All inquiries and responses are saved to your account, allowing you to reference them at any time.
E-File.com’s support team consists of real humans, not AI bots, providing a personal touch to the assistance you receive. While the platform doesn’t offer phone support, its straightforward online system is designed to efficiently address questions and guide users through the tax filing process.
E-File.com is ideal for independent tax filers who prefer an organized, online support system. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly platform with an easy-to-use support feature, E-File.com provides a practical solution to help you file with confidence.
BOTTOMLINE
E-File.com is an IRS-authorized tax software that provides an affordable and straightforward way to file your taxes online. It covers all the essential features needed to complete your return, making it a great option for budget-conscious filers who prefer a no-frills approach. The guided process helps you navigate tax filing with ease, and its automatic downgrade system ensures you don’t overpay for unnecessary features.
