eFile Review: Is It the Best Free Tax Filing Service for You?

4.6

GBR RATING

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File your taxes online with ease.

eFile is a tax filing service for straightforward tax returns. It offers user-friendly tools, step-by-step guidance and competitive pricing with three different plans. The platform offers a basic plan that is free, while the Deluxe and Premium options are for moderately complex tax returns. The software helps users to identify deductions and credits.

eFile is a tax software that helps individuals file their taxes online. It provides a user-friendly, step-by-step interface that helps users navigate their tax filing process, helping to maximize refunds and minimize errors. It’s best for those who have uncomplicated tax situations, have income less than $100,000 and do not have dependents. It isn’t best for those who like mobile access, visual support and business owners.

Overview of eFile Services and Features

To determine if eFile will work for your tax situation, here’s an overview of its key tax software features: 

• Complete federal and state tax filings: You can file both federal and state tax returns in one place. 
• Affordable pricing: Uncomplicated, simple federal filings are free, and more complicated tax returns have a nominal fee. 
• Refund maximization: Software cues you to identify key credits and deductions so you can receive the maximum refund. 
• Secure and backed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS): The software is approved by the IRS and also uses data encryption to protect your financial information. 
• Device-friendly: You can file your taxes on any device, including mobile phones, tablets and computers. 
• Robust library: You can use the tax explainer library to help you with various tax situations. 
• Real-time tracking: You can receive updates regarding your filing as well as track the progress of your refund. 

4.6

GBR RatingGOBankingRates scores and rankings are objectively determined by our research/editorial team. Our scoring formula weighs several factors that differ from category to category depending on what consumers want from varying products and banks. Read our full Editorial Guidelines here.

eFile Tax Preparation Service

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Best For

Online Tax Filing

Low Costs

Maximizing Refunds

Federal and State Filing

File Your Taxes Online For a Low Cost

eFile provides an online tax service that has three different plans: Basic, Deluxe Plus and Premium. For uncomplicated tax returns and income less than $100,000, eFile is a good option. 

Cost

$0 to $49 plus the cost of any state returns

Features

Federal and state tax filings, maximizes refunds, IRS approved, works with most devices

Best For

Those who have uncomplicated returns and want to file in multiple states

Pros

• Affordable option for tax filing
• User-friendly
• Max refund guarantee
• Robust help center

Cons

• No option for in-person help
• No ability to download documents
• No audit support

Why We Like eFile

eFile offers users a ton of services and benefits. Here’s a brief overview: 

• Federal tax filing option: eFile offers free federal tax filings as long as you meet certain requirements. 
• State tax filing option: State tax filings are offered for a fee. 
• Maximizes tax refund: eFile identifies various deductions and credits. 
• Error-checking tools: eFile offers a way to check your tax return. 
• Help center: Find answers to your questions in the help center.

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eFile Pricing and Plans

eFile’s cost differs based on the plan you choose. Here are the available plans: 

Free Basic Plan

• Eligibility restrictions: You must have no dependents to qualify for this plan. Covers single or married filing jointly statuses only.
• Income qualification: Specifically for W-2 wages or unemployment income. The total taxable income must be less than $100,000.
• Best for: Single filers or married couples filing jointly with no dependents and simple tax situations, such as W-2 income only.

Deluxe Plan

• Pricing: The standard cost is $35 but it’s currently on a promotion for $19.
• Income qualification: Your total taxable income must be below $100,000.
• Best for: This plan is best for taxpayers with dependents or childcare expenses, homeowners who need to deduct mortgage interest and individuals receiving retirement income — such as Social Security or pension distributions.

Premium Plan

• Pricing: The standard cost is $49, but it’s currently on promotion for just $29.
• Income qualification: It’s specifically for taxpayers with taxable income above $100,000 from any source.
• Best for: It is ideal for small business owners and self-employed individuals (Schedule C). It’s also a good fit for filers with itemized deductions (Schedule A) that exceed the standard deduction or investors reporting complex personal income — such as stock sales, crypto or rental property.

How eFile Works: Step-by-Step Guide

If you’d like to sign up for eFile, it’s easy. The first step is to set up an account. You will be required to choose a username and password. 

After you’ve set up your account, complete the following steps:

1. Sign up for either a free, deluxe or premium plan. 
2. Enter your personal information, including your Social Security number, address and filing status. 
3. Input your income information.
4. Identify deductions and credits. 
5. Review and verify your information. 
6. File your federal and, if applicable, state tax return. 
7. Save and print your tax return. 
8. Monitor the return’s status.

eFile’s Security and Legitimacy

eFile is a legitimate tax service that is authorized by the IRS. It provides secure filing for both federal and state tax returns. eFile uses data encryption and security measures to ensure your information is confidential. 

eFile vs Other Tax Filing Software

How does eFile compare to other tax filing software companies? Here’s a side-by-side look:

eFile vs. H&R Block Free

• Choose eFile if: You have a simple federal return but want to save on “upgrade” fees if your situation changes — like adding a small side-gig later.
• Choose H&R Block if: You want a free state return or if you prefer the safety net of in-person offices and free audit support included in their premium tiers.

eFile vs. TaxSlayer Classic

• Choose eFile if: You are filing a standard return and want the lowest flat fee for multiple states.
• Choose TaxSlayer if: You are self-employed or a contractor. TaxSlayer Classic supports nearly all forms at a lower entry price than eFile’s Premium tier, and their specialized Self-Employed plan offers better industry-specific deduction guidance.

eFile vs. TurboTax Free

• Choose eFile if: You want to avoid “aggressive upselling.” eFile is more affordable for mid-level complexity — like having a mortgage or dependents.
• Choose TurboTax if: You want the best user experience. TurboTax offers the most advanced document importing and robust tools, such as a charitable donation tracker.

Alternative Free Filing Options

Some alternate free filing options include the following services: 

• CashApp Taxes: It is absolutely free for both state and federal returns. 
• FreeTax USA: Completely free federal filing for almost every form. It has more transparent pricing compared to eFile. State returns cost just $15.99. 
• H&R Block: It is limited to simple returns and you can get one free state filing with your federal return. 

Real eFile User Feedback

The Better Business Bureau has accredited eFile with an A+ rating since 2014. 

There have been 20 complaints in the last three years about eFile on the BBB website. These generally involve disputes regarding pricing and customer service. In instances where refunds have been requested, according to statements on BBB, eFile has refunded customers. 

Trustpilot ranks eFile’s platform 4.3 out of 5 stars. Of the 326 reviews, 78% were rated 5 stars.

Users stated:

• “It was a great experience. It took me less than five minutes to file my 2024 tax return.”
• “The software was well prepared and was a breeze to complete my returns.”
• “We very much liked the straightforward method of eFile and we had a great response anytime we needed to call in with a question.”

Common Pain Points To Know About

Some of the complaints listed on TrustPilot focus on the following pain points: 

• “Easy to use but does not use the tax form ‘line items’ so you don’t know where you are in the form.”
• “Had good luck with efile until this year. You can’t contact anyone by phone, you have to wait on an email.” 
• “This is the first time I’ve used e-file because the other companies were charging too much. It was easy and had fewer steps than the other companies but the downside was that they didn’t inform me of when my refund would arrive.”

Who Is eFile Best For?

eFile is best for certain filers. Those who would benefit include: 

• People who have uncomplicated returns and income less than $100,000.
• Those who don’t need a complicated tax filing, but who may need additional forms. You only pay for the forms you need. 
• Anyone filing for multiple states. eFile offers multiple state filings at one flat rate, while competitors charge per state.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?

Here’s who the service doesn’t work for: 

• Those who want to access their information on their mobile device. Other competitors have apps along with websites. 
• The service does not support corporate business filers. 
• If you need visual support, efile only offers telephone or email assistance. They do not offer Zoom chats. 

Final Verdict

eFile is ideal for simple and straightforward taxes, especially those with W-2s and no itemized deductions. The step-by-step process makes it easy to use, and paid plans are affordable. eFile is also good for moderately complex returns with itemized deductions, self-employment income and investments. The cost of eFile is less than competitors.

eFile may not work for highly complex tax situations. If you have extensive investments, multiple properties or require advanced tools because you are self-employed, you may want to consider other options. In addition, if you want audit support, it may be wise to consider an alternative that provides that service.

Data is accurate as of Jan. 9, 2026, and is subject to change.

Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.

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