TaxHawk Review: Is TaxHawk Worth It in 2026?
Written by
Rudri Bhatt Patel, CFHC™
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau, CFHC™
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TaxHawk offers free tax preparation for federal tax returns with a 100% accuracy guarantee.
TaxHawk is a free tax preparation website for consumers who need to file federal and state income taxes. Those who need to file state income tax will pay $15.99 for each state return. The platform features a user-friendly interface and comes with a maximum tax refund guarantee.
TaxHawk is a tax preparation website for filing federal returns. There are several free options, as well as choices for Deluxe and Pro Support. State returns cost $15.99 per.
- Who it’s best for: Budget-conscious consumers will appreciate the option of the free federal tax return.
- Where it falls short: State returns and Pro Support come with added fees and the services are not as helpful as competitors.
Use the Free File Option for Complex Federal Returns
TaxHawk provides tax services for those who want to file federal returns at no cost. The program also comes with a 100% accuracy guarantee.
Cost
- State tax returns: $15.99
- Deluxe assistance: $7.99
- Pro Support: $44.99
Features
Federal filing, state filing, option to import common tax forms
Best For
Those who are comfortable filing their federal tax returns for free without much assistance
Pros
- Free federal filing
- Support for several different tax situations
- Optional deluxe and pro support
Cons
- State tax filings are not free
- If you want support beyond email, it will cost you
- Some manual entries for forms
Quick Take
Whether you have a simple or complex federal tax return, TaxHawk provides free options. State filings are extra for a reasonable fee.
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TaxHawk Pricing and Plans
Free Federal Filing
Everyone who uses TaxHawk qualifies for free federal filing. The tax software supports most situations — even those that are fairly complex and would cost much more to complete with bigger-name providers.
There are four free tiers, ranging from simple to advanced.
- Basic: This beginner-friendly edition offers step-by-step guidance for anyone in pursuit of a quick finish and a maximum refund.
- Advanced: This version is best for homeowners. You can get maximum credits and deductions, including the earned income tax credit.
- Premium: Choose this edition if you sold a home or if you have rental income or investments.
- Self-Employed: This version was designed for small business owners, sole proprietors, freelancers and contractors.
Deluxe Support Add-On
The Deluxe assistance option costs $7.99 and comes with the following services:
- Live chat: Users can interact directly with tax professionals while they complete their returns in real-time.
- Unlimited amended returns: Deluxe users can file as many amended returns as needed with Form 1040-X at no extra cost.
- Priority support: When you pay for Deluxe, you cut the line and connect with representatives first before they answer free users.
Pro Support Add-On
The Pro Support add-on is best for those who have complex tax situations, like businesses and multiple investments, those who need phone support and anyone wanting to maximize deductions and credits.
The Pro Support edition costs $44.99 and comes with the following features:
- Access to tax professionals: TaxHawk connects users to dedicated pros who can help them file both their state and federal returns — no matter how challenging — accurately and on time the first time.
- Live screen share: Pro Support users can share screens with tax professionals to get hands-on guidance and support.
- Phone support: Those who prefer to speak with an expert can call the TaxHawk phone number to chat directly with a tax professional.
TaxHawk Pros and Cons
Every tax filing software option comes with pros and cons and TaxHawk is no different. Here’s a look at both sides:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pro support is inexpensive | Must manually enter information from some sources |
| Reasonably priced state forms | No free state filing |
| Truly free federal filing, even for comprehensive returns | Can’t import key forms |
Who Is TaxHawk Best For?
TaxHawk isn’t the right fit for everyone. Here’s a look at who it might suit and who should consider other options.
Ideal For
- People with simple W-2s
- Freelancers
- Rental property owners
- Investors with basic portfolios
Not Great For
- People with multiple incomes
- Those who need hands-on help
- Anyone who actively trades
TaxHawk Security and Guarantees
TaxHawk has filed more than 82 million returns safely and securely with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The company uses the following security and privacy protocols:
- Data encryption
- Multi-factor authentication
- 24/7 monitoring in a secure data center
- No collection or sale of tax return data
- Account alerts for changes to emails, passwords, usernames, deposit information and security settings
TaxHawk User Experience
TaxHawk has an overall user rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 stars. Most customers say that the software is fairly easy to use. There are prompts that help to guide you through your return. There are also built-in checks to catch mistakes before you submit your return.
You can import last year’s return, which makes filling out your current return. However, TaxHawk doesn’t generally pull data from banks, investments or employers. You may have to enter some information manually.
The TaxHawk platform is not ideal for people with multiple sources of income, as well as investments, because they may have to spend more time entering information manually.
What Real Users Say About TaxHawk
Real users comment that the software is easy to use, with one person saying. “I hate filing taxes each year, but Tax Hawk makes it easy.” Others say it’s a great product that’s intuitive to use.
According to the Better Business Bureau, TaxHawk has received an A- rating, but in the last three years, they’ve had 79 complaints. Complaints mention amended returns, not being notified of changes and fees regarding state filings.
TaxHawk vs. Competitors
There are tons of tax filing software options out there. Here’s a side-by-side look at how TaxHawk stacks up against the competition:
| Feature | TaxHawk | Turbo Tax | H&R Block | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal filing cost | Free | Free, but limited | Free, but limited | Free for certain returns |
| State filing cost | Paid | Paid | Paid | Paid |
| Ease of use | Fairly easy | Very easy | Easy | Not as polished |
| Import capabilities | Prior return can be imported | Can import from several sources | Can import prior returns and from other sources | Can import previous returns |
| Best for | Simple or complex federal returns | Simple and complicated returns | Anyone needing additional support | Taxpayers who are on a budget |
Final Verdict
TaxHawk is best for those who want to file their simple or complicated federal tax return for free. You can also use TaxHawk for state filings, but there is a $15.99 fee. TaxHawk is best for those who are comfortable navigating the software on their own, since assistance will cost more on the site.
TaxHawk FAQ
Here are some answers to common questions people have about tax preparation services like TaxHawk.- Is TaxHawk really free?
- TaxHawk's federal tax filing is free, even if your return is complicated.
- How much is the state filing?
- A state filing with TaxHawk is $15.99 per return.
- Can I import W-2 and 1099s with TaxHawk?
- Yes, you can import your W-2 and 1099s.
- Is TaxHawk safe?
- TaxHawk uses secure systems, data encryption and multi-factor authentication to protect your data.
- Does it work for self-employed individuals and investors?
- TaxHawk does support returns for the self-employed and investors.
Andrew Lisa contributed to the reporting for this article.
Data is accurate as of Jan. 30, 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.
