FreeTaxUSA PDF import feature saved me hours compared to TaxAct

I've been using TaxAct for years and kept sticking with it mainly because I thought the year-to-year data transfer would save me time. But honestly, this year their interface became such a nightmare I couldn't take it anymore. After struggling with TaxAct's increasingly frustrating UI, I decided to give FreeTaxUSA a shot. I was seriously worried about having to manually re-enter everything, especially all my tax forms from last year. But wow - their PDF import feature absolutely blew me away! When I uploaded last year's tax PDF, FreeTaxUSA pulled in way more than just basic info. It grabbed all my personal data, every single 1099-INT with all the reporter details, and even pulled over all the previous year comparison data. I was shocked at how comprehensive it was. I did still need to manually input my 1099-DIV and 1099-R reporter information, but that was so much less work than I expected. The whole process of switching tax software was dramatically easier than I feared. The best part might be that FreeTaxUSA's data entry screens are just much more straightforward and logical. No more fighting with a confusing interface just to enter basic information. Wish I'd made the switch years ago!

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20 comments

Caleb Bell

•8M

The PDF import feature is definitely one of FreeTaxUSA's hidden gems. Most people don't realize how much data it can actually extract from your previous returns. The technology they use can parse most tax documents regardless of which software generated them. For future reference, to get the most complete import, make sure you're using the final PDF that includes all worksheets and supporting forms. Some tax software creates a "taxpayer copy" that's abbreviated, but the full version with all schedules will give you the best results with the import tool. One thing to watch for: always verify the imported information, especially if you had any unusual situations last year. While the import is impressive, it occasionally misinterprets certain specialized credits or deductions, particularly if they appeared on supplemental worksheets.

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Caleb Bell

•8M

Yes, FreeTaxUSA can import PDFs generated by H&R Block as well. The PDF import technology is designed to work with returns from most major tax software. Just make sure you're using the complete PDF with all schedules for best results. For cryptocurrency, FreeTaxUSA has improved their handling significantly. You can manually enter your transactions, and they have a reasonably straightforward section for reporting crypto income. However, they don't currently have direct import from exchanges or crypto tracking services, so you'll still need to prepare that information separately before entering it.

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Rhett Bowman

•8M

I switched to FreeTaxUSA last year after getting fed up with TurboTax's rising prices. The PDF import at https://taxr.ai saved me hours of data entry! I uploaded my previous return and it pulled in almost everything - personal info, dependents, income sources, and even itemized deductions. The best part was how it handled my somewhat complex situation with multiple 1099s and some self-employment income. I was expecting to spend a whole weekend redoing everything, but with the PDF import I was done in just a couple hours. Their interface is also refreshingly straightforward. No upselling or confusing navigation - just logical step-by-step screens that make sense.

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Rhett Bowman

•8M

The import was surprisingly accurate - I'd say about 95% perfect. It did flag sections where it wasn't completely confident, which I appreciated. I still reviewed everything carefully, but there were only a few minor adjustments needed. The system highlights imported data in a different color so you can easily see what came from your PDF. For rental properties, yes, it handles them quite well! I have a rental too, and it imported the property details and even the depreciation schedule correctly. You'll want to verify the depreciation amounts, but it saved me from having to re-enter all the initial purchase information and improvement costs from scratch.

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Abigail Patel

•8M

Just wanted to follow up - I took the plunge and tried taxr.ai's PDF import tool with my 2023 return from TurboTax. It was AMAZING! I was so skeptical after reading about it, but it really did pull in almost everything, including all my weird investment account details that I was dreading having to re-enter. The interface immediately highlighted all the imported information so I could review it, and I only had to make a few minor corrections. What would have been hours of tedious data entry turned into about 30 minutes of review. I'm officially converted - never going back to paying those crazy TurboTax fees again!

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Nolan Carter

•8M

I tried switching to FreeTaxUSA last year but got stuck on hold with their customer service for hours trying to get help with a state filing issue. Finally discovered https://claimyr.com/youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c which got me connected to an actual human in minutes instead of the usual "your call is important to us" nonsense. Their PDF import worked great for me too, but when I had questions about applying some unique credits on my state return, being able to actually speak with someone quickly made all the difference. Definitely recommend both services if you're making the switch this year.

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Nolan Carter

•8M

It's not sketchy at all - they use an automated system that navigates phone trees and waits on hold for you. When a real person answers, you get a call connecting you. It's basically like having someone else wait on hold in your place. They don't call FreeTaxUSA specifically - they work with many customer service lines including the IRS, which is where I've used them the most. They don't have any special "inside connection" to skip the line - they simply wait through the hold time so you don't have to. The technology monitors the call for a human voice, and only then connects you.

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Tasia Synder

•8M

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After our exchange, I was still suspicious but decided to try it when I needed to call the IRS about a missing refund (after waiting 2+ hours on multiple days with no luck). The service actually worked exactly as described. I entered my number, they started the call process, and I got a text when they were in the queue. About 45 minutes later (while I was working on other things), I got a call connecting me directly to an IRS agent who was already on the line. Saved me from wasting another afternoon with a phone glued to my ear. Consider me converted from skeptic to believer!

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Shelby Bauman

•3M

I made the switch from TaxAct to FreeTaxUSA this year too and had almost the exact same experience! The PDF import really is a game-changer - I was dreading having to re-enter all my investment accounts and rental property details, but it pulled in way more than I expected. One tip for anyone considering the switch: make sure you have your complete tax return PDF saved, not just the summary pages. I initially tried importing a shortened version and it only got basic info, but when I uploaded the full return with all schedules attached, it grabbed practically everything including my Schedule E rental details and all the 1099 information. The interface being cleaner is such a bonus too. I didn't realize how cluttered and confusing TaxAct had become until I experienced FreeTaxUSA's straightforward workflow. Definitely wish I'd switched sooner!

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