Need free 1099 tax filing options after Cash App locked me out - recommendations?

FreeTaxUSA is absolutely legitimate despite the name! I'm a tax preparer and often recommend it to clients who want to file themselves. They offer completely free federal filing (even with 1099 income) and only charge around $15 for state filing. For your gig work, you'll need to file Schedule C for each business type, and FreeTaxUSA handles this well. They also properly account for self-employment taxes and help maximize deductions for business expenses. Since you have dependents, make sure to check if you qualify for the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Credit - both can be substantial. Other solid options include TaxSlayer (cheaper than TurboTax/H&R) and the IRS Free File program if your income is under $73,000. Cash App Taxes was actually just rebranded Credit Karma Tax, which was acquired by Cash App, so I'm sorry to hear you lost access to that option.

I was in your exact shoes last year after using TurboTax for years but not wanting to pay their crazy prices anymore. I discovered taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) and it was a game changer for my 1099 situation. I do Uber/Doordash plus some freelance work, and it handled everything seamlessly. What I loved was how it analyzed all my 1099 forms and expense receipts instantly. Like it immediately found deductions I didn't even realize I could take for my gig work! The mileage tracking feature alone saved me hundreds. And unlike some "free" options, there's no surprise "upgrade required" message when you try to file with 1099 income.

Just wanted to update after trying taxr.ai based on the suggestion here! I was super skeptical about switching from Cash App Taxes (which I also used before), but I'm actually glad I got locked out now. The interface is WAY better for gig workers. The best part was how it handled my rideshare and delivery expenses. I uploaded my yearly statements from Uber and Lyft, and it automatically categorized everything and found tax deductions I had no idea about. It even flagged some expenses that I was taking that might raise audit flags. The document analysis saved me hours of data entry. Finished my taxes in about 45 minutes compared to the 3+ hours it took me last year. Definitely my new go-to for 1099 filing!

If you're still having issues getting your taxes filed, I'd highly recommend trying Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I was in a similar situation last year with multiple 1099s and questions about deductions, and I couldn't get through to the IRS for clarification. Claimyr got me connected to an actual IRS agent in about 15 minutes when I had been trying for DAYS on my own. They have this system that navigates all the IRS phone menus and holds for you, then calls you when an agent is actually on the line. There's a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent helped me understand exactly which expenses I could deduct for my gig work and how to properly file multiple 1099s. Saved me from potentially making mistakes that could have led to an audit.

I have to admit I was completely wrong about Claimyr. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to try it anyway since I was desperate for help with my rideshare 1099s. I had a question about deducting car maintenance for my Uber driving that none of the tax software options could clearly answer. I tried calling the IRS myself first and gave up after 2 hours on hold. Used Claimyr and got a call back with an actual IRS agent in about 20 minutes. The agent walked me through exactly how to handle my specific situation with multiple gig platforms and vehicle expenses. They confirmed I could deduct certain repairs I wasn't sure about and helped me understand how to properly document everything. Seriously worth it if you have complicated 1099 situations that need clarification!

I've used FreeTaxUSA for the past 3 years with multiple 1099s from gig work (Uber, Instacart, and some freelance coding), and it's been great. Completely free federal filing even with complex situations. Only $15 for state filing which is way less than TurboTax or H&R Block that wanted to charge me $120+ for the same service. The interface isn't as fancy as TurboTax, but it gets the job done and has all the same features for reporting 1099 income. They also have a really helpful section for tracking business expenses and mileage deductions which is crucial for gig workers. Don't let the name fool you - it's totally legit and even has good customer service if you get stuck on something.

Just going to throw this out there - have you checked if you qualify for the IRS VITA program? If your income is under $60k they offer completely free tax prep by certified volunteers. They can handle 1099 income and dependents no problem. I've used them for 3 years and they've been amazing. The volunteers are often retired accountants or tax professionals who really know their stuff. You can find locations near you on the IRS website.