FileYourTaxes Review 2019 – Difficult To Use This Year

FileYourTaxes advertises itself as one of the fastest ways to file your taxes. However, we found it to be difficult to use, and more expensive than other tax programs out there. However, we wanted to give it a fair shot at impressing us this year, so let's break it down.

FileYourTaxes.com left us disappointed with their tax software service this year and we think most users will want to avoid this year. 

Below, we detail the areas of disappointment. See how it compares to tax software on our list of the best tax software.

FileYourTaxes Navigation

FileYourTaxes offers interview style navigation which means that users answer questions to determine what parts of the software the user should use. Interview style navigation normally means that users will have an easy time using the software. 

Unfortunately, FileYourTaxes.com offers an “abbreviated” interview option which basically allows users to enter W2, interest income, and information about dependent care. If you accidentally select this option, you’ll be left having to navigate the software yourself if you have deductions, credits or other income to enter.

And when it comes to self-guided navigation, FileYourTaxes.com is really difficult to use. You need to know all kinds of tax jargon to find what you need.

The crowded side menu makes the self-guided navigation difficult for all but the most advanced users. On top of that, figuring out how to fill out certain forms (such as the real estate listings) proved to be difficult.

I initially thought that I would have to calculate depreciation myself, but ultimately figured out that clicking a tiny button allowed me to enter a software calculator.

FileYourTaxes Ease Of Use

FileYourTaxes has very few “ease of use” features. You cannot import your W-2 forms, nor can you connect the software to real estate accounting software. Users that use Xero for their software accounting can import their Schedule C forms which saves at least a bit of time.

However, the feature that makes FileYourTaxes.com so difficult to use is its question mark feature. If you’re wondering how the IRS defines certain items, FileYourTaxes.com isn’t going to help much. Often the bubbles just tell you what kind of data the software accepts. When it does provide explanations (such as the information listed below), it’s laden with tax jargon.

When you pile the lack of features onto a cluttered interface, FileYourTaxes becomes nearly impossible to use for all but the most tax savvy and advanced users.

You can access email support for free, but phone support costs an additional $17.

FileYourTaxes Knowledge Articles

FileYourTaxes does not have any knowledge articles other than the question mark bubbles in the software.

Unless you know your way around a tax form, you’re likely to struggle with some section or another. Most other software programs offer more support.

Plans And Pricing

People earning an AGI under $66,000 can get free Federal filing and will pay $36.50 per state.

All other filers will pay $44.75 for Federal basic filing.

If you need forms beyond W2 and interest, you’ll pay $4.00 per form, and $1.00 for every W-2 form past your first two forms.

The total cost for my filing would have been $65.75 plus $36.50 for the state. That is $102.25, and one of the highest we've seen. 

Overall, these prices are far higher than the industry standard.

Who Should Use FileYourTaxes In 2019?

Overall, we found FileYourTaxes to be overpriced and difficult to use. Unless you're a tax expert, we don't think it's easy to use. And even if you are, you will likely find better value in other tax products geared towards experts like FreeTaxUSA or DIY Tax.

We recommend checking out alternative tax software in 2019. You can check out FileYourTaxes.com for yourself here.