E-file.comChecked by Vetteroo review

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we believe are useful. Read our full disclosure.

What it is

IRS-authorized online tax filing for simple to mid-complexity returns

Best for

Simple filers who want low-cost online tax prep

Price

Free federal; $29.99–$49.99; state $32.99

Prices checked

October 31, 2026

We researched E-file.com's official pricing, terms, product pages, help pages and outside reviews. We haven't used E-file.com ourselves, so this is a research-based review, not a hands-on test.

Who it’s best for

• Simple W-2 filers.
• Budget-minded filers.
• People comfortable doing their own taxes.

Who should skip it

• Probably not the best fit for complex investments or anyone who wants expert help.

How it works day to day

This part draws on E-file.com’s own product pages, help center and documentation, read October 31, 2026 (listed under Sources). We haven’t used E-file.com ourselves.

Create an account, answer the interview, review, pay for state if needed, and e-file.

Key features in use

• Federal filing
• State filing
• Audit help (top tier)
• Direct deposit
• Prior-year returns

Setup and learning curve

About an hour.

Integrations

None.

Support

Email and tickets.

Real-world use cases

• W-2 returns
• Families
• Retirees
• Side income

What it costs

Prices checked October 31, 2026, from E-file.com’s own pricing page unless noted. Prices change often, so check the official page before you buy.

• Free federal for simple returns; paid tiers $29.99 and $49.99; state $32.99 (checked October 30, 2026; promos may lower prices).
• See its terms for refunds of preparation fees.

What we like

• Low prices.
• IRS-authorized.
• Trustpilot 4.3 from 406.
• Business income on top tier.

What to watch for

• State costs extra.
• Limited live help.
• Free tier narrow.
• Fewer guidance tools.

The fine print

• Tax software is not tax advice; check complex situations with a tax professional.

The main alternative: FreeTaxUSA Checked by Vetteroo

FreeTaxUSA offers free federal filing for most returns.

What it costs: $0 federal; $15.99 per state (2026 season, 2025 returns), checked October 25, 2026

Read our full FreeTaxUSA review

Pick E-file.com if you…

• want simple pricing.
• want audit help on top tier.
• want E-file.com's interface.

Pick FreeTaxUSA if you…

• want free federal for more returns.
• want cheaper state.
• want more guidance.

Our take

E-file.com is a solid low-cost option for straightforward returns; compare state fees before you file.

Side by side

From our company records. Check the official pages for current prices.

What we checked

• E-file.com's pricing, product pages and terms, read October 31, 2026
• E-file.com's Trustpilot profile, read October 31, 2026
• FreeTaxUSA's details: from our published review and its official pages, October 31, 2026
• The other official and outside pages listed under Sources (links checked October 31, 2026)

Sources

• E-file.com (official site)
• E-file.com comparison
• E-file.com FAQ
• E-file.com review (U.S. News)
• E-file.com review (Business Insider)
• E-file.com review (The College Investor)
• E-file.com on Trustpilot

How we review

We read the company's own terms, test the sign-up or booking steps where we can, and compare it with alternatives. A commission never changes what we write. Read our disclosure.