DIY tax software
Best for: One Schedule C, straightforward expenses, one or two 1099s, no prior-year problems.
Watch for: Upsells for “self-employed” tiers, state filing fees, and refund-advance products. Compare the total checkout price, not the advertised starting price. Most software walks you through Schedule C and Schedule SE step by step.
IRS Free File
Best for: Filers who meet that year’s income and eligibility rules.
Check IRS.gov for the current Free File program — eligibility, participating providers, and state availability change by year. Free File is not the same as a provider’s own “free edition,” which may charge for Schedule C.
CPA / enrolled agent
Worth considering if: You have multiple businesses, large income, employees or contractors, inventory, a home office + vehicle + major equipment mix, an IRS notice, a prior-year error, or you simply want a professional to review year one so year two is clean.
Ask upfront: total fee, what is included, who signs the return, and how they handle questions after filing. A good pro teaches you what to track next year — that alone can pay for itself.
Red flags
- A preparer who charges a percentage of your refund
- Promises of a specific refund before seeing your documents
- Asking you to sign a blank return
- No PTIN (Preparer Tax Identification Number) on a paid return
A practical rule
If DIY takes you more than a weekend of confusion, or you keep guessing on the same line, get a one-time review. Guessing on Schedule C is more expensive than asking.
Next: The Complete First 1099-NEC Guide · State Tax and Your 1099