Tool profile
1040.com: cost, fit and limits
1040.com is an online tax filing service whose privacy notice names Drake Software as operator, and whose footer reads 1040.com, a Taxwell Company, that e-files federal and state individual returns for one flat rate, with Schedule C forms included.
What to know first
1040.com keeps pricing to one number: $34.99 flat for federal and state returns, Schedule C forms included. There is no free tier and no published upsell ladder. The site lists a tax calculator, refund tracking and extension filing support. The homepage names no AI feature, but the privacy notice says AI-Powered Tools such as chatbots and tax-filing assistance tools may be used.
1040.com at a glance
| Maker | Drake Software (privacy notice); site footer reads 1040.com, a Taxwell Company, United States |
|---|---|
| Free plan | No |
| Entry price | $34.99 flat rate |
| API access | No |
| Category | Best AI Tax Preparation Software in 2026, rank 9 of 10 |
| Website | 1040.com |
Who 1040.com is best for
Sole proprietors with a simple Schedule C
The flat price includes Schedule C forms, so a freelancer does not move up a tier for business income. Business income and expenses are reported on that form, and no tier upgrade is described on the site.
Filers who dislike add-on pricing
With one published price covering federal and state, the total is known before starting. A buyer can compare the figure directly with a free tier elsewhere that adds state fees and add-ons.
People who want the clearest AI data statement
The privacy notice says the company does not use personal information to train large language models. The notice is the vendor's own statement, and it names Drake Software as controller.
1040.com plans and pricing
| Plan | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Flat rate online filing | $34.99 | Federal and state returns for one flat rate, with Schedule C forms included, per the site. |
| Schedule C returns | Included in the flat rate | Business income filed on Schedule C needs no higher tier according to the site. The site states this as part of the flat price, so Schedule C filers pay the same amount as others. |
| Extension filing | Price not stated on the pages read | The site lists extension filing support; the pages read do not give a separate price. |
Checked November 2026.
What 1040.com does
- Federal and state e-file
- One flat rate covers both returns, so a filer in a taxing state does not pay a per-state fee on top. The site gives no per-state breakdown, so filers in several states should confirm that the flat rate covers each return.
- Schedule C included
- Sole proprietors report business income and expenses on the same price, with no separate self-employed tier. This matters to freelancers because other services often move Schedule C filers to their top tier.
- Tax calculator
- A calculator on the site estimates figures before or during preparation, though the pages read give no detail. The site lists the calculator with refund tracking and extension tools, and the text read gives no further explanation.
- Refund tracking
- Filers can follow the status of a submitted return from the site. Tracking appears with the other post-filing tools, and the text read does not list status messages.
- Extension filing support
- The site lists help with filing an extension when the return cannot be finished by the deadline. The extension tool is listed with tracking and the calculator, and its price was not stated.
How 1040.com handles your data
The 1040.com privacy notice says the company does not use personal information to train third-party large language models and does not collect, use or sell personal information to train large language models. It says information is kept as long as needed for business, tax or legal purposes and is transferred to, processed and stored in the United States. It also says AI-Powered Tools may process content customers submit. A TRUSTe privacy seal link is present, but no security certification is named and no security page is linked.
Where 1040.com falls short in practice
- One price, no tiers. Only $34.99 is published, so there is no expert-help, audit protection or refund advance option on the pages read. A filer who wants live expert help or an audit guarantee would need another provider for those add-ons.
- No security page. A Your Security Comes First section is mentioned but not linked, so certifications cannot be verified from the vendor pages. The page names that section but does not link it, so the security claim cannot be checked from the pages read.
- AI use described only in policy. The privacy notice says AI tools may process submitted content, while the homepage names no AI feature, so what is automated is unclear. The homepage lists calculators and filing but no chatbot, so which AI tools are in use is not specified.
- Operator wording differs. The privacy notice names Drake Software as controller while the footer reads Taxwell Company, so the contracting party needs a check. The two names could mean different legal entities, so the terms of service are worth reading.
Works with
Alternatives to 1040.com
1040.com: common questions
How much does 1040.com charge?
The site publishes one price, $34.99, covering federal and state returns with Schedule C forms included. There is no free tier and no other plan on the pages read. Extension filing support is listed, but the price for it was not stated, so confirm it before relying on it.
Does 1040.com train AI on my tax data?
The privacy notice says the company does not use personal information to train third-party large language models and does not collect, use or sell personal information to train large language models. It also says AI-Powered Tools such as chatbots may process submitted content, so read the full notice.
Who runs 1040.com?
The privacy notice names Drake Software as operator and controller and gives a Franklin, North Carolina contact address. The site footer reads 1040.com, A Taxwell Company. Because the two descriptions differ, check the legal entity named in the terms you accept.
Can a freelancer use 1040.com?
Yes. The flat $34.99 includes Schedule C forms, which are used for sole proprietor business income. The site does not describe expense tracking, so bring your totals. Compare it with OLT.com, which names Schedules C, D, E and SE, if you also have rental or investment income.
Where does 1040.com store my data?
The privacy notice says personal data is transferred to, processed and stored in the United States. It does not name a data center provider or a security certification. A filer outside the United States should consider whether that transfer suits them before submitting a return.