For parents juggling side hustles in 2025, TurboTax Premium and TaxSlayer Self-Employed stand out as top tax apps. TurboTax offers intuitive navigation and robust deduction tracking, ideal for complex returns. TaxSlayer provides a budget-friendly option with expert support. Both handle gig income and family-related credits, ensuring maximum refunds. Free options like Cash App Taxes suit simpler needs.
Top Tax Apps for Parents Balancing Side Hustles in 2025
Parents with side hustles face unique tax challenges, balancing family-related deductions like the Child Tax Credit with gig income complexities. In 2025, several tax apps cater to these needs, offering user-friendly interfaces, deduction tracking, and expert support. Here’s a breakdown of the best options based on ease of use, affordability, and suitability for parents with side gigs.
TurboTax Premium: Best for Comprehensive Support
TurboTax Premium, priced at $149 for federal and $64 for state returns, excels for parents with side hustles due to its intuitive design and robust deduction tools. It scans for over 350 deductions, including those for gig work (e.g., mileage, home office expenses) and family-related credits like the Child Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Credit. The platform’s EasyGuide and Explain Why features simplify complex tax scenarios, making it ideal for parents managing multiple income streams. Live expert support and the option to hand off returns to a tax pro are invaluable for those with limited time. However, its higher cost and occasional upsells may deter budget-conscious users.
TaxSlayer Self-Employed: Best Budget-Friendly Choice
At $72.95 for federal and $47.95 for state filing, TaxSlayer’s Self-Employed tier is a cost-effective option for parents with side gigs. It supports Schedule C filings for freelance income and offers access to tax pros with self-employment expertise, crucial for navigating self-employment taxes and quarterly payments. Its mobile app allows busy parents to file on the go, and the platform’s clean interface ensures straightforward navigation. While it lacks TurboTax’s polish, TaxSlayer’s affordability and free state filing for some tiers make it appealing. The Simply Free tier, however, is limited, with a $100,000 income cap and no dependent claims.
Cash App Taxes: Best Free Option
Cash App Taxes is a standout for parents with simpler side hustles, offering free federal and state filing with no income restrictions. It supports multiple 1099 forms, making it suitable for gig workers like rideshare drivers or online sellers. The platform’s interface is straightforward, with helpful info bubbles guiding users through the process. However, it lacks robust customer support and doesn’t support complex scenarios like K-1 income, which may limit its use for parents with diverse income sources. Direct deposit with a Cash App account can speed up refunds by up to six days.
H&R Block Premium: Best for Expert Access
H&R Block’s Premium tier, ranging from $65 to $125 for federal and $48 for state, offers strong support for parents with side hustles. It includes unlimited screen-sharing and chat with tax pros, ideal for clarifying gig-related deductions or family credits. The AI Tax Assist tool provides quick answers, though it’s not perfect. H&R Block’s free tier covers dependents and common forms, but parents with complex side gigs will need to upgrade. Its document upload feature streamlines data entry, saving time for busy parents.
TaxAct: Best for Accuracy Guarantees
TaxAct’s Self-Employed tier, priced from $65 to $109 for federal and $48 for state, offers a $100,000 accuracy guarantee, providing peace of mind for parents worried about errors. It supports Schedule C filings and provides a detailed walk-through for sole proprietors. While less feature-rich than TurboTax or H&R Block, its lower cost and straightforward interface make it a solid choice for parents with simpler side hustles.
Key Considerations for Parents
Parents with side hustles must track all income, as platforms like Uber or Etsy may report earnings to the IRS. Apps like Everlance for mileage or Keeper Tax for expense tracking can complement tax software, simplifying Schedule C preparation. For parents with dependents, apps must handle credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child and Dependent Care Credit. Those with complex returns—multiple gigs, investments, or itemized deductions—may benefit from TurboTax or H&R Block, while simpler cases can leverage Cash App Taxes or TaxSlayer.
Choosing the Right App
The best app depends on your side hustle’s complexity and budget. TurboTax Premium is ideal for comprehensive support, TaxSlayer for affordability, and Cash App Taxes for free filing. H&R Block and TaxAct offer balanced options with strong guarantees. Parents should prioritize apps with mobile access, deduction tracking, and expert support to balance family and gig responsibilities effectively.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Consult a certified tax professional for personalized guidance. Information is sourced from reputable websites and industry reviews.
