Tax year covered: 2025. Software, pricing, and IRS figures here apply to your 2025 return — the one filed in 2026. Tax year 2026 editions release around November 2026.
Mileage rate note. The IRS changed the business rate mid-year. Miles driven January 1 through June 30, 2026 deduct at 72.5 cents. Miles from July 1 forward deduct at 76 cents. Your 2025 return uses the 2025 rate of 70 cents.
Educational purposes only — not tax advice. I am a mystery shopper, not a tax professional. This guide compares software features and pricing. For advice on your own situation, talk to a tax pro. Prices and features change, so verify on each company’s site before buying.
Affiliate disclosure. Some links below are affiliate links. That includes every button and table link marked “View on Amazon.” Those links go to amazon.com. If you buy through them, this site may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. That does not affect which products appear here or what I say about them.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Amazon prices and availability change often, and any price shown here is an estimate at the time of writing. Check the current price on Amazon before you buy.
Mystery shoppers are independent contractors, so standard tax software often falls short. You need a product that handles Schedule C, self-employment tax, mileage deductions, and multiple 1099 forms. This guide covers online software, desktop programs, and the tracking tools that feed clean numbers into your return.
New or low-volume shopper? Read this first.
If you earned under $400 in net mystery shopping income, you owe no self-employment tax. You still report the income on Schedule C. A few hundred dollars of earnings does not justify TurboTax’s top tier. FreeTaxUSA or Cash App Taxes handle a simple Schedule C return completely.
What mystery shoppers need from tax software
Mystery shoppers need Schedule C support, self-employment tax math, mileage entry, and multiple 1099-NEC forms. Free tiers almost always exclude Schedule C. That one requirement rules out the entry-level version of nearly every major product.
- Schedule C support — the form for reporting business income and expenses as a sole proprietor. Some products lock it behind paid tiers.
- Self-employment tax — you pay both halves of Social Security and Medicare, 15.3% total. The software must also deduct the employer half correctly.
- Mileage entry — better products pull from tracking apps rather than making you type totals.
- Multiple 1099-NEC forms — you may get one from every company you shop for. Handling several should not cost extra.
- Quarterly estimate reminders — good self-employed software helps you plan quarterly payments.
Online tax software
Online software runs in a browser, saves as you go, and needs no installation. Five products handle Schedule C for mystery shoppers: TurboTax, H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA, TaxSlayer, and Cash App Taxes. Federal cost ranges from $0 to roughly $190.
TurboTax Online (Premium)
Federal cost: ~$129–$190 for the self-employed tier
State cost: ~$59 per state
Schedule C: included in Premium and Self-Employed tiers
Best for: first-time filers who want the most help
TurboTax walks you through every question in plain language. First-time filers juggling several 1099s, mileage totals, and self-employment tax get real value from that. The self-employed tier includes a deduction finder and imports mileage from QuickBooks.
The problem is cost. At $129 to $190 federal plus $59 per state, it is the priciest option here. Do not assume the free tier applies. TurboTax Free Edition excludes anyone with Schedule C income, which means every mystery shopper.
Pros
- Best step-by-step help of any option here
- Deduction finder catches missed write-offs
- QuickBooks mileage import
- Strong audit support
- Full Schedule C from the mobile app
Cons
- Priciest online option
- Frequent upgrade prompts while filing
- Free tier excludes all mystery shoppers
Bottom line: best for first-year filers who want help above all else. Try TurboTax Self-Employed
H&R Block Online (Self-Employed)
Federal cost: ~$115–$130 for the self-employed tier
State cost: ~$40–$60 per state
Schedule C: included in Premium tier and above
Best for: shoppers who want guided filing plus in-person backup
H&R Block matches TurboTax on features and ease of use, and costs less. The Premium tier covers everything mystery shoppers need. State filing is cheaper, which matters if you shop across state lines.
It also offers something TurboTax cannot. You can walk into an H&R Block office if you get stuck or get audited. That safety net is worth a lot on a complex first return.
Pros
- Lower price than TurboTax for the same features
- In-person office support option
- Imports prior-year returns from other software
- AI Tax Assist included for real-time answers
Cons
- Still pricey next to FreeTaxUSA
- Schedule C locked behind the Premium tier
- Mileage import is clunkier than TurboTax
Bottom line: best value among full-featured online options. Try H&R Block Premium
FreeTaxUSA
Federal cost: $0
State cost: ~$15 per state
Schedule C: included free, no upgrade required
Best for: experienced filers who want to minimize cost
FreeTaxUSA is the biggest surprise in this comparison. It files Schedule C, handles self-employment tax, supports multiple 1099s, and processes mileage deductions for $0 federal. Add a state return for $15 and that is your whole filing cost.
The screens are text-heavy and more form-like than TurboTax. For someone who knows what Schedule C is, it works very well. TurboTax at $190 and FreeTaxUSA at $15 produce the same IRS-accepted return. The extra $175 buys hand-holding, not better math.
Pros
- Free federal filing with no income limit
- Schedule C at no cost
- Only $15 for state filing
- Imports prior-year returns from major competitors
- Audit defense add-on available
Cons
- Less guided than TurboTax or H&R Block
- Text-heavy interface with less visual polish
- Not ideal for first-time Schedule C filers
Bottom line: if you have filed a Schedule C before, this is the smartest money move. Try FreeTaxUSA
TaxSlayer (Self-Employed)
Federal cost: ~$53–$63 for the self-employed tier
State cost: ~$40 per state
Schedule C: included in the Self-Employed tier
Best for: shoppers who want to file entirely from a phone
TaxSlayer earns its spot for one reason: mobile. The app supports full Schedule C filing from a smartphone. The Self-Employed tier adds priority phone and email support, a real upgrade over FreeTaxUSA.
Pros
- Best mobile filing experience
- Full Schedule C from a smartphone
- Priority support in the self-employed tier
- Mid-range pricing
Cons
- Screens less polished than the top two
- No downloadable desktop version
- State filing adds up
Bottom line: best for phone filing at a mid-range price. Try TaxSlayer Self-Employed
Cash App Taxes
Federal cost: $0
State cost: $0
Schedule C: included free
Best for: simple single-state returns
Cash App Taxes is the only option here that files federal and state for $0. No asterisks, no hidden fees. It supports Schedule C and 1099-NEC income at no cost, and the interface is clean.
The limits matter. You must file from the mobile app. It cannot handle multiple states or part-year residency. It gives far less help finding deductions than the paid options. For one state and simple income, it is a strong choice.
Pros
- Federal and state both $0
- Schedule C and 1099-NEC supported at no cost
- Clean mobile interface
- No upsells or surprise fees
Cons
- Mobile only, no desktop browser version
- Cannot handle multiple states or part-year residency
- Thin deduction help
- No live support
Bottom line: best truly free option for a simple single-state return. Try Cash App Taxes
Downloadable desktop software
Desktop software installs locally and keeps your tax data off the cloud. One license typically covers five federal returns, which suits households filing more than one. State e-filing almost always costs extra, even when state preparation is included.
TurboTax Home & Business Desktop (2025)
Price: ~$130 download from Amazon
Includes: 5 federal e-files, 1 state program download; state e-file ~$25 extra
Platform: PC and Mac, Windows 11 or macOS 14+
Best for: households filing several returns, or local data storage
This is the desktop product built for self-employed filers. It carries the same step-by-step Schedule C walkthrough as the online version. It adds a vehicle deduction tool that compares standard mileage against actual expenses side by side.
If you ever subcontract work, Quick Employer Forms creates and e-files W-2s and 1099s. The pay-once-file-five model is a real win for families. If you and a spouse both shop, the cost per return drops sharply.
This is an affiliate link and it opens amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the current price on Amazon, since it changes often.
Pros
- 5 federal e-files, strong for households
- Data stored locally on your computer
- Vehicle deduction comparison tool
- Quick Employer Forms for 1099 creation
- Works offline once installed
Cons
- State e-file costs ~$25 extra
- Requires Windows 11 or macOS 14+
- Higher upfront cost than online tiers for one filer
H&R Block Premium Desktop (2025)
Price: ~$90–$100 download from Amazon
Includes: 5 federal e-files, 1 state program download; state e-file ~$20 extra
Platform: PC and Mac
Best for: capable desktop software at a lower price than TurboTax
Premium is the H&R Block tier that matches TurboTax Home & Business. It covers Schedule C, self-employment tax, mileage, multiple 1099s, and depreciation on business assets like a camera or dedicated computer.
It imports prior-year TurboTax and TaxAct files, so switching is painless. State e-filing costs less than TurboTax charges. The screens look older than the online version, but the math is the same. It often discounts at Amazon early in tax season.
This is an affiliate link and it opens amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check the current price on Amazon, since it changes often.
Running an LLC or S-corp? Premium handles Schedule C only. Filing a separate business return on Form 1120, 1120S, or 1065? You need H&R Block Premium & Business on Amazon instead. That is an affiliate link to amazon.com. It costs more and runs on Windows only. Most mystery shoppers do not need it.
Pros
- Lower price than TurboTax Desktop
- 5 federal e-files included
- Imports TurboTax and TaxAct prior-year files
- Handles depreciation on business equipment
- Often discounted at Amazon early in the season
Cons
- State e-file costs extra
- Screens feel dated next to the online version
- No entity returns without the pricier tier
TaxAct Self-Employed Desktop (2025)
Price: ~$165 direct from TaxAct, includes 5 federal e-files and 1 state return
Platform: Windows only
Best for: experienced filers who want strong depreciation tools
TaxAct handles everything a mystery shopper needs, and it is easy to move through. It is built for freelancers and contractors, with strong depreciation tools. That matters if you use a dedicated camera or computer for video shops.
The pricing runs backwards. The desktop version costs more than the online one. You trade that for local storage and five federal returns. TaxAct does not sell the 2025 self-employed desktop version on Amazon, so buy direct.
Pros
- Strong depreciation and asset tools
- 5 federal e-files included
- 1 state return in the base price
- Transparent pricing, no hidden upgrade fees
Cons
- Windows only, no Mac version
- Costs more than the online tier
- Not sold on Amazon, must buy direct
- Less hand-holding than TurboTax Desktop
Bottom line: a solid no-frills choice if you want local storage. Buy TaxAct Desktop direct
Mileage and expense tracking tools
Tracking tools log mileage and expenses all year. Filing then becomes an export, not a scramble. Free options like Stride require manual logging. Paid apps detect drives automatically, which matters once you run several shops a day.
Stride, best free tracker
Cost: free
Best for: shoppers who want a free mileage and expense tracker
Stride is built for gig workers and contractors. You start and stop the tracker for each trip and enter expenses by hand. At year end it makes an IRS-ready mileage and expense report for any tax software or your CPA.
The catch is that it does not spot drives on its own. For a handful of shops a week, remembering to press start is a small habit. For ten shops in a day, you will miss trips.
Pros
- Free, no subscription or trial
- Designed for gig workers
- IRS-ready annual reports
- Tracks mileage and expenses
Cons
- Manual start and stop, no auto-tracking
- No bank integration for automatic expenses
Bottom line: the best free starting point. Pairs with FreeTaxUSA for a $15 annual filing cost. Try Stride
MileIQ
Cost: 40 free drives per month, or ~$5.99 monthly and ~$59.99 yearly for unlimited
Best for: frequent shoppers who want automatic trip detection
MileIQ runs in the background and spots driving on its own. After each trip you swipe right for business or left for personal. Nothing to start or stop. For several shops a day, that saves you from missed trips.
The free tier covers casual shoppers. Anyone logging 50 or more trips a month needs the paid plan. At roughly $60 a year, one month of properly tracked mileage usually covers it.
Pros
- Auto trip tracking
- Simple swipe-to-categorize interface
- IRS-compliant reports
- 40 free trips a month
Cons
- Active shoppers pass the free tier quickly
- Mileage only, no expense tracking
Bottom line: best automatic mileage tracker for high-volume shoppers. Try MileIQ
Everlance
Cost: 30 free trips per month, or ~$8–$12 monthly for premium
Best for: shoppers who want mileage and expenses in one app
Everlance combines auto mileage tracking with expense tools. Link a bank or credit card and it sorts buys into business or personal. One app covers mileage, shop purchases, and phone bills.
The premium tier adds live tax estimates from your tracked income and expenses. That helps with quarterly planning.
Pros
- Auto mileage plus bank-linked expenses
- One app for everything
- Real-time tax estimates on premium
- IRS-compliant reporting
Cons
- Free tier capped at 30 trips a month
- Monthly subscription adds up
Bottom line: best all-in-one app for mileage and expenses together. Try Everlance
Hurdlr
Cost: free basic tier, or ~$8–$16 monthly for premium
Best for: shoppers who want tracking plus running quarterly tax estimates
Hurdlr spots and logs drives in the background. It also links to your bank to track income and spending. Its best feature is a live quarterly tax estimate. It updates as you earn and deduct all year.
Not sure whether you owe quarterly payments? Hurdlr answers that all year, not once a year.
Pros
- Real-time quarterly tax estimate
- Auto mileage tracking
- Bank-linked income and expense tracking
- IRS mileage rate built in
Cons
- Best features require paid premium
- Monthly subscription
Bottom line: best for a running view of what you will owe. Try Hurdlr
Keeper Tax
Cost: ~$20 monthly or ~$192 yearly, tax filing included
Best for: shoppers who want expense tracking and filing in one place
Keeper links to your bank or credit card. It scans your buys for write-offs. Phone bills, internet, shop supplies, software subscriptions. It flags each one and asks you to keep it or drop it.
Filing is built in, so the data flows into your return with no retyping. The monthly cost is higher than a standalone tracker, but it is a complete package.
Pros
- Finds missed deductions automatically
- Bank-linked expense sorting
- Tax filing included
- Good at catching recurring business costs
Cons
- Higher monthly cost than other options
- Too much for a few shops a month
Bottom line: best for high-volume shoppers who want everything automated. Try Keeper Tax
QuickBooks Solopreneur
Cost: ~$20 monthly
Best for: shoppers running mystery shopping as a full business
QuickBooks Solopreneur is a trimmed-down version for one-person businesses. It handles invoicing, expenses, mileage, and basic profit-and-loss reporting. It links to TurboTax at year end, which cuts filing time sharply.
This is more tool than most mystery shoppers need. If shopping is a big income stream next to other contract work, the bookkeeping earns its cost.
Pros
- Direct TurboTax connection at year end
- Bookkeeping format CPAs recognize
- Handles mileage, expenses, and invoicing
- Profit-and-loss reports year round
Cons
- More expensive than simpler trackers
- More features than most shoppers need
- Requires TurboTax for actual filing
Bottom line: best for shoppers who want a full bookkeeping system. Try QuickBooks Solopreneur
Complete comparison at a glance
Federal filing runs from $0 to about $190. Desktop licenses run from about $90 to $165. Trackers run from free to roughly $20 a month. Sort any column with an arrow to reorder the table.
Online tax filing software
| Schedule C | Best for | Link | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax Premium | ~$129–$190 | ~$59 | Yes | First-timers, most help | turbotax.intuit.com |
| H&R Block Premium | ~$115–$130 | ~$40–$60 | Yes | Guided filing, in-person backup | hrblock.com |
| FreeTaxUSA | $0 | ~$15 | Yes | Budget-conscious, experienced filers | freetaxusa.com |
| TaxSlayer Self-Employed | ~$53–$63 | ~$40 | Yes | Mobile-first shoppers | taxslayer.com |
| Cash App Taxes | $0 | $0 | Yes | Simple returns, truly free | cash.app/taxes |
Downloadable desktop software
| Federal e-files | Platform | Link | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax Home & Business 2025 | ~$130 | 5 included | PC and Mac | View on Amazon |
| H&R Block Premium Desktop 2025 | ~$90–$100 | 5 included | PC and Mac | View on Amazon |
| TaxAct Self-Employed Desktop 2025 | ~$165 | 5 included | PC only | Buy direct |
Amazon links in the table above are affiliate links and open amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Prices shown are estimates at the time of writing and change often.
Mileage and expense tracking tools
| Cost | Link | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stride | Free | No, manual | Yes, manual | No | stridehealth.com |
| MileIQ | Free 40/mo, or ~$60/yr | Yes | No | No | mileiq.com |
| Everlance | Free 30/mo, or ~$8–12/mo | Yes | Yes, bank-linked | No | everlance.com |
| Hurdlr | Free, or ~$8–16/mo | Yes | Yes, bank-linked | No | hurdlr.com |
| Keeper Tax | ~$20/mo | No | Yes, bank-linked | Yes, included | keepertax.com |
| QuickBooks Solopreneur | ~$20/mo | Yes | Yes, bank-linked | No, use TurboTax | quickbooks.intuit.com |
Recommended setups
Four combinations cover most shoppers. Stride plus FreeTaxUSA costs about $15 a year. An auto tracker plus TurboTax Premium runs $200 to $300. A desktop license is a one-time $90 to $130. Keeper Tax bundles everything.
The budget setup, about $15 a year. Track with Stride for free, then file with FreeTaxUSA and pay $15 for state. The most cost-effective capable setup for a few shops a week.
The automated setup, about $200 to $300 a year. Use Everlance or Hurdlr to track, then file with TurboTax Premium and import straight in. Saves real time at 20 or more shops a month.
The desktop setup, about $90 to $130 one time. Buy TurboTax Home & Business or H&R Block Premium Desktop for local storage and multiple household returns. Both link to amazon.com through affiliate links above. Pair with Stride for free mileage tracking.
The all-in-one setup, about $240 a year. Use Keeper Tax to catch expenses and file. Best if you want to think about taxes only when it is time to sign.
One more option worth knowing. Was your 2025 adjusted gross income $89,000 or less? If so, IRS Free File gives you guided tax software at no cost. That holds even with self-employment income. Eight partners take part this season. Check IRS Free File before paying for anything.
More back-office resources for mystery shoppers
Mystery shopper tax deductions — self-employment tax, Schedule C, and every deduction available to you
Mileage tracking guide — how to capture your biggest deduction
Quarterly taxes guide — due dates, calculations, and how to pay
Quarterly tax estimator — estimate what you will owe this year
Break-even mileage calculator — check whether a shop covers the drive
Back-office operations guide — the full system for running shopping like a business
Frequently Asked Questions
Do mystery shoppers need the self-employed version of tax software?
Yes. Standard and free tiers typically exclude Schedule C support, which every mystery shopper needs to report business income and deductions. TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxSlayer all require a paid tier for Schedule C. FreeTaxUSA and Cash App Taxes are the exceptions and include it at no cost.
Can I use the free version of TurboTax as a mystery shopper?
No. TurboTax Free Edition excludes anyone with self-employment income requiring Schedule C. Mystery shoppers need the Premium or Self-Employed tier, which starts around $129 for federal alone.
Is FreeTaxUSA really free for mystery shoppers?
Yes. Federal filing is free including Schedule C, self-employment tax, and multiple 1099 forms. There is no income limit. State filing costs $15. The trade-off is a less guided, more form-based interface.
What is the difference between online and desktop tax software?
Online software runs in your browser and stores data in the cloud. Desktop software installs on your computer and stores data locally. Desktop licenses usually cover five federal returns, which helps households. State e-filing normally costs extra with desktop, even when state preparation is included.
Can I deduct the cost of tax software as a mystery shopper?
Yes. The business portion of tax preparation costs is deductible on Schedule C, Line 17. If you use the software only for mystery shopping income, deduct the full cost. If you also have W-2 income, deduct only the share tied to your Schedule C.
Should I use a mileage app or track manually in a spreadsheet?
Either one satisfies the IRS. You must record the date, starting point, destination, business purpose, and miles. Log it at or near the time of travel. An app is more reliable because it reduces forgotten trips. Casual shoppers manage fine with a spreadsheet or Stride.