Best of · 2026

The best tax apps for 1099 contractors in 2026

If you get 1099s and want your taxes handled, not just calculated, Toozi is the pick for most contractors: it keeps your books by text all year, estimates each quarterly payment, and e-files the return as an IRS Authorized e-file Provider. FlyFin is the choice if you want an AI deduction sweep and a CPA to file once a year. TurboTax Premium fits a tidy, simple year where you only need the filing. Keeper, Everlance, and Found round out the list for deduction hunting, mileage, and banking-based estimates.

How we judged

  • Does it actually file the return, and who prepares it.
  • Quarterly estimated taxes: calculated once, or kept current with reminders.
  • How deductions get found — from live books, or from a scan of last year.
  • Total cost for a contractor with one or two income sources.

The picks

  1. Toozi Best for Year-round taxes by text

    $49/mo flat, filing included

    Books kept from your bank feed and texts, quarterly estimates with reminders, and the federal return prepared and e-filed from the same numbers. Built for Schedule C filers with one hustle or five. Does not prepare S-corp or complex investment returns.

  2. FlyFin Best for AI deductions, CPA files

    Roughly $192–$348/yr as of 2026

    Connect your accounts, let the AI flag write-offs, and have a CPA file federal and state. Strong for a one-Schedule-C year you need cleaned up; the standard plan is scoped to one business and the books are not kept during the year. How it compares to Toozi →

  3. TurboTax Premium Best for Simple DIY filing once a year

    Roughly $130–$160 federal plus state as of 2026

    The thorough interview covers self-employment, investments, and more. You bring your own totals and pay again next year; nothing happens between Aprils. How it compares to Toozi →

  4. Keeper Best for Write-off hunting

    See comparison for current plans

    Scans linked accounts for deductible purchases and offers filing. Good at finding what you missed; it does not keep separate books per business, which matters once you have two gigs. How it compares to Toozi →

  5. Everlance Best for Drivers and couriers

    Free (30 trips/mo); Premium roughly $8/mo annual as of 2026

    Automatic mileage with an IRS-ready log. If your 1099 work is behind the wheel, this captures the biggest deduction you have; pair it with something that handles income and filing. How it compares to Toozi →

  6. Found Best for Estimates inside your bank account

    Free core; Plus roughly $35/mo as of 2026

    Live tax estimates and 1099 e-filing for contractors you pay, built into a free business checking account. It will not file your own return. How it compares to Toozi →

Try the one that works by text.

Have Toozi text you first. Log one expense and you'll know in a minute whether this is your kind of tool.

  • 14 days free
  • No card to start
  • Cancel by text
  • IRS e-file authorized

Questions

Do 1099 contractors have to pay quarterly taxes?

Usually, if you expect to owe $1,000 or more for the year. Payments are due in April, June, September, and January. An app that keeps a running estimate and reminds you is the difference between paying on time and paying penalties.

Which apps actually e-file?

Toozi (as an IRS Authorized e-file Provider), FlyFin (through its CPAs), TurboTax, and Keeper offer filing. Everlance and Found do not file your personal return.

I have a W-2 job and a 1099 side gig. Which app?

Any filing app handles both. Toozi tracks the side gig all year and lets you text in the W-2 at filing time; TurboTax handles both at once in April.

More lists

Tax is a doozy.
Toozi isn't.

Text (844) 482-4881 and your first expense is logged in 10 seconds.

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