TooziA TurboTax Self-Employed alternative that starts in January, not April
The short answer: TurboTax Premium (the tier for self-employed filers) walks you through your return once a year; third-party price checks put it at roughly $130 to $160 for the federal return plus a per-state fee as of 2026. It does not keep your books — you arrive with a shoebox and it asks you questions. Toozi is the opposite order: you text income and expenses as they happen, the books and quarterly estimate stay current, and in April the return is already built and e-filed. If your self-employment is simple and your records are tidy, TurboTax is fine. If April is a scramble every year, Toozi removes the scramble.
| Toozi | TurboTax Premium | |
|---|---|---|
| When you use it | All year, by text | Once, at filing time |
| Bookkeeping | Included — bank feed sorted for Schedule C | None; you bring totals |
| Quarterly estimates | Running estimate, texts before each deadline | Vouchers calculated after you file |
| Price | $49/mo flat, filing included | Roughly $130–$160 federal + state fee as of 2026 |
| Filing | IRS Authorized e-file Provider; 1040 + Schedule C per business | DIY e-file; add-on expert help costs more |
| Multiple businesses | Separate books per hustle, one price | Multiple Schedule Cs supported, you enter each |
| Invoicing + payments | Included | Not included |
Where Toozi wins
- No shoebox. The number TurboTax asks for on Schedule C line 22 is a number Toozi has been keeping since January.
- Quarterlies you actually pay. TurboTax tells you about estimated taxes after the fact. Toozi texts you the amount before each deadline and tracks what you set aside.
- The rest of the back office. Invoices with payment links, deadline reminders, bills — things a filing product never touches.
Where TurboTax might fit better (the honest part)
- If your year was simple and you kept good records, paying once at filing time is cheaper than $49 a month.
- If your return has pieces Toozi does not handle — complex investments, rental schedules, or an S-corp — a full consumer tax product covers more forms.
- If you want to click through every screen yourself and see every number, TurboTax's interview is thorough.
FAQ
Does Toozi really e-file?
Yes. Toozi is an IRS Authorized e-file Provider. You review the return, sign with your PIN, and Toozi transmits it to the IRS. State returns are included where Toozi supports the state.
Can I import last year's TurboTax return?
Toozi starts from your books rather than last year's PDF. Connect your bank and text in cash income; carryover items can be entered during the filing review.
What does $49 a month buy that TurboTax doesn't?
Twelve months of bookkeeping, quarterly estimates with reminders, invoicing, deadline tracking, and the filing itself — not just the filing.
Make April boring. Try Toozi free for 14 days — text "start" to (844) 482-4881.
Get Started Free →or text START to (844) 482-4881