For self-employed filers, the best tax software should handle business income and expenses while matching the tax year you need to file. H&R Block Premium & Business 2026 is my best overall pick in this lineup for shoppers seeking the newest listed edition, while TurboTax Home & Business Desktop 2025 stands out as a newer TurboTax alternative and H&R Block 2025 offers another recent Windows option. The main tradeoffs are edition year, operating-system compatibility, and how much help you want with business schedules—an older version may not suit a current return. I compare all six listings by those practical fit questions, not by assuming that a newer label makes every edition right for every filer. Read on for the full breakdown and guidance on choosing the version that matches your return.
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Key Takeaways
- Tax-year match matters more than the product’s listing year: the 2016, 2023, and 2024 editions may fit historical returns, but buyers should confirm the return year and filing support before choosing one.
- H&R Block’s 2025 and 2026 editions are Windows-only: Mac users in this group should focus on the TurboTax listings that specify PC and Mac or verify the exact platform requirements.
- The newest listed edition is H&R Block Premium & Business 2026: it leads this lineup for shoppers seeking the latest year label, though compatibility and included state support still need confirmation.
- TurboTax has the broader stated platform fit among these listings: several Home & Business editions specify PC and Mac, making them worth comparing for buyers who do not use Windows.
- Older editions are not automatic bargains for current filing: they may have a role for prior-year returns, but software availability, updates, and filing services can vary by edition and tax year.
| TurboTax Home & Business 2024 Tax Software for PC and Mac |  | Best for Mac Self-Employed Filers | Tax year: 2024 | Platform: PC and Mac | Federal e-files: 5 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software 2025 for Windows |  | Best for Diverse Business Returns | Tax year: 2025 | Platform: Windows PC online code | Minimum operating system: Premium: Windows 10; Business: Windows 11 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software 2026 for Windows |  | Best for 2026 Multi-Entity Preparation | Tax year: 2026 | Platform: Windows | Included downloads: Two: Premium and Business | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TurboTax Home & Business Desktop Edition 2025, Federal and State Tax Return Software |  | Best for Current-Year Freelancer Guidance | Tax year: 2025 | Edition and format: Home & Business Desktop Edition; download software | Supported operating systems: Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TurboTax Home & Business 2016 Tax Software for PC and Mac |  | Best Only for Amending or Reviewing a 2016 Return | Tax year: 2016 | Compatibility: PC and Mac | Media: CD-ROM | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TurboTax Home & Business 2023 Tax Software for PC and Mac |  | Best for 2023 Returns on PC or Mac | Tax year: 2023 | Platform: PC and Mac | Delivery: Download | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| tax software for self employed | Tax year | Federal e-files | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax Home & Business 2024 | 2024 | 5 | PC and Mac |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | 2025 | Five free federal e-files | Windows PC online code |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | 2026 | Five free federal e-files; unlimited preparation and printing | Windows |
| TurboTax Home & Business Deskt | 2025 | 5 | — |
| TurboTax Home & Business 2016 | 2016 | 5 included | — |
| TurboTax Home & Business 2023 | 2023 | 5 | PC and Mac |
More Details on Our Top Picks
TurboTax Home & Business 2024 Tax Software for PC and Mac
I’d pick this edition for a self-employed filer who wants personal and business tax preparation in one desktop product and needs Mac support. Its deduction guidance, tax-information imports, and simplified asset depreciation help connect business activity with the personal return, while Quick Employer Forms can prepare W-2s and 1099s. Compared with TurboTax Home & Business Desktop Edition 2025, this version has a lower listed Mac operating-system requirement, but it covers an earlier tax year. The included five federal e-files can suit a household with several eligible federal returns; state e-filing is a separate cost, and live advice may also incur a fee. Mac buyers need macOS Ventura 13 or Sonoma 14, so it is not a fit for every older computer.
Pros:- Designed to handle personal and small-business tax preparation together.
- Provides guidance for identifying personal and business deductions.
- Supports W-2 and 1099 preparation through Quick Employer Forms.
- Can import information from participating companies and prior tax returns.
Cons:- State e-filing is sold separately.
- Live tax advice may incur an additional fee.
- Mac use requires macOS Ventura 13 or Sonoma 14.
Best for: Self-employed Mac users filing 2024 returns who also want tools for business deductions and employer forms.
Not ideal for: People filing a different tax year, users with unsupported macOS versions, or filers who want state e-filing included.
- Tax year:2024
- Platform:PC and Mac
- Federal e-files:5
- State download:1
- State e-file:Sold separately
- Mac requirement:macOS Ventura 13 or Sonoma 14
- Employer forms:W-2 and 1099 via Quick Employer Forms
- Technical support:U.S.-based; hours may vary
Our verdict“Choose this for a self-employed Mac user preparing a 2024 return who values combined personal and business tools over included state e-filing.”
This is the broadest fit here for Windows filers whose tax work extends beyond a sole proprietorship. Alongside individual preparation, it supports corporate, S-corporation, partnership, LLC, estate, trust, and nonprofit returns, plus payroll forms including 940, 941, W-2, and 1099. I’d favor it over TurboTax Home & Business Desktop Edition 2025 when entity-return coverage matters more than a self-employed-focused interface. Imports from common forms and prior-year returns, including TurboTax and Quicken, can reduce re-entry, and AI Tax Assist adds guided help. The split system requirements deserve attention: Premium needs Windows 10, but Business requires Windows 11. It also requires an internet connection and compatible printer, making it less convenient for offline preparation.
Pros:- Covers a wide range of individual, business, and organization returns.
- Imports common tax forms and prior-year data, including from TurboTax and Quicken.
- Combines AI Tax Assist with step-by-step guidance.
- Includes five federal e-files and unlimited federal preparation and printing.
Cons:- Business requires Windows 11 even though Premium supports Windows 10.
- Requires an internet connection and a compatible printer.
- Premium and Business have substantially different storage requirements.
Best for: Windows tax preparers handling individual returns alongside an LLC, corporation, partnership, estate, trust, or nonprofit return.
Not ideal for: Mac users, offline filers, or anyone whose computer cannot meet the separate Windows requirements for Premium and Business.
- Tax year:2025
- Platform:Windows PC online code
- Minimum operating system:Premium: Windows 10; Business: Windows 11
- Processor:32-bit
- Hard drive space:Premium: 1.5 GB; Business: 15 GB
- Federal e-files:Five free federal e-files
- State programs:Unlimited business state programs; one state program download
- Business returns and forms:Corporate, S-corporation, partnership, LLC, estate, trust, nonprofit; Forms 940, 941, W-2, and 1099
Our verdict“Choose this Windows package when you need a wider mix of entity and individual returns, and your computer meets the Business requirements.”
For a filer preparing 2026 taxes across a personal return and several business or organization types, this package combines two Windows downloads: Premium and Business. Its listed business forms include 1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, and 990, as well as payroll and employer forms. That gives it a wider entity focus than TurboTax Home & Business 2025, which is aimed more directly at self-employed people and small-business owners. Imports from common tax documents and prior-year returns, plus AI Tax Assist and step-by-step guidance, may help organize a complicated filing. The tradeoff is a narrower platform choice: Premium supports Windows 10 or later, but Business requires Windows 11. Only one state program download is included for individual state filing.
Pros:- Includes separate Premium and Business downloads for personal and business preparation.
- Supports several entity and organization returns, including corporate, partnership, estate, trust, and nonprofit forms.
- Offers form and prior-year imports, including from TurboTax and Quicken.
- Includes payroll and employer form tools with guided tax help.
Cons:- The Business download requires Windows 11.
- Only one state program download is included for individual state filing.
- The two-download setup may be more than needed for a filer with only a straightforward self-employment return.
Best for: Windows users preparing a 2026 individual return alongside business, payroll, estate, trust, or nonprofit filings.
Not ideal for: Mac users, people whose computers cannot run Windows 11, or filers needing more than one included individual state download.
- Tax year:2026
- Platform:Windows
- Included downloads:Two: Premium and Business
- Operating systems:Premium: Windows 10 or later; Business: Windows 11
- Federal e-files:Five free federal e-files; unlimited preparation and printing
- Business forms:1120, 1120S, 1065, 1041, 990, 940, 941, W-2, and 1099
- State programs:Unlimited business state programs; one state program download
- Support and imports:AI Tax Assist, step-by-step guidance, and imports of common tax forms and prior-year returns
Our verdict“Pick this for a 2026 Windows filing that spans individual and multiple entity returns, not for a simple self-employed return or Mac setup.”
TurboTax Home & Business Desktop Edition 2025, Federal and State Tax Return Software
I’d put this version ahead of the 2024 TurboTax Home & Business edition for a self-employed filer preparing a 2025 return on a supported, newer computer. It pairs industry-specific deduction guidance with audit alerts and Quick Employer Forms, which can help freelancers and small-business owners manage both deductions and contractor paperwork. Compared with H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software 2025, it is more directly focused on self-employment rather than a broad list of entity returns. It includes five federal e-files and one state download, but state e-filing costs extra. The compatibility limit is firm: it requires Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later and does not support Windows 10. One-on-one tax advice also costs extra.
Pros:- Tailors deduction guidance to self-employed people and small-business owners.
- Includes industry-specific deduction support and audit alerts.
- Quick Employer Forms can create W-2 and 1099 forms.
- Provides five federal e-files and one state download.
Cons:- State e-filing costs extra.
- Does not support Windows 10.
- One-on-one tax advice requires an additional fee.
Best for: Freelancers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and consultants filing 2025 returns on Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later.
Not ideal for: Windows 10 users, filers who want state e-filing included, or businesses needing the broader entity-return selection in H&R Block Business.
- Tax year:2025
- Edition and format:Home & Business Desktop Edition; download software
- Supported operating systems:Windows 11 or macOS Sonoma or later
- Federal e-files:5
- State:One state download included; state e-file sold separately
- Additional features:Industry-specific deductions and audit alerts
- Employer forms:W-2 and 1099 via Quick Employer Forms
- Tax advice:Optional one-on-one advice from a tax expert for a fee
Our verdict“Choose this for focused self-employment guidance on a compatible Windows 11 or newer Mac system, provided you can handle the separate state e-file cost.”
TurboTax Home & Business 2016 Tax Software for PC and Mac
This older edition has a narrow, specific use: preparing or reviewing a 2016 tax return, not a current filing. Its self-employment deduction tools, accuracy checks, and support for sole proprietors and single-member LLCs reflect the same broad audience as newer TurboTax editions, but the year makes it unsuitable for most buyers today. Compared with TurboTax Home & Business 2024, it offers PC and Mac compatibility and a CD-ROM format, yet lacks the current-year relevance and newer product details of that option. The package lists five federal e-files and a state product, though state details are unclear. I’d skip it unless the return year specifically matches; old software may also raise practical compatibility concerns on newer computers.
Pros:- Designed for sole proprietors, self-employed individuals, and single-member LLCs.
- Helps identify business deductions and checks returns for accuracy.
- Supports both PC and Mac.
- Includes five federal e-files and a state product.
Cons:- Only prepares 2016 tax returns, making it unsuitable for current-year filing.
- The included state product details are unclear.
- The CD-ROM edition may present compatibility challenges on newer computers.
Best for: Someone who specifically needs software for a 2016 federal and state return, such as for a late filing or return-related records.
Not ideal for: Anyone preparing a current-year return or seeking confirmed compatibility with a modern PC or Mac.
- Tax year:2016
- Compatibility:PC and Mac
- Media:CD-ROM
- Intended users:Sole proprietors, self-employed individuals, and single-member LLCs
- Federal e-files:5 included
- State product:Included; details unclear
- Package dimensions:7.44 x 5.43 x 0.75 inches
- Package weight:3.2 ounces
Our verdict“Buy this only if you need to prepare or review a 2016 return; for current self-employment taxes, choose a newer tax-year edition.”
TurboTax Home & Business 2023 Tax Software for PC and Mac
For a self-employed filer preparing a 2023 return on either PC or Mac, this edition combines personal and business tax preparation in one download. Its deduction and credit prompts, business-income reporting, and asset-depreciation tools can help freelancers and sole proprietors account for more than wages alone. Compared with the newer TurboTax Home & Business 2024, this version is specifically for the prior tax year, so it suits someone catching up rather than someone filing a current-year return. It includes five federal e-files and one state download, but state e-filing costs extra. Quick Employer Forms can prepare W-2s and 1099s, though the required Intuit account and separate state filing add steps. Choose it for year-specific coverage and Mac support, not for current-year filing.
Pros:- Handles personal and self-employed tax preparation in one product
- Prompts for potential small-business deductions and credits
- Can import information from prior returns and participating companies
- Includes checks for missing deductions or credits
Cons:- Designed for tax year 2023, not a newer filing year
- State e-filing is sold separately
- Requires an Intuit account
Best for: Self-employed PC or Mac users who need to prepare a 2023 personal and business return, especially freelancers reporting business income and depreciation.
Not ideal for: Anyone filing a return for a newer tax year, or a filer who wants state e-filing included rather than purchased separately.
- Tax year:2023
- Platform:PC and Mac
- Delivery:Download
- Federal e-files:5
- State download:1
- State e-file:Sold separately
- Business forms:W-2s and 1099s via Quick Employer Forms
Our verdict“Choose this edition if you need to prepare a 2023 self-employed return on PC or Mac; pick TurboTax Home & Business 2024 for that newer tax year.”
How We Picked
I ranked these options around the questions that most affect a self-employed buyer: the tax year covered, platform compatibility, stated business-filing focus, and clarity about federal and state returns. A product’s year label is a useful starting point, not proof that it supports a particular return year or that online filing and updates remain available. I gave newer listed editions an advantage for buyers seeking current-year software, while keeping platform fit and the need to verify state coverage in view.
The lineup contains only TurboTax Home & Business and H&R Block Premium & Business desktop editions, so the ranking reflects differences within that group rather than a broad software-market comparison. H&R Block 2026 ranks first for its newest listed edition; the 2025 editions follow as more recent alternatives, with TurboTax’s stated PC-and-Mac fit helping it serve a wider range of computers. The 2024, 2023, and 2016 listings rank lower for current filing because buyers need to check tax-year support and whether the older software can still meet their filing needs.
| tax software for self employed | Platform |
|---|---|
| TurboTax Home & Business 2024 | PC and Mac |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | Windows PC online code |
| H&R Block Premium & Business T | Windows |
| TurboTax Home & Business Deskt | — |
| TurboTax Home & Business 2016 | — |
| TurboTax Home & Business 2023 | PC and Mac |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Tax Software For Self Employed
Before choosing from these six desktop products, I would settle the return-year and computer questions first. Those checks can matter more than brand preference: a well-matched edition can save time, while software for the wrong year or operating system may not work for the return you need to file.
Match the Software to the Return Year
Tax software editions are tied to particular filing years, and the year printed in a listing may refer to the software release rather than the income year you are reporting. Check the product details for the exact tax year supported, especially if you are filing a late return or amending an older one. A common mistake is to buy the newest-looking edition without confirming it covers the right forms and schedules for that return. Older entries such as the 2016 and 2023 listings could be relevant for past-year work, but they are not safe substitutes for software designed for a current return. Also verify whether the edition can still receive needed updates or submit returns through the provider. Choose by the year of income being reported, not by release date alone.
Check Your Operating System Before Comparing Brands
The H&R Block 2025 and 2026 listings specify Windows, while several TurboTax Home & Business listings state PC and Mac support. That difference can settle the choice quickly if you use a Mac, but a broad compatibility label is not a substitute for checking operating-system requirements. Confirm your computer’s version, processor requirements, and whether the software is a download or physical product. Buyers sometimes assume that a desktop edition will work on any computer because it is not browser-based. If you switch computers during filing, check installation limits and activation terms before purchasing. Prioritize confirmed compatibility over a feature comparison you may not be able to use.
Decide How Much Business Tax Guidance You Need
Self-employed returns can involve business income, deductible expenses, and forms beyond a basic wage-earner return. Look for clear confirmation that the edition supports the schedules and business situations relevant to you, rather than relying only on a “Business” label. If your work includes inventory, employees, multiple businesses, or complicated asset deductions, verify those cases directly with the product’s current documentation. A simpler sole-proprietor return may not call for the same level of guidance, and paying for features you will not use adds little value. First-time filers may prefer a guided interview, while experienced filers may care more about familiar workflows and control. Match the guidance to the complexity of your records.
Separate Federal and State Coverage
A listing that mentions federal and state returns does not answer every question about what is included or how state filing works. Check whether a state program is included, sold separately, or limited by the edition, and confirm that it covers the state where you file. This matters especially if you moved, earned income in more than one state, or need to file a nonresident return. Buyers can mistake “federal and state” wording for unlimited state preparation or electronic filing. Read the product details for both preparation and submission, since those can be separate services. Compare the complete filing path rather than the package name alone.
Confirm Updates, Filing Access, and Support
Desktop tax software may depend on updates for tax forms and calculations, and older editions can have different update or filing availability from newer releases. Before buying a prior-year product, ask whether it can still download updates and whether the provider still accepts electronic submissions for that tax year. If e-filing is closed, you may need to print and mail the return instead. Also check whether support is available for the specific edition and whether help covers product installation, tax questions, or both. These details matter most when a return is near a deadline or involves unfamiliar forms. A low-friction filing process can be worth more than a familiar brand name.
Weigh Desktop Convenience Against Your Filing Habits
Desktop editions suit filers who prefer working on a computer and keeping tax documents organized locally, but that setup may be less convenient for people who need access across devices. Consider where your records are stored, whether you want to work offline, and how you back up sensitive files. A single-computer workflow can feel straightforward, yet it can complicate collaboration with a spouse or tax professional. Before choosing desktop software, check how data can be shared or moved and what account or installation restrictions apply. If you want browser-based access or frequent phone use, this group of desktop products may not fit your habits. Pick the workflow you can maintain through filing and recordkeeping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the 2026 edition to file my 2025 self-employed income?
A 2026 label alone does not confirm which income year the software supports. Check the product details for the tax year covered and the return types it can prepare before buying. Tax software release dates and the year of income being reported are not always the same. If you are filing 2025 income, select an edition explicitly built for that return year and verify that updates and filing access are available. When the listing is unclear, confirm with the seller or software publisher rather than guessing from the title.
Which of these options can I use on a Mac?
The H&R Block 2025 and 2026 listings specify Windows, so Mac owners should not assume they will run on macOS. Several TurboTax listings in this roundup state PC and Mac support, but you should still check the exact edition’s system requirements. Compatibility can vary by release and by the operating-system version installed on your computer. Confirm whether the product is a download or disc and whether your device meets its requirements. If you need to share the return with someone using Windows, check available export or transfer options too.
Is an older edition suitable for filing a prior-year return?
It may be, but the product’s tax-year support and current availability of updates are the deciding factors. A 2016, 2023, or 2024 listing should not be treated as interchangeable with software for another year. Check whether the edition includes the forms needed for your return and whether electronic filing is still open for that year. If e-filing has closed, printing and mailing may be required. For amended or complex returns, confirm that the software supports the specific filing task before purchasing.
Do these desktop products include a state return?
The titles mention federal and state coverage for some editions, but that wording does not settle whether a state program or state e-filing is included. Review the listing and publisher details for the state you need, any additional state software requirements, and filing limits. This check is especially useful if you moved during the year or have income in multiple states. Do not assume that preparing a state return and submitting it electronically are the same included feature. If the package details are vague, get confirmation before placing an order.
Should I choose software or hire a tax professional for self-employment income?
Software may suit a straightforward business return when you have organized records and can identify the forms your situation requires. A tax professional may be a better fit if you have employees, multiple entities, complex asset deductions, uncertain expense treatment, or a history of amended returns. The decision is not just about filing speed: advice can help with questions that software cannot resolve from your records alone. You can also use software for preparation and seek professional review if you want a middle ground. Compare the complexity of your situation with the support each route provides before deciding.
Conclusion
Best overall: I would start with H&R Block Premium & Business 2026 if you use Windows and want the newest listed edition, after confirming its tax-year fit and state coverage. Best value: the 2023 or 2024 listings may suit buyers handling an eligible prior-year return, but I would not choose them for a current filing without checking updates and filing access. Best premium-style fit: TurboTax Home & Business Desktop 2025 is the newer TurboTax option here, particularly for buyers who need the stated PC-and-Mac compatibility. Best for beginners: choose between the 2025 or 2026 H&R Block editions if you use Windows and want a recent business-focused desktop package; verify the guidance and forms match your experience level. Best for specific needs: the 2016, 2023, or 2024 TurboTax editions are worth investigating only for compatible prior-year returns, while Mac users should favor a listing that explicitly supports Mac. My final rule is simple: confirm the return year, computer, and state filing details before choosing by brand.
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