TaxHawk files federal tax returns for free, and that free federal e-filing extends to both current-year and prior-year returns with no upcharge for complex forms. TaxHawk has issued zero coupon codes over the past two years, and there are currently zero active codes, so the savings math here runs entirely on the flat-rate model: free federal filing plus a flat $17.99 per prior-year state return. For shoppers who need paid add-ons or state filing, SimplyCodes tracks 17 active codes across competing DIY tax platforms.
Free Federal Filing Covers Complex Forms and Prior-Year Returns
TaxHawk prepares, prints, and e-files federal tax returns for free, including returns that require complex forms other platforms reserve for paid tiers. According to TaxHawk's official filing pages, this "always free" federal policy carries no hidden software fees regardless of how complicated the return gets.
The free federal policy applies to both current-year and prior-year federal returns. That prior-year coverage matters for anyone catching up on a missed filing season, since the free federal preparation extends backward rather than being limited to the current tax year. Prepare and e-file the federal portion first, then evaluate whether any paid state filing is necessary for your situation.
Compare TaxHawk's Flat Rates Against FreeTaxUSA, TaxAct, TurboTax, and H&R Block
FreeTaxUSA, TaxAct, TurboTax, and H&R Block all compete directly with TaxHawk for DIY online tax filers, and SimplyCodes tracks 17 active codes across these alternative platforms. Because TaxHawk itself has never issued a promo code, the only coupon-based savings available in this category come from these competitors.
TaxHawk's value proposition is its flat rate: free federal filing and a fixed state fee. That structure means a promo code from a competitor can sometimes undercut TaxHawk on total cost, particularly when your return requires paid add-ons or multiple state filings that shift the final price. Since TaxHawk's price stays fixed with no code to apply, the comparison worth running is TaxHawk's published flat total against a competitor's post-code total for your exact tax scenario. When TurboTax or H&R Block discount a paid tier below TaxHawk's flat rate for the forms you actually need, the competitor wins on price for that specific filing.
Budget for the Flat $17.99 State Filing Fee Upfront
Filing a state return with TaxHawk carries a flat fee, priced at $17.99 for prior-year state returns, while federal filing stays free. This is a fixed cost rather than a discountable one, so planning for it upfront avoids surprises at checkout.
TaxHawk does not offer email sign-up discounts, referral bonuses, or identity-based markdowns such as military, student, or senior pricing. Official site audits confirm the absence of these incentives and of any named promotional events. Because TaxHawk holds consistent pricing throughout the tax season, there is no seasonal price drop or promotional code to wait for, and delaying a filing in anticipation of one only risks a late return. Complete the state portion when you file rather than holding out for a discount that TaxHawk's pricing model does not produce.