Contributed by: MatthewD, FreeTaxUSA Agent, Tax Pro
Tax software has simplified preparing federal and state tax returns. No longer do we need to get paper forms from the post office or library, sharpen our pencils, and pull out the old ten key calculator. In just the last 5 years, technological improvements, like importing an electronic copy of a W-2, have made return preparation faster and more accurate than ever before.
FreeTaxUSA software offers customers the ability to import income forms in two ways:
- Uploading a PDF of your form. You can generally get a downloaded PDF from an online employee payroll portal or other online account available from your employer. If you only have paper copies of your forms, it is possible to scan the document to make a PDF.
- Scanning a form with your phone. The software will guide you in taking a photo and uploading it as a JPG file. FreeTaxUSA supports limited forms with this method.
For 2025, FreeTaxUSA added additional forms that may be uploaded as PDF only.
Forms we support for import:
Both PDF and photo (jpg, png, etc):
- W-2
- 1099-R
- 1099-MISC
- 1099-NEC
PDF Only:
- 1099-INT
- 1099-DIV
- 1099-B
- Consolidated 1099
Is this your first year with FreeTaxUSA?
If this is your first year filing with FreeTaxUSA, we also support importing a prior year tax return when you create and start a new account. This option gives you a jump start on entering personal and business information. It also provides you with a way to compare amounts from your prior year tax return with your current year tax return.
Before you create a new account, download your prior-year return as a PDF file to your computer or smartphone. FreeTaxUSA supports importing returns from a variety of preparers in PDF format. Here’s a list of other preparers we support. You can also find this on our homepage by scrolling down to ‘Switch over fast’.
• TurboTax • H&R Block
• TaxAct • TaxSlayer
• Cash App • OLT
Once your tax return is downloaded, you’re ready to import it when you get to the following screens:
Importing W-2's and 1099’s
To import Form(s) W-2 and 1099, download them first, and have them available on your computer, tablet, or mobile device.
You may drag and drop them from a folder or select the file when prompted.
If you have a physical copy of your form, you may be able to scan it with your phone using FreeTaxUSA’s photo capture process. If the option is available for the form, we’ll provide you a QR code link that will help you with an automated process to scan your document. After you upload a form, such as a W-2, we’ll recommend you take a minute and review the uploaded information to make sure it’s accurate.
Takeaways
Our goal is to make tax preparation as simple as possible. The ability to import forms makes it easier and faster. Using a smart phone has become a popular platform many are using, making tax preparation convenient anywhere you go.