Can you recommend consumer tax preparation services for a gig worker with W-2 and 1099 income?

Yes — for a gig worker with both W-2 and 1099 income, you’ll usually want a tax service that can handle:

• W-2 wages
• 1099-NEC / 1099-K / self-employment income
• business expenses and deductions
• quarterly estimated tax support
• state returns, if needed

Here are some good consumer-friendly options, from easiest to more hands-on:

Best all-around options

1. TurboTax Self-Employed

Good for: people who want a polished, guided experience
Pros:

• Strong support for both W-2 and freelance income
• Easy expense tracking and deduction prompts
• Good interview-style workflow
• Can import some tax forms automatically Cons:
• Usually one of the pricier options
• Upsells can add cost

2. H&R Block Self-Employed

Good for: people who want online filing plus the option to get in-person help
Pros:

• Handles W-2 + gig income well
• Strong support for deductions and schedules C, SE, etc.
• Can switch to a tax pro if needed Cons:
• Interface can feel a bit less smooth than TurboTax
• Pricing can rise with add-ons

3. TaxAct Self-Employed

Good for: budget-conscious filers who still need business income support
Pros:

• Usually cheaper than TurboTax/H&R Block
• Supports freelance and side-hustle income
• Good if your return is fairly straightforward Cons:
• Less intuitive than premium services
• Fewer hand-holding features

Good lower-cost/free options

4. Cash App Taxes

Good for: simple returns with W-2 and some self-employment income
Pros:

• Free federal and state filing
• Supports many common tax situations
• Good if your tax needs are not too complex Cons:
• Less robust guidance for complicated self-employment deductions
• Not ideal if you need extensive support or edge-case forms

5. FreeTaxUSA

Good for: low-cost filing with decent self-employment support
Pros:

• Very affordable
• Handles Schedule C and self-employment income
• Good for people comfortable doing some of the work themselves Cons:
• UI is more basic
• State return usually costs extra

If you want more help from a human

6. TurboTax Live / H&R Block Tax Pro support

Good for: people with mixed income who want CPA/EA review or live help
Pros:

• Useful if your W-2/1099 situation has deductions, multiple income streams, or state complexity
• Can be worth it if you’re unsure about self-employment tax Cons:
• Higher cost

My practical recommendation

• Simple return, want lowest cost: FreeTaxUSA or Cash App Taxes
• Want the easiest guided experience: TurboTax Self-Employed
• Want a mix of online filing and expert help: H&R Block Self-Employed
• Want solid value: TaxAct Self-Employed

Features to look for

For your situation, make sure the service supports:

• Schedule C for business income/expenses
• Schedule SE for self-employment tax
• 1099-NEC and 1099-K
• Expense categories like mileage, home office, supplies, software, phone/internet, and vehicle use
• Estimated tax guidance for next year

One important note

If you have significant gig income, multiple platforms, business expenses, or a messy mix of W-2 and contractor income, it may be worth using a tax pro at least once to make sure you’re set up correctly.

If you want, I can also give you a ranked list based on price, best for maximum deductions, or best for filing in a specific state.