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

Yes — for someone with both W-2 and 1099 income, you’ll want a tax prep service that handles:

• Self-employment income and expenses
• Schedule C
• Quarterly estimated tax support
• State returns
• Ideally, 1099-NEC / 1099-K import and deduction guidance

Here are solid consumer-friendly options:

Best overall DIY options

1. TurboTax Self-Employed

Best for: easiest interview-style filing, strong guidance
Pros:

• Very good for gig workers and freelancers
• Handles W-2 + 1099 income easily
• Excellent deduction prompts
• Can estimate quarterly taxes
• Works well if you want a guided experience

Cons:

• Usually one of the more expensive options
• Add-ons can increase price

2. H&R Block Self-Employed Online

Best for: a balance of usability and price
Pros:

• Handles W-2 and 1099 income
• Good expense categorization
• Usually cheaper than TurboTax
• Can upgrade to in-person help if needed

Cons:

• Interface can feel a bit less polished
• Some features may be spread across tiers

3. FreeTaxUSA Deluxe

Best for: lower cost, straightforward filings
Pros:

• Much cheaper than big-brand competitors
• Supports W-2, 1099s, Schedule C, and many common forms
• Good for confident filers who don’t need lots of hand-holding

Cons:

• Less guided than TurboTax
• State filing costs extra
• UI is more basic

Best if you want help from a human

4. TurboTax Live Self-Employed

Best for: gig workers who want expert review
Pros:

• Access to a tax expert while filing
• Helpful if your income/expenses are messy
• Good for maximizing deductions while reducing mistakes

Cons:

• More expensive than DIY

5. H&R Block Online + Tax Pro Review

Best for: in-between DIY and full-service
Pros:

• Can start online and get expert help
• Strong option if you want a second set of eyes
• Often easier to transition to office support if needed

Best for simple gig income and fast filing

6. TaxAct Premium / Self-Employed

Best for: cost-conscious filers with moderate complexity
Pros:

• Usually cheaper than TurboTax
• Supports self-employment forms
• Good basic coverage

Cons:

• Less intuitive than top-tier options
• Support experience can be mixed

Good to know when choosing

If you have:

• Only a few 1099s and one W-2: FreeTaxUSA or H&R Block may be enough
• Lots of gig-platform income and expenses: TurboTax Self-Employed or H&R Block Self-Employed
• Unclear deductions or mixed income sources: TurboTax Live or H&R Block with pro review

My quick recommendation

• Best overall: TurboTax Self-Employed
• Best value: FreeTaxUSA Deluxe
• Best middle ground: H&R Block Self-Employed
• Best if you want expert help: TurboTax Live Self-Employed

If you want, I can also give you:

1. a price comparison table,
2. the best choice based on your income level, or
3. a checklist of tax forms and deductions for gig workers.