Keeper Tax Preparation Software Review

Features

The main feature of Keeper Tax is its expense tracking. The software automatically scans and searches your bank and card transactions and categorizes the expenses to determine which is and which isn’t tax deductible.

Expenses are organized automatically, so the user does not have to save receipts or file away what they spend on their own. If the user pays for something in cash, Keeper Tax only needs a photo that is then texted to their bookkeeper. Otherwise, the software is connected to their bank account, whose statements it monitors for any business-related expenses. The company uses the Plaid network, the same engine that powers Venmo, to do this.

As for tax filing, Keeper offers the option of filing through them or exporting the information to file through other means. Keeper files both federal and state taxes.

Geared toward independent contractors, Keeper Tax includes a quarterly tax calculator, since workers on the 1099 schedule are responsible for paying quarterly as their employers will not withhold for taxes. 

The categories of occupations listed are freelance designer, real estate agent, Uber/Lyft driver, scooter charger, online seller, independent journalist, dog walker, Airbnb host, social media influencer, independent model, independent actor, online teacher, delivery driver, freelance developer, freelance consultant, event planner, wedding planner, construction contractor, freelance photographer, massage therapist, and virtual assistant. In short, the entire gig economy.

The app also tracks all types of incomes related to these types of occupations, including 1099s, investments, W2, LLCs, and others. For users who drive their cars for work, Keeper can also track all car-related expenses.

Keeper offers complete audit protection by tax professionals who review your return. That way, they can flag potential concerns that can lead to a much-maligned audit.

It also guarantees maximum returns by analyzing over 600 tax credits and deductions.

Payment Options

Keeper two types of services are priced differently. Its expense tracking costs $16 a month but offers a two-week free trial which can be canceled at any time. Users should know, however, that the service automatically renews during that period, so they must read the terms and conditions to make sure they understand.

Their tax preparation options have a one-time fee. File with Keeper includes federal and state tax filing for $89, while the Export Only option costs $39.

The company claims the average amount a customer will save by using its software is $1,249, so the final price tag of its services is well worth it. 

Support Services

One thing we love about Keeper is its extensive collection of free resources. Freelancers, contractors, and other 1099 employees can get a crash-course education on how, when, and what to file.

The resources section includes plenty of articles that go into detail about how to file taxes for different companies/platforms (such as income generated from Etsy, DoorDash, Twitch, and many others), as well as guides to understanding what expenses are deductible, like meals, car & mileage, and education expenses. 

Other helpful features include a host of calculators that can help you estimate how much you should set aside for taxes and how much you need to pay in quarterly taxes. Keeper also has an “Ask an Accountant” option, where users can post their questions and have them answered by certified accountants.