Filing tax forms like 1099s and W-2s is one of those jobs you must do every year, whether you are a small business owner, a contractor who pays subcontractors, or an accountant helping multiple clients. Tools like TaxBandits are popular, but they can feel pricey or a bit much when you just want to get in, file correctly, and move on with your day. If that sounds like you, this guide is for you. Below, we will walk you through five wallet-friendly, IRS-approved TaxBandits alternatives.
We will explain what each tool does well, where it falls short, and for whom it’s best suited. By the end, you will know exactly which option fits your filing style and budget.
Quick note on pricing: the figures below come from the providers’ typical offers and can change during peak season. Always double-check before you buy.
What matters most when you are choosing an e-filing tool
Before we jump in, it’s helpful to understand what actually makes a filing platform ‘good.’ Here are the big rocks:
- IRS approval & compliance: You want an authorized e-file provider. Full stop.
- Price per form: The cost adds up fast, especially if you have many payees.
- Bulk upload: If you are filing for dozens or hundreds, you need a fast import.
- TIN matching & data checks: These reduce IRS rejections and do-overs.
- Delivery to recipients: Can the system email or mail copies for you?
- Multi-EIN support: Helpful if you are an accountant or manage several entities.
- Corrections & re-filing: Mistakes happen, but how much would it cost you to fix them?
Keep those in mind as we look at the contenders.
1. 1099Online
Best for: Small businesses, bookkeepers, and anyone seeking the lowest cost without compromising core features.
Why people like it: If you, the payer, just want to file your 1099s quickly, cheaply, and correctly, 1099Online keeps things simple. It’s IRS-approved, supports a wide range of 1099 forms (NEC, MISC, INT, DIV, K, and more), and gives you practical tools like TIN matching, bulk import, and multi-EIN management in one place. You can download PDFs or have the system mail recipient copies for you.
Pros:
- Pricing starts around $3.49 per form for up to 10 forms and drops to $0.69 per form at higher volumes.
- Free re-filing if a form gets rejected.
- Clean, straightforward interface that doesn’t get in the way of your smooth filing process.
Cons:
- Not every enterprise-grade feature you would find in a big corporate system.
- Support queues can be slower at peak (January crunch is real).
Bottom line: If cost is your top concern and you still want TIN matching, bulk tools, and smooth delivery options, 1099Online gives you a lot for very little.
2. Tax1099
Best for: Medium to large businesses or teams that live in accounting software and need everything to connect.
Why people like it: Tax1099 is also IRS-authorized and supports almost every 1099 type you will ever need, plus W-2s. It integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, Zoho, and more, so you’re not retyping data. It includes data validation, address checks, TIN matching, corrections, bulk uploads, and multi-user access.
Pros:
- Strong accounting software integrations to cut manual entry.
- Scales from small to enterprise without switching tools.
Cons:
- Costs can rise quickly once you add mailing, recipient portals, and bulk state filing.
- The interface can feel complex if you only file once a year.
Bottom line: If your filings pull from QuickBooks or Xero and you want advanced controls, Tax1099 is a workhorse. Just budget for add-ons.
3. ExpressTaxFilings
Best for: Individuals and professionals who want phone/chat/email support available when things get confusing.
Why people like it: It supports W-2s, 1099s, and other common forms, handles federal and state filings, and offers recipient print/mail. The company leans into customer support, which can be a lifesaver if you file once a year and forget the steps.
Pros:
- Multiple support channels and decent help when you need it.
- Discounts for higher volumes.
Cons:
- Pricing can feel high if you file small batches.
- The interface is not as streamlined as some larger rivals.
- Fewer advanced features if you’re chasing enterprise-grade bells and whistles.
Bottom line: If you know you’ll want hand-holding, or you are filing for several states and want a guided process, this is a comfortable middle ground.
4. efile4Biz
Best for: Filers who prefer a straightforward, browser-based workflow and want an easy on-ramp.
Why people like it: efile4Biz lets you type forms in by hand or upload via a simple Excel template. It handles federal filing and can print/mail to recipients for you. No downloads, no complicated setup.
Pros:
- Affordable entry pricing (around $1.35 per form) for basic needs.
- Built-in print/mail if you don’t want to manage envelopes.
Cons:
- It can get expensive after you add mailing or state e-filing.
- The interface isn’t the slickest, and support can be slow, especially during peak.
Bottom line: A practical pick if you value simplicity and don’t mind paying a bit more for optional services like mailing or state filing.
5. Yearli by Greatland
Best for: Larger teams that want one platform for W-2, 1099, and ACA, with multi-user access and direct state e-filing.
Why people like it: Yearli is built by Greatland, a long-standing player in the filing world. Its higher tiers include unlimited TIN matching, recipient copy mailing, and team features. If you are growing and want a partner that grows with you, Yearli is designed for that.
Pros:
- All-in-one feel: federal and state filing, recipient copy delivery, and team workflows.
- Strong track record and steady support.
- Full-service platform, unlimited TIN matching at higher tiers, multi-user, and reliable support.
Cons:
- Higher cost, especially if you are a very small business.
- A steeper learning curve and limited features in the cheapest plans.
- Seasonal price bumps are common.
Bottom line: If you manage lots of forms, multiple states, and multiple users, Yearli can centralize everything, just expect to pay more for the convenience.
Final take
If you want the lowest cost with the essentials done right IRS approval, TIN matching, bulk upload, multiple EINs, and easy recipient delivery 1099Online is hard to beat among others. Whichever alternative route you choose, remember: you, the payer, will have to file on time, keep data clean, and deliver copies to recipients. The right tool should make all of that painless and save you money while it does.
FAQs
1. Why look for TaxBandits alternatives?
Because price and simplicity matter, especially for small filers. Several IRS-approved platforms offer similar compliance and features at a lower cost or with easier workflows.
2. Is 1099Online really cheaper?
Yes. Typical pricing starts around $3.49 per form for small batches and drops to $0.69 per form for bulk filing, well below many competitors at volume.
3. Are these platforms IRS-approved?
Yes. 1099Online, Tax1099, efile4Biz, ExpressTaxFilings, and Yearli are all IRS-authorized e-file providers.
4. Can I file multiple businesses under one account?
Yes. With platforms like 1099Online, you can manage multiple EINs from a single login, which is handy for accountants or holding companies.
5. Which is best for small businesses?
If you value affordability and simplicity, start with 1099Online. If you need advanced integrations or deep state filing, look at Tax1099 or Yearli.
6. What if my form gets rejected?
1099Online offers free re-filing for rejected forms. Others may charge for corrections, so check their policy before you start.