Keeper vs. Wave

Wave helps you send invoices and keep your books organized. Keeper goes further - automatically finding tax deductions, estimating quarterly taxes, and filing your return from start to finish.

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How Keeper compares to Wave

Wave is bookkeeping software. Keeper is tax software built specifically for freelancers, contractors, and self-employed people.

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FeatureKeeperWave
Total price$199/yr$0–$16/mo
Federal tax returnYesNo
State tax returnYesNo
Multiple states includedYesNo
Transparent pricingYesYes
Automatically finds business deductionsYesNo
Return reviewed & signed by a tax proYesNo
Unlimited expert supportYesYes
100% accuracy guaranteedYesNo
Maximum refund guaranteedYesNo

Why freelancers switch to Keeper

It’s not just a price difference. Keeper does the parts of tax season that Wave leaves to you.

We find deductions automatically

Connect your bank account and Keeper scans your transactions for tax write-offs you may have missed. The average freelancer uncovers over $1,200 in deductions.

Taxes are built in

Wave helps you track income and expenses. Keeper helps you actually file your taxes — including federal and state returns.

Quarterly taxes made simple

Keeper estimates what you'll owe throughout the year and helps you avoid surprise tax bills and penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Can Wave actually file my taxes?
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No. Wave is designed for bookkeeping, invoicing, and accounting. To file your tax return, you'll need to use separate tax software or hire a tax professional. Keeper includes tax filing as part of your plan, along with a review from a credentialed tax professional.
What does the $199 actually include?
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Your federal return, all the states you need, automatic write-off discovery, unlimited messaging with a tax pro, and a return reviewed and signed before it’s filed. No add-ons at checkout.
I already track expenses elsewhere. Can I switch?
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Yes. Connect the same bank and cards you already use and Keeper imports and categorizes your history automatically — you don’t have to start over.
Is my return guaranteed?
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Every return comes with our 100% accuracy guarantee and maximum-refund guarantee. If we make an error, we cover the penalty.

Try Keeper Free for 14 Days

Track deductions, estimate your quarterlies, get expert help all for free for the first two weeks. If you don't love it you can cancel right from your dashboard.

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Over 20,000 reviews

4.8+ average

The app is very helpful with easy to follow instructions on the tax filing process
Louie
2026-06-03
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I am a freelancer and literally ALWAYS owe in taxes until THIS YEAR. Thank you Kepper <3
Lauren
2026-05-15
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This was so easy! Also, scheduled a tax call with Sabrina, and she was very informative! I think this will be the best way to file from now on
India
2026-04-25
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This is my thrid year filing with Taxkeeper and this year I considered filing for free (because they made it seem so easy and other FREE tax software was offered to me which fit my filing discription) I didnt get very far along in my comparsion between Taxkeeper and the Free filing program before deciding to return to Taxkeeper. Worth every penny of the $49year fee. I mostly appricate the balance of simple design for me as a user/filer, and the answers in their drop down question bubbles. I feel informed every step of the way and recieve prompt and professional responses whenever I reach out.
Brianna Gilge
2026-04-19
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Keeper has made the entire process of filing taxes less stressful and much more streamlined. It's incredible to know that all year Keeper is tracking all your accounts building your year portfolio & has a team of professionals there to review, assist and guide when needed. Highly recommend the service.
Krystal
2026-04-18
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This is the best tax expert I have ever used. It helps me organize my expenses so much. I don't know how i did it without keeper.
Georgia VanNewkirk
2026-04-18
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the best in the game, keeps all my transactions in one place and lets me add stuff easily as well, helpful chat bot, and great experience
Zachariah Rippey
2026-04-16
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Amazinggggg
Jayme Negron
2026-04-16
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Waited till the last minute. Got a little nervous, then I remembered keeper tax. easy peasy donw with a refund! Dont be skeptical. These guys are legit and fantastic
Mark Bonacic
2026-04-16
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As a college student doing contract work on the side, the high amount of taxes being owed was crazy to me considering how I make next to nothing a year (less than 10k). Keeper is able to help me save hundreds of dollars, and as a broke college student, every dollar matters. Last year when I made more money, Keeper brought my federal tax down from $1,200 to $400. This year it got me from $400 to $0. Even though Keeper costs $200 a year, I'm still saving about half of the money owed in the end and that's what matters to me.
Nikki
2026-04-16
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Efficient, Effective, and Intuitive
Ivan
2026-04-16
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It is so simple to use!
Ellen K
2026-04-15
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Easy and Simple The app is the First thing I purchased when I opened my business account 100!
Sedale Jones
2026-04-15
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Keeper always gets me the right deductions and its program is dummy proof so no mistakes or accidents. I've used them for the last 3 years and I dont have one complaint!
Nicole Lohmann
2026-04-15
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fairly easy and quick to file my taxes with keeper.
Proshanjit Das
2026-04-15
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It was the most simple and easy way to file taxes for a W2 and 1099 side hustle musician and it automatically took into account the expenses it usually takes so long to find in bank records.
Gary Tackett
2026-04-14
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Easy process start to finish. I was skeptical because most Instagram ads I see don't have the product to back up the ad spend. Highly recommend for any small business owners.
Alexander Dickerson
2026-04-14
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Keeper tax is THE best! As a contractor it helps me so much on a daily basis with tracking deductions, paying taxes, and staying on top of my finances. It's easy to use, highly intuitive, insightful and efficient! Highly recommend!
Julie Bush
2026-04-14
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This was so much easier than trying to find all the deductions myself and sorting through a bunch of faded receipts.
Sophia Berhane
2026-04-14
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A lot easier then I thought. Keeper really took care of all the work.
Danilo Hernandez
2026-04-13
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