FlyFin

FlyFin is one of the few services that combines an AI deduction scanner with a real CPA who prepares and e-files your return. The AI connects to 2,000+ financial institutions via Plaid, scans every transaction across all linked accounts, and automatically flags deduction candidates — including home office, writing software, research subscriptions, advertising, editor and publicist fees, and ISBNs. A dedicated CPA then reviews those findings, prepares your federal and state returns, and represents you before the IRS in any audit.

What You Get#

• AI deduction scan: Connects to all your bank accounts and cards; categorizes transactions by deduction type for your profession automatically — no spreadsheets required
• CPA filing (Standard/Premium only): Your assigned CPA reviews AI-found deductions, prepares your complete return, and e-files federal + state returns; audit insurance included at no extra charge
• TaxGPT: AI chatbot available on all plans for unlimited tax questions throughout the year
• Quarterly tax calculator: Estimates your quarterly estimated tax payments based on real income data
• Author-specific deductions: FlyFin explicitly supports self-published author write-offs — home office (both methods), research subscriptions (Netflix, Amazon Prime), writing software, ISBN registration, author website costs, advertising, conferences, and travel for book events

Who It's For#

• Authors with meaningful self-employment income: The AI + CPA combination pays off when you have enough 1099 income and business expenses to make deduction optimization worthwhile
• Authors who want hands-off filing: If DIY tax software feels overwhelming or you consistently miss deductions, the Standard plan effectively outsources the whole process for $192/year
• Authors on S-Corp structures: The Premium plan ($348/year) handles Form 1120S and K-1 — coverage most affordable services skip

Pricing: Three tiers, billed annually. Basic ($84/year, ~$7/month): AI tracking and quarterly estimates only — no CPA filing. Standard ($192/year, ~$16/month): AI scan plus CPA prepares and files federal and state returns. Premium ($348/year, ~$29/month): everything in Standard plus video call access to your CPA and S-Corp support. A 7-day free trial is available (credit card required; full annual amount charged upfront after trial).

Strengths#

• Genuine AI + CPA value: The Standard plan at $192/year is cheaper than TurboTax's equivalent service and includes professional filing — the combination is legitimately competitive
• Audit protection included: Unlike most DIY platforms where audit defense costs extra, FlyFin's Standard and Premium plans include CPA IRS representation at no additional charge
• Author-aware deduction library: FlyFin has published detailed guidance on self-published author write-offs; the AI understands profession-specific categories beyond generic freelancer deductions
• Forms coverage: Schedule C, SE, Form 8829 (home office), 1040-ES, 1099-NEC/MISC/K, and state returns all included on Standard and up

Limitations#

• Basic plan excludes CPA filing: The $84 Basic tier provides AI tracking only — no CPA prepares or files your return. Authors who sign up expecting full-service filing must be on Standard or above.
• Mobile-first to a fault: A web version exists, but nearly everything — account management, document uploads, return review, and CPA communication — happens through the iOS/Android app. Reviewers call reviewing returns and uploading documents on a phone screen "insanely inconvenient."
• Async-only communication: There is no phone support on any plan. CPA responses operate on a 24-hour SLA via email/form. Video calls with your CPA require the Premium plan.
• Billing complaints documented: FlyFin displays monthly equivalent pricing but charges the full annual fee upfront after the trial ends. Multiple users report unexpected lump-sum charges — read billing terms carefully before signing up.
• Trustpilot rating is low: 2.8/5 ("Average") on Trustpilot, contrasting with a 4.5/5 App Store score. The divergence reflects a pattern of billing and account-access complaints distinct from the underlying tax service quality.

Alternatives#

For authors comfortable with DIY filing, FreeTaxUSA ($0 federal + $15.99 state) or Cash App Taxes (free) are far cheaper options that cover Schedule C without needing CPA help. For AI-assisted deduction scanning without annual billing concerns, Keeper Tax offers a comparable AI scan at a similar price but does not include CPA filing.