Best Tax Software

TurboTax is a very popular software known for its hands on support and simple free, albeit limited, version that can be used to file a Form 1040 and handle very simple tax filing.

Most of the features they offer come at a premium and even their starting offer is more expensive than their competitors’.

With that said, they provide excellent support and much needed human help which can easily justify the price through the piece of mind qualified help brings.

They offer multiple packages both as standalone and assisted by tax professionals that can help you file everything correctly.

Pricing and Features

Pricing starts at $0 if you qualify for a free tax return. If not TurboTax’s first tier ranges from $59 per state to a total of $129 depending on the services you require.

This first tier doesn’t come with professional help but includes audit support, maximum refund guarantee, a simple to follow questionnaire that guides you through your tax filing process, and the ability to scan, upload and import your docs to TurboTax.

They also transfer all of your information once you sign up so you can get started right away.

Their following ‘Assisted’ tier costs from $99 to $219 and is the first tier with live, on-demand, expert support.

This tier offers everything from the previous tier plus unlimited help from tax experts, a final expert review before filing and year-round support from tax experts.

It’s a great peace of mind option if you want to save on your tax report by filing it yourself yet still get professional support to ensure everything’s in order.

TurboTax’s next tier goes even further, providing a full tax service for a fraction of the cost of traditional CPA counsel.

Ranging from $219-$409 TurboTax’s Full Service offer provides everything found in their previous offering plus the added benefit of a dedicated tax professional suited to your situation that can file and sign off on your tax return, ensuring you get every dollar you deserve.

Guarantees and Reimbursement

TurboTax offers a number of far-reaching guarantees for the full 7-year life of your tax return.

They offer guarantees on the accuracy of their calculations, guarantees on the maximum refund you deserve and a guarantee on audit support.

Starting with costs resulting from fines, if you pay an IRS or state penalty as a result of Tubotax’s calculation error, you can expect to be reimbursed by TurboTax both for the penalty and any resulting interest. Terms and conditions apply.

Furthermore, if you get a larger tax return or smaller tax due from another tax software or preparation method, TurboTax will refund the applicable purchase price of their service.

This doesn’t apply to their business tax services, so check TurboTax's terms for details.

If you get audited by the IRS based on your tax report provided with the help of TurboTax, you can expect support from TurboTax as part of their Audit Support Guarantee.

The support they provide is informational only in nature and they cannot serve as your legal counsel in case you need it.

You can expect to be connected with a tax professional to discuss the audit and get support, and if none are available, TurboTax will refund the purchase price of applicable services.

User Experience and Support

TurboTax’s sign-up and registration process is a breeze. They offer relevant questions pertaining to your tax filing process and assess what type of service you may require.

This entire process is free and quite enjoyable due to their questionnaire/quiz-like approach to getting to know you.

You don’t have to enter the same information or answer the same question twice and with their friendly and well-designed user interface, you almost forget that you're working on your taxes.

In regards to support, as part of premium plans they offer extensive support from legal experts which we’ve discussed above in the pricing and features section.

As far as customer support is concerned, Intuit offers a support number 1-800-4INTUIT (1-800-446-8848) where you can discuss any details regarding the TurboTax product with live support, and on the TurboTax website, you have access to TurboTax support with plenty of useful articles and information about their product and filing taxes in general.

Taxhub examines your tax needs and then combines the professional expertise of a tax advisor with the convenience and affordability of an online tax software.

A platform designed to match tax filers with dedicated CPAs, Taxhub offers a wide range of features and services to make tax filing as simple and stress-free as possible.

Pricing and Features

With Taxhub’s transparent pricing plans and wide range of services, you can find the perfect solution for your personal or business tax needs without hidden fees.

If you need basic tax services, you should go for the fully-customizable Personal Tax Prep solution which starts at $159 and includes one free state tax return, unlimited W2s, $10,000 IRS Penalty Insurance Guarantee, unlimited stock transactions, itemized deductions, interest or dividends, and a maximum refund guarantee. 

Taxhub is also possibly the best option for the self-employed since their Personal Tax prep plan allows users to add a variety of extras, among them the Self-Employed Sch C add-on, which is perfect for those who are running a business on their own and want to avoid paying for extra tax services when filing their reports.

The Business Plan, priced at $459, is quote-based and requires you to fill in a questionnaire about your business.

This plan is suitable for C-corporations, S-corporations, partnerships, and trusts. It offers federal & state tax prep, audit defense on all federal & state, deduction of company fees from your return, and free scheduled tax consultation.

Taxhub also offers tax consultation services with a dedicated CPA which cost $49 per 15-minute interval. You'll pay upon finishing the call and clearing up complex tax issues with an expert.

If you end up becoming a tax-filing client, the first $49 charge for this call will be deducted from your tax prep package fee. Scheduling one-on-one coaching sessions is a breeze as there's an on-site list of available time slots you can book with a few clicks.

The S-Corp Conversion Calculator is a new service from Taxhub, and it helps users calculate their S-Corp tax savings. Also, non-US citizens can apply for LLC and corporation tax preparation and filing.

The price of the service starts at $459 and includes filing for 5472 (foreign-owned information return) in all 50 states. Taxhub also lets you calculate your federal R&D tax credit to determine eligibility and potential savings.

With so many features on offer and the fact that Taxhub CPAs own the company so you get to work with the same experts year after year, the company is an excellent choice.

Also, you don't have to worry about overpaying as Taxhub offers a maximum refund guarantee - if you find a lower advertised price for the same service, they will refund the difference.

Guarantees and Reimbursement

Taxhub provides several security features to help users become more comfortable with their platform. You won’t have to pay for a tax return until it's been filed.

Among other tax preparation options, all Taxhub tax returns come with a $10,000 IRS Penalty Insurance Guarantee, which means that if you incur an IRS penalty, Taxhub will reimburse you.

It also offers an Audit Defense Guarantee on all state and federal returns it prepares which will cover the cost of representation in case you're selected for an audit.

User Experience and Support

To get started with Taxhub, you first need to create an account in a few simple steps. Then, you'll be able to connect with a designated CPA with whom you'll be working year after year.

The online platform then requires you to upload your tax documents; you can even email a picture of the documents, and it'll be enough.

After that, you'll schedule a phone or video call with your CPA to discuss your tax situation. To complete your return, make sure to sign and verify it through the platform's Experian-powered verification process.

When you're done, your CPA will file your taxes on your behalf. You won't need to pay until your tax return has been accepted.

Taxhub offers unlimited support through phone, email, and live chat. Additionally, you can leave a question in the contact form on the site. You can always reach out to your dedicated CPA for help and guidance.

The company also has an extensive blog section and FAQ page where you can find answers to all your tax-related questions.

Founded in 1998 with the aim of offering affordable online and downloadable tax filing services, TaxAct has already helped file more than 65 million federal returns. They’re best known for their 100% accuracy guarantee, ease of use, and year-round tools that can help anyone save on taxes.

Pricing and Features

As far as features go, TaxAct offers options similar to the ones provided by other tax software providers. Users can either prepare their taxes online or opt for the downloadable version supported by Mac and PC computers. Here’s an overview of TaxAct’s pricing plans:

The first of TaxAct’s four service tiers is their Free plan ($0 federal plus $39.95 per state filed). Designed for simple filers with earned income credit, college expenses, retirement income, child tax credit, and dependents, this plan also lets you determine your W-2 form and import your previous returns.

The Free plan also comes with unlimited account support and an online wizard that makes the filing process quicker and easier.

Marked as the most popular option, TaxAct’s Deluxe plan is priced at $46.95 (plus $54.95 per state) and meant for homeowners with credits, adjustments, and deductions.

The service at this tier comes with the assistance of a tax specialist (via phone) and covers everything from the Free plan plus itemized deductions, mortgage interest, real estate taxes, child and dependent care, adoption credits, health savings accounts, and student loan interest.

TaxAct’s Premier plan comes with a $69.95 fee (plus $54.95 per state) and is considered one of the best solutions for investors.

Along with everything from the previous two tiers, it also covers home sales and similar investments, investment expenses, foreign bank and financial accounts, rental property income, and royalty and Schedule K-1 income.

Another great thing about this plan is that it provides prioritized support with even screen sharing included. 

Finally, TaxAct’s Self-Employed plan is priced at $94.95 (plus $54.95 per state) and designed to help freelancers, independent contractors, and sole proprietors maximize their deductions.

This is easily one of the best solutions available today, as you’ll get everything from the first three tiers plus the ability to easily report your business income and expenses, calculate depreciation, stay on top of your business taxes with year-round planning resources, and reduce your audit risks, as TaxAct will inspect your return for errors and omissions.

Guarantees and Reimbursement

TaxAct guarantees that its product is 100% accurate and capable of getting you your maximum refund. If not, TaxAct will pay the software fees, as well as any difference in your higher tax liability or lower refund and even any legal or audit charges up to $100,000.

TaxAct also lets you request a refund within 30 days if you’re dissatisfied with their services. 

User Experience and Support

TaxAct offers a simple and easy-to-use platform that can handle most business and personal tax prep needs. Customers can either use the online version or download the software to their computers. There’s also a mobile app, but it’s not as full-featured as the aforementioned options. 

As far as customer service goes, support levels are dependent on the service package you decide to go for. Either way, all customers get access to the provider’s detailed help page, as well as unlimited chat, email, and phone support.

Launched in the early 1990s, TaxSlayer is easily one of the most affordable tax filing companies among the industry’s major players. Founded by Rhodes-Murphy & Co., a Georgia-based tax preparation service, TaxSlayer employs more than 200 employees and helps file 10 million personal and business tax returns each year. 

Pricing and Features

TaxSlayer offers a four-tiered service. Unlike most of its competitors, this provider ties its prices to the level of support, not to the tax forms and situations a software package can handle. Let's take a look:

Meant for individuals with a simple tax situation, the Simply Free plan doesn’t incur any fees for federal returns and even includes one free state tax return.

This package lets you prepare, print, and e-file your tax return, import your W-2 form, and report education expenses and student loan interest. Should you hit any “bumps on the road”, you’ll be able to contact support agents via phone and email.

TaxSlayer’s Classic plan is priced at $29.95 (plus $39.95 per state). Designed to suit almost all tax situations, this option covers everything from the Simply Free plus earned income tax credit, child tax credit, all deductions and adjustments to income, and all income types without any form or schedule restrictions. 

Priced at $49.95 (plus $39.95 per state), the provider’s Premium option is one of the industry’s most affordable options at this level of service.

It comes with everything offered in the Classic option with the addition of premium-level support features such as IRS audit assistance for three years, priority phone and email support, live chat for quick tech support, access to a tax professional, and the ability to file faster with unlimited assistance. 

Lastly, TaxSlayer’s Self-Employed plan comes with a $59.95 price tag (plus another $39.95 per state) and is best suited for freelancers, contractors, and 1099ers.

This tier includes everything from the lower three tiers, plus access to a tax professional with self-employed expertise, the ability to maximize work-related expense deductions on your Schedule C, guidance with 1099 income, estimated tax payment reminders on a quarterly basis, and year-round income and tax tips. 

Guarantees and Reimbursement

Much like most of its competitors, the company claims that its software is 100% accurate and offers reimbursements for any state and federal penalties and interest charges that you may incur due to their mistake.

TaxSlayer states that it will refund any applicable fees if you don’t receive the maximum refund you’re entitled to. 

Another great thing about this provider is that it lets e-filers who’d like to avoid using a credit card pay for tax prep use the File & Go feature. If you select this option, you won’t have to pay anything in advance, as your tax fees will be deducted from your refund.

User Experience and Support

TaxSlayer offers a simple and easy-to-use interface. Customers start by explaining their tax situation or importing their previous year’s tax return, entering their income, or importing a W-2 form.

That’s enough for the software to start finding the best deductions. Although TaxSlayer doesn’t offer as detailed on-screen explanations as its competitors do, all users can easily access customer service via phone and email.

The support available via phone and email is free and valuable for most types of technical situations. However, tax help comes free with only the highest two service tiers.

FreeTaxUSA is one of the fastest-growing tax platforms. Its service is best suited for experienced filers who know what they’re doing and don’t need over-engineered software with lots of on-screen explanations.

Federal returns are completely free, even for individuals with rental properties, investors, and the self-employed. However, state returns come at an additional cost. Users also have the option to upgrade to a higher level of support.

Pricing and Features

It’s the pricing that makes FreeTaxUSA great. The deal is simple - you won’t be charged anything to file a federal return, regardless of your income, filing status, or the type of 1040 you’re filling out.

If you’d like to file your federal return for free, FreeTaxUSA has got you covered. Once you join, you’ll get a 100% accuracy guarantee, more than 300 options for deductions and credits, the ability to compare your filing history, and the option to print past and current tax returns whenever you want.

Homeowners and those with investments and rental property income would benefit from the option to have their mortgage interest and property taxes written off and the amount they deposited in their HSA deducted.

FreeTaxUSA also offers assistance to self-employed users. Supporting all 1099 forms, the tax company is also an excellent choice for those with complex tax situations, as it lets users report small business income, asset depreciation, real estate sales, and more.  

However, once you decide to file a state return, you’ll have to pay a flat fee. For $14.99, you can save time by filing your state and federal returns together. You can prepare the return with just a few clicks, e-filing and direct deposit included. To top it off, FreeTaxUSA offers a maximum refund guarantee.

FreeTaxUSA may be one of the cheapest options, but despite its name, it isn’t completely free at all levels of service. If you’d like access to priority support via live chat, audit assistance, and unlimited amend returns, you should get the Deluxe plan for $7.99.

Guarantees and Reimbursement

Much like most of its competitors, FreeTaxUSA accepts responsibility for any errors that occur on the system’s end. In other words, should the IRS impose penalties or interest for incorrect tax calculations, the provider will take care of the costs.

Thanks to this feature, you get peace of mind knowing that you’re protected from any financial repercussions due to a miscalculation. Just keep in mind that you must input the correct information.

User Experience and Support

FreeTaxUSA starts your state and federal return tax prep with a step-by-step interview.

The platform also lets you skip the questionnaire and go straight to the forms. FreeTaxUSA’s interface is simple and straightforward - there are no animated on-screen explanations or over-engineered features.

While some users may dislike the plainness, others may welcome it, especially users who already feel more or less confident doing their taxes and want to finish this task as quickly as possible.

Taxpayers who are afraid of being audited or feel like they need a lot of help filing their returns may not find FreeTaxUSA’s free income tax software good enough due to the lack of support.

While all customers get access to the company’s searchable knowledge base and support via email, this may not be enough if you happen to have a specific burning question. For a higher level of support via live chat, we suggest you upgrade to the Deluxe plan.

Operating since 1955, H&R Block has established itself as one of the most trustworthy tax preparation firms with a long-standing history. The company has more than 12,000 offices around the world and offers state-of-the-art tax preparation, payroll, and business consulting services.

Pricing and Features

As with many other tax software providers, H&R Block offers a free version of their offer for people who wish to file everything themselves and require minimal support. The great thing about their free version is the ability to upgrade at any time and continue where you left off with the help of a professional or simply hand the process over to a qualified tax expert altogether.

Filing your own taxes with the support of H&R Block offers step-by-step guidance and real-time results. The version of this offer that remains free covers simple tax returns, W-2 income, Child Tax Credit, Unemployment income and is useful for students too.

If you wish to upgrade you have the choice of the Deluxe, Premium and Self-Employed versions, coming in at $55, $75 and $115 respectively +$49 for each state filed

The Deluxe version includes everything that comes with the free version plus child and dependent care expenses, the ability to itemize deductions and you can store your tax returns for six years at H&R Block. Premium provides all this plus the inclusion of rental income, investments and crypto sales in your tax return filing.

If you’re running a small business, are self-employed and looking to add deductions on your business or include rideshare/food delivery drivers and marketplace sellers, then the self-employed version provides this for an additional fee totaling $115 plus $49 per state filed.

On the other hand, if you’re looking to skip the hassle and are willing to pay a little extra, H&R Block offers filing options with a tax professional suited to your needs and even hands-off options. These services start at $85 plus filing fees and require a consultation. H&R Block even claims to be the cheapest option on the market as far as professional online support and tax filing is concerned.

Guarantees and Reimbursement

Another great thing about this software is that it offers a guarantee of 100% accuracy and the maximum refund. In other words, if you find an error in your tax preparation made by H&R Block, the company will refund the fees you paid for the software and also let you use the service to amend your return at no additional cost.

Moreover, you’ll be reimbursed for any penalties and interest (up to $10,000) that you may face should H&R Block’s tax preparation software make an error on your return.

User Experience and Support

H&R Block is praised for its comprehensive explanations of tax concepts, clear instructions, and easy-to-use platform. It’s also worth mentioning that the company does a great deal to ensure that its customers’ personal data is secure, and their privacy protected. 

As far as customer service goes, tech support is available via phone or live chat. There’s a comprehensive help page on the website and customers can also visit a brick-and-mortar H&R Block location to speak to a tax expert in person.