Best tax software for 2021

TaxAct offers five different personal tax preparation plans built to handle even the most complex of returns. Some plans even come with screen sharing capabilities so you can get on-demand support from a tax professional should you need it.

Pros

• Accuracy guarantee. If your return isn’t 100% accurate, TaxAct will give you a refund and pay all legal fees up to $100,000.
• Import previous returns. You can import old returns from TurboTax and H&R Block. Plus, you can access up to seven years of old TaxAct returns.

Cons

• Upselling. As with most software programs, TaxAct will try to upgrade you as you move through the filing process.
• No advances for tax refunds. Unlike some competitors, TaxAct doesn’t offer refund advances.

Pros

• Easy to use. H&R Block has a user-friendly interface and is known for producing accurate returns. The layout is clean and easy to follow compared to other programs.
• Multiple ways to file. You can file your tax return online, download a program onto your computer or stop by a local H&R Block location for in-person assistance.

Cons

• No automatic deductions. Unlike other tax software, H&R Block doesn’t automatically suggest deductions you should take.
• Additional fees. Expect to pay $25 on top of software fees if you want to get your refund via a paper check.

TurboTax is the best tax software for self-employed individuals. Its business plans have all the bells and whistles — auditing support, payroll features, reports and even accounting software integrations. There are even tax experts on standby.

Pros

• Business-focused features. Seamlessly generate payroll forms, import data from Quickbooks, Square, Uber and more. Plus use TurboTax’s Audit Risk Meter to check your return for audit triggers.
• Discount for military. Service members can file their federal and state tax returns for free using any TurboTax package.

Cons

• Cost. You get what you pay for and in this case, TurboTax’s robust platform doesn’t come cheap. Expect to pay at least $130 to file a federal and state return.
• Downloadable software isn’t Mac-compatible. If you choose TurboTax’s downloadable software over its online platform, you’ll need to have a Windows machine to use it.

Pros

• Unlimited support. The average wait time during tax season is less than 60 seconds, according to TaxSlayer.
• Unlimited forms. File as many 1040 Forms with the IRS as you need without worrying about hitting a limit. All states are included.

Cons

• May not be Mac-compatible. The web version of TaxSlayer Pro is Mac-compatible, but the Premium and Classic versions are not.