Quick view
- Best overall: Intuit TurboTax
- Best for freelancers: Keeper
- Best for complex taxes: TaxSlayer
- Best free tax software: Cash App
- Best for small businesses owners: H&R Block
If you’ve missed the April 18 deadline or have extended your deadline to October 16 and are ready to start the filing process, here are top five software to consider. The best tax software will helps you file your taxes online with little hassle or frustration. They offer a competitive price, ease of use, multiple filing options and support.
The best tax software depends on your specific tax situation. Here are the top tax software programs if you’re a freelancer, a small business owner, or have a simple or complicated return
Intuit TurboTax
Federal starting price | $59 |
---|---|
State returns starting price | $49 |
Free options available? | Yes |
Keeper
Federal starting price | $16 |
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State returns starting price | Included |
Free options available? | No |
TaxSlayer
Federal starting price | $34.95 |
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State returns starting price | $39.95 |
Free options available? | No |
Cash App
Federal starting price | $0 |
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State returns starting price | $0 |
Free options available? | Yes |
H&R Block
Federal starting price | $35 |
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State returns starting price | $37 |
Free options available? | Yes |
Finder’s banking experts researched 13 tax software to find the top options for free filings, complext taxes, freelancers and small business owners. When choosing the best accounts we consider the following factors:
We know that having access to all the deductions and tax credits you qualify for is important, especially since they can lower the taxable income in your highest income tax bracket. But we didn’t make it a deal-breaker when comparing tax software since every person’s tax situation is different. Instead, we narrow down the field with different types of income in mind.
Here are some major factors to consider when narrowing down the best tax software for your situation:
Narrow down your search for online tax software by comparing price, guarantees and live chat. Select Compare on up to four software to view their features side by side.
A tax software program helps you prepare and file your tax returns. They offer a streamlined process using a series of questions to find the deductions and credits you may qualify for and then it calculates your tax refund or tax bill based on your answers. While many tax software are self-guided, many companies offer on-demand tax expert support to help answer your questions.
Desktop and online tax software cost about the same price and come with the same customer service access. This table highlights how they’re different.
Features | Desktop tax software | Online tax software |
---|---|---|
Can use on multiple devices | ||
Works on all computers | ||
Can use without internet access | ||
Has more features | ||
Better for complex returns |
Prices vary depending on the tax filing company you choose, whether you want access to a tax expert and your specific tax situation. The more complex your taxes are, the more expensive your software likely costs. This table highlights the average price based on the type of filing you need to do.
Type of tax return | Average price |
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Individual simple tax return |
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Individual complex tax return |
|
Small business tax return |
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You don’t need any information to sign up for a tax software other than your name, email address and phone number. But you should have these documents on hand when you start the filing process.
Yes. Registered tax providers and the IRS take security precautions to ensure that your financial information is handled safely. If you still prefer to do things face to face, consider a service like H&R Block, which offers branches for paperwork drop-off. You can also print and mail in your own Form 1040.
Using an online tax software has these benefits:
Here’s what to look out for when filing your taxes with an online tax software.
You have two main alternatives if you don’t want to use a tax software:
Choosing the right tax software from the start will save you a lot of time and headache come tax season. As always, explore your tax filing options and learn which steps you should take to file your taxes this year.
Yes, your business can apply for the ERC tax credit using a tax software program.
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