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The best tax software helps you file your taxes online with little hassle or frustration. We analyzed over 20 tax software programs — comparing the price, ease of use, filing options, support and features of each — to bring you the top five.
The 5 best tax software programs
The best tax software depends on your specific tax situation. Here are five top tax software programs if you’re self-employed, have a complex return, need more support or are on a limited budget.
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.
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.
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.
H&R Block has nine different software plans and packages — half of which come with on-demand support from tax experts, enrolled agents and CPAs. This makes it a great option for those who think they’ll need help during the filing process.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With FreeTaxUSA, you can file federal returns for free and state returns for $12.95, making it a great option for free filers and those on a limited budget. But it doesn’t support all tax forms.
Affordable. You’ll pay $0 for federal returns and $12.95 for state returns, plus an additional $6.99 for live chat, audit assistance and unlimited amended returns.
No surprises. While many tax software programs try to upsell you throughout the filing process, FreeTaxUSA doesn’t and its fees are straightforward.
No phone support. Unless you pay $6.99 for the Deluxe version, the only way to reach customer service is through email.
Doesn’t support all tax forms. You can’t use FreeTaxUSA if you have foreign employment income, a nonresident alien return, at-risk limitations and Archer MSAs, among others.
TaxSlayer Pro is a tax preparation software designed specifically for tax preparers. It comes with unlimited support and integrated bank products to help your clients get paid sooner.
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.
May not be Mac-compatible. The web version of TaxSlayer Pro is Mac-compatible, but the Premium and Classic versions are not.
How do I choose the best tax software?
Here are some major factors to consider when narrowing down the best tax software for your situation:
Cost. Some tax software programs are sneaky and will let you start out on the free version, then bump you up to a paid tier as you go. Read the details for each tier so you know how much you’ll pay for your situation.
Ease of use. Choose a tax program that’s easy to understand, so you can make sure you’re filling out everything correctly. If an interface looks clunky or confusing, it may only add to your frustration.
Customer support. Some tax software programs come with on-demand chat or phone support while others are limited to email support only.
Tax software alternatives
You have two main alternatives if you don’t want to use a tax software:
Tax professional. Hiring a CPA may be a good option if you’re a high net worth individual or business owner with a complicated and confusing tax situation.
DIY. Doing your taxes yourself is the most laborious option — and it also has the most room for error. Unless you’re a tax preparer, you may not have the expertise to go this route.
Compare online tax software
Use this table to compare popular online tax software options. Use the column headings to sort the table by the features you’re looking for the most.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
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.
Frequently asked questions
The best tax software for Uber drivers and other freelancers is KeeperTax. The software connects with your bank account and tracks your expenses throughout the year to help you maximize your deductions. Come tax season, you can file directly with KeeperTax or export your expenses and file elsewhere.
You use most online tax software programs in your web browser, so they’re compatible with both Mac and PC. If you’re looking for downloadable software, H&R Block has a lot of options.
The best tax software to use with Quickbooks is TurboTax. There are four different business packages to choose from. The Self-Employed package even comes with a free one-year subscription to QuickBooks Self-Employed.
Cassidy Horton is a writer for Finder, specializing in banking and investments. She has a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia Southern University. Cassidy enjoys educating people about financial services, exploring the Pacific Northwest and watching endless reruns of The Office.
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