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File personal, business and enterprise taxes with this tax preparation software.
TaxAct has been in the business for over 20 years and offers several different tax preparation software packages for personal, business and enterprise use. But recent customer reviews reveal it may not be as reliable as it once was.
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.
Expert Review
Review by
Cassidy Horton
TaxAct is one of the oldest and most well-known tax preparation software services on the market. It offers 10 different packages for individuals, businesses and enterprises, plus three easy ways to receive your tax refund.
If you’re looking for a reliable yet inexpensive way to file taxes this year, TaxAct may be the way to go.
Expert review
TaxAct is one of the oldest and most well-known tax preparation software services on the market. It offers 10 different packages for individuals, businesses and enterprises, plus three easy ways to receive your tax refund.
If you’re looking for a reliable yet inexpensive way to file taxes this year, TaxAct may be the way to go.
How much does TaxAct cost?
TaxAct offers five personal tax preparation plans, one package and four bundles:
Plan and Packages
Price
Best For
Features
Free plan
$0 for federal$19.95 for state
Simple returns
Single or married
W2 income
Retirement income
Free account support
Basic+ plan
$14.95 for federal$19.95 for state $29.95 for tax expert help included
Filers with dependents
Everything in the Free plan
Child tax credits
Earned income credit
Education expenses
Unlimited support from a tax specialist
Deluxe+ plan
$47.95 for federal $39.95 for state $107.95 for tax expert help included
Homeowners
Everything in the Basic+ plan
Itemized deductions
Student loan interest
HSAs
Adoption credits
Moving expenses
Phone support with a tax specialist
Premier+ plan
$57.95 for federal $39.95 for state $117.95 for tax expert help included
Complex returns
Everything in the Deluxe+ plan
Foreign accounts
Investments
Rental property
K-1 income
Prioritized support
Screen sharing capability
Self Employed+ plan
Online: $77.95 for federal $39.95 for state $137.95 for tax expert help included
Downloadable software: $117.90 for federal (includes one free state return) $39.95 for additional state returns
Freelancers and small business owners
1099-MISC filing
Deduction maximizer software that helps identify potential deductions
TaxAct Business Package
$69.95 for federal $39.95 for state
Small businesses classified as a sole proprietor, partnership, C corporation or S corporation
Files 1120, 1120-S, 1065, 1040 and Schedule C forms
1040 Bundle
$675
Single business professionals
Files 1040s
1040 Enterprise Bundle
$745
Multi-users
Files 1040s
Complete Bundle
$1,200
Single business professionals
Files a range of forms including 1040s, 1041, 1065 and more.
Complete Enterprise Bundle
$1,550
Multi-users
Files any enterprise tax forms
How do I pay?
There are three ways to pay for TaxAct’s tax preparation fees:
Debt or credit card
Deducted from refund for $17.99
PayPower Card for $9.99
How do I get my tax refund?
There are three ways to receive your tax refund through TaxAct:
Direct Deposit
PayPower Card for $9.99
Paper check
Pros
As one of the oldest tax preparation companies in the business, TaxAct offers the following perks:
Accuracy guarantee. If TaxAct makes a mistake they’ll pay for software cost, cover the difference in refund amount and pay all legal and auditing costs up to $100,000.
Long-term access. Access your prior returns for seven years after the filing date.
Variety. TaxAct offers several tax preparation packages for personal, business and enterprise use.
Import previous returns. Save time by importing last year’s returns from TurboTax or H&R Block.
Cons
If you plan to file with TaxAct, watch out for these potential drawbacks:
Upselling. TaxAct will offer upgraded services as you move through the filing process.
Not 100% free. You’ll pay to file your state return with the free version.
Poor reviews. Many customers complain about the lack of customer service and hidden fees.
Case study: Adrienne’s experience
Adrienne Fuller Publisher
I’ve used TaxAct for the past several years to submit joint tax returns for federal, Colorado and California. It was very straightforward for the stage of life I was in — no kids, mortgage or major debts. The price was also a bargain compared to other services at that time.
Now that my taxes are more complicated with a mortgage and an LLC, the shortcomings of TaxAct have become more apparent. While TaxAct walks users through each stage of the filing process and offers resources, it’s difficult to determine which forms I need to fill out. I find myself straying from the site to research the forms to understand them. If I accidentally skip over a form, I have to start over.
It cost $80 to submit my taxes with TaxAct this year and it included federal, state and a return for the LLC. I particularly like that TaxAct can import my taxes from previous years. This is one of the reasons I haven’t tried to switch. I know that other services can import from other software, so I plan to compare prices and try to find a cheaper service for my 2019 returns.
TaxAct reviews and complaints
As of October 2019, TaxAct earned an A+ based on the Better Business Bureau’s internal criteria but a mere 1 out of 5-star rating based on 22 customer reviews. On Trustpilot, TaxAct received a 3 out of 5-star rating.
Customers complain about glitches in the 2018 TaxAct version of the software that resulted in errors on their tax returns. Others mention unreachable customer service and many share that the quality has declined.
Compare tax filing services
Updated April 5th, 2020
But if you’re looking for a straightforward plan and one with better customer reviews, compare other filing options before you decide.
How to sign up
Use the steps below to sign up for TaxAct online:
Go to the official TaxAct website, locate which preparation package you need and click Start Free.
Enter your email and click Next.
Type in the six-digit verification code sent to your email address and click Next.
Create your username and password, enter your phone number and click Next.
Set up your security questions and click Next.
Review the privacy policy and click Accept and Continue.
Click Add PIN and create an optional security PIN or click Skip for now.
After you’ve completed these steps, you’ll begin the filing process.
TaxAct customer support
Chat with a TaxAct customer support representative by:
Calling (319) 373-3600
During tax season: Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT
After tax season: Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT
Filling out the contact form on its website for general questions
Frequently asked questions
Yes. TaxAct has a maximum refund guarantee. If TaxAct makes an error, it refunds preparation fees, pays you the difference in refund amounts and pays for any auditing fees.
TaxAct offers a money-back guarantee for its download users as long as you haven’t already printed or e-filed your return.
To receive a refund, send a written request within 30 days of purchase to:
TaxAct, Inc. 1425 60th Street NE Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Find your adjusted gross income (AGI) using the steps below:
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