Tax

When tax season arrives, selecting reliable online tax software can simplify the process significantly. We thoroughly examined and evaluated five leading online tax software platforms: Cash App Taxes, Jackson Hewitt, TaxSlayer, H&R Block, and TurboTax. To identify the cream of the crop, we considered factors such as pricing, options for free tax filing, user-friendliness, and the quality of customer service. Here are our top recommendations, with prices and other details current as of October 10, 2023.
CHOOSE
service

Categories

found
Tax
Estimated Credit Score:
#TAX
recommended
card
4.0/5

TaxSlayer Premium

  • Federal Filing Fee $54.95
  • State Filing Fee $39.95

TaxSlayer Premium stands out from its competitors by offering exceptional customer service. It provides various avenues for customers to seek assistance with their tax filing needs, including phone support, live chat, email, and access to professional tax assistance. While TurboTax also performs well in this category, we recommend TaxSlayer due to its unique offering of free professional tax assistance.

TaxSlayer Premium is the top choice for individuals prioritizing outstanding customer service and affordability while enjoying exceptional support. Users can take advantage of a priority phone line, and TaxSlayer also offers assistance through live chat in addition to more traditional options like email support.

#TAX
recommended
card
4.0/5

Cash App Taxes

  • Federal Filing Fee $0
  • State Filing Fee $0

If your tax situation is straightforward, such as having a single W-2 and minimal deductions, Cash App Taxes is the ideal tax software solution for your needs. Cash App Taxes stands out in tax software because it offers utterly free tax filing, regardless of the complexity of your return. While most significant players offer free versions for basic returns but charge for self-employed tax filings, Cash App Taxes breaks this mold.

Cash App Taxes software is most effective for individuals with uncomplicated tax returns, typically including a W-2 and standard deductions like student loan interest. Cash App Taxes is a suitable choice if you're searching for online tax software that is entirely free and doesn't spring unexpected fees on you. Furthermore, it is known for its user-friendly and efficient interface.

#TAX
recommended
card
4.0/5

TurboTax Deluxe

  • Federal Filing Fee $0
  • State Filing Fee $0

TurboTax typically comes with a higher price tag compared to other options available. While individuals with a strong understanding of tax filing might only require some of the advanced features included in most TurboTax online products, some may still appreciate the experience and the availability of human assistance, which can justify the additional expense. TurboTax has consistently received acclaim for its well-designed interface and user-friendly experience.

This service is suitable exclusively for straightforward tax returns. It enables you to file a 1040 and a state return at no cost, but it does not support itemization or the filing of schedules 2 or 3 of the 1040. Limited use of schedule 1 is possible, but not all taxpayers are eligible for this feature.

#TAX
recommended
card
4.0/5

Jackson Hewitt Online

  • Federal Filing Fee $25
  • State Filing Fee $0

If you're searching for online tax software that offers a wide range of excellent features at an attractive price point, Jackson Hewitt Online is the ideal choice to fulfill your requirements. Jackson Hewitt Online charges a flat fee of $25 for filing your tax return, regardless of its complexity. What's even better is that you can file multiple state tax returns without any additional charges. This makes it a highly suitable option for individuals who prefer to handle their tax preparations. The platform boasts an intuitive interface, making it easy to navigate through different sections of your return and complete the filing process efficiently. Should you require assistance, you can access the Help menu, which provides access to frequently asked questions, or you can connect with their customer service team through live chat or email.

Jackson Hewitt Online is most effective when you have a tax return with many deductions, such as itemized deductions or education expenses. Additionally, if you require the filing of multiple state tax returns and are seeking an affordable solution with diverse customer service options, this tax software could be an excellent fit for your needs.

#TAX
recommended
card
4.0/5

TaxSlayer Self-Employed

  • Federal Filing Fee $0
  • State Filing Fee $0

We've chosen TaxSlayer Self-Employed as the top pick for self-employed individuals because it provides robust customer service, including a priority phone line, and offers an intuitive platform suitable for even complex tax returns. You can follow a guided interview, simplifying the process and guiding you through each step for a swift and accurate tax filing experience. One of the standout features of TaxSlayer Self-Employed is its affordability. You can electronically file your federal and state tax returns for just a little over $100. In contrast, TurboTax can cost nearly $200 for self-employed filers to file federal and state returns, and additional charges apply if you seek expert tax advice.

Self-employed individuals seeking excellent value for their money will find TaxSlayer SE a valuable choice. For a price slightly exceeding $100, you can file federal and state taxes using this software. It provides step-by-step guidance, access to tax experts when needed, and the convenient option to directly access the required tax forms, saving you time and effort.

FAQ

Tax software is a digital tool designed to facilitate the filing of both federal and state tax returns by providing guided assistance. Depending on your choice of tax software, you can access various features, including the direct import of tax forms, tax deduction finders, expert tax support, and customer service assistance. Tax software streamlines the tax-filing process, saving you time by offering user-friendly navigation tools to input your tax-related information effortlessly. Furthermore, many tax software products allow you to conveniently upload your previous year's tax return, eliminating the need to manually re-enter essential details such as your name, Social Security number, and dependent information. While the cost of tax software can vary, if you have a straightforward tax return, perhaps with just one W-2 and a few deductions, you may often find the option to file for free with many tax software solutions.

When choosing the best platform for your tax needs, consider four key areas: ease of use, cost, technical assistance, and customer service. Begin by assessing the ease of use. Tax software should simplify the process, offering user-friendly navigation menus, a helpful Q&A tax interview, and various support options such as phone, email, live chat, and expert tax assistance. Next, examine the costs and fees. Ensure the software aligns with your budget while providing the necessary tax forms. Consider additional features like customer support, tax deduction tools, and access to tax experts. Understand any fees associated with filing state taxes. Evaluate the technical and tax assistance the software provides. Look for features that help ensure accurate data entry, aid in choosing the optimal filing status, and offer access to tax experts for guidance. Lastly, review the customer support options. Check if phone support and the company's operating hours are available. Assess whether live chat or email support is offered during the tax filing process and inquire about additional charges for extra clearance.

Regarding free tax filing options, not all products are created equal. After reviewing the free versions of our finalist platforms, we've designated Cash App Taxes as our top choice for free tax filing due to its wide range of forms available at no cost. However, besides the online tax products we examined, another less-known option offers accessible tax filings with minimal limitations and restrictions. The IRS Free File program typically allows individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $73,000 to file their tax returns for free. Choosing IRS Free File over an advertised free filing solution from an online tax provider can be advantageous because the IRS program supports a greater variety of tax forms without charges. Before using the service, it's advisable to review the offerings of each product to determine which free option aligns best with your needs.

If you don't find the answer,
you can ask our experts

ask the experts