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Tax Software Comparison Chart

Tax Software Comparison Chart

Last updated: March 25, 2025 (0)
Contents
Table of contents

It’s hard to know where to start when it comes to finding the right tax software. Luckily, you’re in the right place – we’ve collated all the key information you need to know about plenty of different online tax platforms.

Overview
Taxes
Forms and attachments
Platform
Security
Pricing
Payment options
Customer service
Overview
TurboTax
TaxAct
E-file
TaxSlayer
FreeTaxUSA
Brand/logo
Visit brand site
Read review
Rating
Joint filing
Filing for deceased
Filing support
Live support
Professional audit
W-2 importing
1095 importing
1098 importing
1099 importing
Competitor import
Previous years' returns
Multiple returns
Form printing
Tracking
Extra services
Overview comparison for TurboTax, TaxAct, E-file, TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA

TurboTax quick overview

TurboTax
Editors' choice: TurboTax
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Simple and logical interface
  • Thorough, straightforward interview process
  • Useful additional tools
  • Reporting cryptocurrency profit and loss
  • Advanced account security
  • Expensive products and extras
  • Imperfect importing of past returns
  • Insufficient live support
Starting price: $59.99/unit Visit TurboTax
Screenshots
Offers
Up to 33% tax season discount on TurboTax online products
TurboTax online free edition with upgrades
TurboTax online referral program
40% discount on TurboTax MAX security services bundle
TurboTax Free Edition with free services
TurboTax self-employed with free QuickBooks online
TurboTax money-back guarantee for smaller refunds

TurboTax plans comparison

Free
$0
Free forever
+$0/state
+$99.99 TurboTax Live Basic
Importing of competitors, last year returns, and W-2s
Basic IRS audit support service
Deluxe
$59.99/unit
One-time payment
+$39.99/state
+$80 TurboTax Live Deluxe
Importing of competitors, last year returns, and W-2s
Basic IRS audit and identity theft service
Itemized deductions
Simplified donations with ItsDeductible support
Premier
$79.99/unit
One-time payment
+$39.99/state
+$100 TurboTax Live Premier
Importing of competitors, last year returns, and W-2s
Basic IRS audit and identity theft service
Itemized deductions
Simplified donations with ItsDeductible support
Profit and loss from cryptocurrency transactions
Investment and rental property income
Self-Employed
$119.99/unit
One-time payment
+$39.99/state
+$100 TurboTax Live Self-Employed
Importing of competitors, last year returns, and W-2s
Basic IRS audit and identity theft service
Itemized deductions
Simplified donations with ItsDeductible support
Profit and loss from cryptocurrency transactions
Investment, rental property, and business income
Free one-year QuickBooks Self-Employed subscription

TaxAct quick overview

TaxAct
Guaranteed accuracy: TaxAct
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Straightforward and logically designed program
  • Multiple returns for one account
  • Exceptional account and data security
  • Wide variety of extra features
  • Cost-friendly base prices
  • Limited W-2 importing
  • No SSN validation
  • Login and compatibility issues with the app
Starting price: $14.95/unit Visit TaxAct
Screenshots
Offers
TaxAct online free edition with upgrades
Price lock guarantee on TaxAct paid products
TaxAct online refer-a-friend promotion
TaxAct monetary bonus for refunds on gift cards
TaxAct online free edition
30-day risk-free trial of TaxAct audit defense
Free personalized future savings report

TaxAct plans comparison

Free
$0
Free forever
W-2 import
Personalized savings report
+$19.95 per state
+$49 Audit Defense
Basic+ Edition
$14.95/unit
One-time payment
W-2 import
Personalized savings report
+$19.95 per state
+$49 Audit Defense
Last year/competitors import
Deluxe+
$47.95/unit
One-time payment
W-2 import
Personalized savings report
+$39.95 per state
+$49 Audit Defense
Last year/competitors import
Donation Assistant tool
Itemized deductions
Employed+
$77.95/unit
One-time payment
W-2 import
Personalized savings report
+$39.95 per state
+$49 Audit Defense
Last year/competitors import
Donation Assistant tool
Itemized deductions
Priority support
Deductions maximizer
Schedule C

E-file quick overview

E-file
Budget-conscious: E-file
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Unlimited use until payment
  • Straightforward form filling process
  • Mobile-friendly, straightforward account
  • Good default and extra security options
  • Cost-friendly base prices
  • Lack of form importing
  • No live audit before filing
  • Lack of organized support
Starting price: $18.99/unit Visit E-file
Screenshots
Offers
E-file unlimited free version
24% discount on all filed tax refunds

E-file plans comparison

Free Federal
$0
Free forever
Built-in filing support
Unlimited, mobile-friendly account
Single/joint filing, filing for deceased
+$19 per state refund
+$29.95 Protection Plus
Deluxe Plus
$18.99/unit
One-time payment
Built-in filing support
Unlimited, mobile-friendly account
Single/joint filing, filing for deceased
+$19 per state refund
+$29.95 Protection Plus
File with dependents
Retirement incomes
Mortgage interest deduction
Premium Plus
$34.95/unit
One-time payment
Built-in filing support
Unlimited, mobile-friendly account
Single/joint filing, filing for deceased
+$19 per state refund
+$29.95 Protection Plus
File with dependents
Retirement incomes
Mortgage interest deduction
All credits and deductions
Business incomes

TaxSlayer quick overview

TaxSlayer
Automation: TaxSlayer
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Useful built-in help tools
  • Quick importing of certain data
  • Extensive selection of extra services
  • Free state filing for free users
  • Acceptable base prices
  • Basic account and data security
  • Lackluster or buggy mobile versions
  • Weak referral program
Starting price: $24/unit Visit TaxSlayer
Screenshots
Offers
TaxSlayer Simply Free with optional upgrades
TaxSlayer Classic free for military employees
TaxPerks referral program by TaxSlayer
32% off on audit defense in TaxSlayer Premium
50% discount on TaxSlayer Securely ID
TaxSlayer Simply Free with free state refund
30-day trial of TaxSlayer audit service

TaxSlayer plans comparison

Free
$0
Free forever
PDF return import
Deduction finder
1040EZ only
Free first state return ($+29/ add'l state)
Classic
$24
One-time payment
PDF return import
Deduction finder
All major forms
+$29 per any state return
W-2 import
Autofilling of prior years' info
Premium
$44
One-time payment
PDF return import
Deduction finder
All major forms
+$29 per any state return
W-2 import
Autofilling of prior years' info
IRS audit assistance
Priority support
Personal tax assistance
Self-Employed
$47
One-time payment
PDF return import
Deduction finder
All major forms
+$29 per any state return
W-2 import
Autofilling of prior years' info
IRS audit assistance
Priority support
Personal tax assistance

FreeTaxUSA quick overview

FreeTaxUSA
Low cost: FreeTaxUSA
Editor's rating:
Reviews
  • Straightforward, precise, mobile-friendly software
  • Logical layout
  • Wide variety of built-in support options
  • Excellent account and data security
  • Free federal returns
  • Imperfect importing of competitors' data
  • Pay-only reviewing of returns
  • Lackluster customer support
Starting price: $6.99/unit Visit FreeTaxUSA
Screenshots
Offers
FreeTaxUSA free forever tax prep software

FreeTaxUSA plans comparison

Free
$0
Free forever
Unlimited software
Free federal return filing
+$12.95/state (current year)
+$14.99/state (previous years)
Basic customer support
Pay-only return amendments
Deluxe
$6.99/unit
Billed monthly
Unlimited software
Free federal return filing
+$12.95/state (current year)
+$14.99/state (previous years)
Priority support with live chat option
Unlimited free return amendments
IRS audit assist

How to compare tax software

Tax software is one of the most valuable digital tools out there, aiding both individuals and businesses alike. There’s no longer a need to manually file tax forms, as online tax services do it for you, ensuring that your refunds are maximized and IRS guidelines are followed.

So, which online tax software should you go for? This largely depends on your budget and needs. For instance, everyone benefits from IRS audit assistance, whereas it’s likely that only non-profit organizations will need a donations assistant. It’s important that you carefully compare professional tax software prices and only pay for what you need.

Some companies offer free trials and money-back guarantees, so we recommend trying out and comparing a few tax software platforms to see which best meets your requirements. Make sure you check that your chosen service includes filing support, professional auditing, and document importing – at the very least.

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