Reviews tax preparation software

Answer questions to get a quote and get matched with a tax pro. Talk with a tax pro via phone or online chat. Talk with a tax pro via online messaging system; you get an email alert if your tax pro messages you. Best tax software providers we reviewed:. Is it easy to use? Get started.

A quick note on how to choose tax software Best software for simple returns. Free tax software packages at a glance. Key forms supported:. Form two pages. Income, filing limits apply. Back to top. Best software for ease of use. Get started with TurboTax. More about tax-software providers. Here's a look at some top tax-software providers and what using them is like.

Get started with TaxAct. Get started with TaxSlayer. Paid tax software packages at a glance. Live help online from a tax pro. When you want to ditch the software and just hire someone.

Upload your tax forms. Mobile app available. Here are our top picks. Read more: These are the 13 best tax deductions to look forward to in TurboTax by Intuit is the clear front-runner for good reason. The software combines tax expertise and an easy user experience with an accessible interface. The technical setup is easy: Enter your information, import your tax documents and access your past TurboTax returns when needed.

If your employer uses QuickBooks -- or if you're self-employed and manage your finances with QuickBooks -- your tax forms may already be available in Intuit, saving you a step. TurboTax guides you through the process by asking straightforward questions, and never asks for information you've already given or that doesn't relate to your particular situation.

If a question is confusing or you need clarification, you can easily access additional information. You can also exit the process at any time and pick back up where you left off if you log onto your account from any device. Plus the Deluxe fee is less than you might pay for an accountant. If you know you won't qualify for deductions or credits, stick with the free version. TurboTax Premier is specifically designed for taxpayers with real estate, while TurboTax Self-Employed will help sole proprietors, freelancers and gig workers maximize their deductions.

You can even enlist the help of a tax professional or CPA with TurboTax Live, which can supplement any of the company's software offerings. TurboTax Audit Defense is available to offer audit protection and assistance, via a partnership with TaxAudit.

The comprehensive benefits that come with TurboTax may cost more than other tax software, but the peace of mind you'll receive could be worth the price tag. That makes it a perfect fit for filers without complicated tax situations who don't want to pay, including students and recent grads. The overall process is not as smooth as TurboTax, but it's still a well-designed, interview-style system that guides you and sidesteps potential mistakes. The Help screens and extra information are useful, though not always as easy to access as with TurboTax.

You can even import the prior year's income tax returns from other platforms by uploading a PDF of your previous year's return or importing your TurboTax data file. One drawback with virtual filing is that you won't receive in-person support from a tax professional if you end up getting audited unless you pay for a higher tier of service. If you're worried about something going wrong in the tax-filing process, Jackson Hewitt Online is your best option.

You can opt for the Basic, Deluxe or Platinum tier of the Worry-Free Guarantee plan, which promises to reimburse you if you end up receiving a reduced refund or face additional tax liabilities. Both the Deluxe and Platinum tiers also offer restoration assistance that help if your identity is stolen and a tax return is filed on your behalf. The Platinum tier includes Audit Security support with a dedicated specialist who will manage and represent your case.

Check out our FAQ below for more information on the likelihood of being audited and the factors that could increase your risk. Otherwise, Jackson Hewitt's tax preparation service is in line with what you'll find elsewhere: You can use the Basic free tier for simple returns, import older tax returns prepared on other platforms, receive tech support via live chat and auto-complete state returns.

If you are in a high tax bracket or have a particularly complicated tax situation where errors may be more likely, TaxAct could be for you. You can access tax-filing guidance from a tax specialist that ranges from in-app chat support with screen-share capabilities to unlimited one-on-one advice over the phone. It's simple to import previous tax returns, navigate the platform and browse through the knowledge database as you input your itemized deductions.

Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections. For most people, Tax Day is one of the most dreaded days of the year.

Hiring a tax professional can help bring a little peace of mind, but it can be pretty pricey — which is why tax preparation software is often the ideal alternative. It also makes filing your taxes quicker and easier, which allows you to get your refund or make a payment as soon as possible.

But not all tax preparation software is created equal. At BestReviews, we help you narrow down the options. We never accept products from manufacturers, so our recommendations are unbiased. Ready to buy tax preparation software? Our top recommendations are in the product list above.

For general tips on how to choose tax preparation software and other important information about filing your taxes, continue reading this article. For example, you must file and pay your taxes on April 15, If April 15th falls on a weekend or civil holiday, taxes are due on the next working day. When you file taxes, you must declare two types of taxable income: earned income and unearned income. It includes:. For most individuals who are paid a salary or wage, the amount of money you earn before taxes are deducted is known as your gross income.

The amount of money that you actually take home each week is known as your net income. Married filing jointly: This status is for married couples who file a single tax return, usually to receive certain tax breaks. Married filing separately: This status is for married couples who choose to file separate returns due to higher earnings or extensive itemized deductions.

Head of household: This status is for unmarried people who pay half or more of the housing and support costs of other people. There are ways to reduce the amount of money that you owe in taxes, so you can lower your tax payment or increase the amount of your refund. You can always upgrade your package at an additional cost to get instant access to a tax professional. The offer will be applied once you enter your eligible Employer ID Number during filing.

TaxAct offers a fairly robust calculator you can access under the Tax Tools tab. TaxAct is worth considering if you have different income streams, are an entrepreneur, contractor or self-employed. The Self-employed tier covers freelance income including NEC , farm and business income, and depreciation calculations, plus circumstances covered in the Premier tier. Jackson Hewitt is better known for its pop-up shops and kiosks that sprout up in strip malls and big-box stores during tax season, but the tax preparer also has online software for people who want to file their taxes from home.

Jackson Hewitt offers one option for online DIY filers, in addition to three more expensive tiers for people who want the help of virtual tax pros. The Deluxe package covers homeowners and those with dependents and itemized deductions, while the Premier tier supports self-employed individuals. Jackson Hewitt is a safe bet if you prefer to file your tax returns with the assistance of a tax professional. Apart from having in-person options at your local mall during tax season, its customer support is comprehensive and even includes IRS audit assistance.

That being said, Jackson Hewitt is one of the pricier tax software companies on our list. For small-business owners or self-employed independent contractors with a modicum of confidence in their tax knowledge, TaxSlayer can offer a decent product at an affordable price.

E-file emphasizes speed on its homepage , boasting that many users can file their taxes electronically with its online software in less than 15 minutes. It's not only fast, but it's also generally less expensive than other tax preparers.

It accepts promo codes, too. E-file will automatically save your progress as you complete your tax forms. Though the platform is entirely online and promotes electronic filing, it will still let you print out your tax forms to mail in yourself. If you encounter a question before that point, you can pay for phone or email assistance. Its filing process is simple: once you create an account, enter your taxpayer information and E-file will prepare your return.

The standard interface features prior-year import and a help support sidebar that guides you every step. Whether your tax situation is simple, basic or advanced, you can file your federal tax return for free. According to FreeTaxUSA, email responses from customer support will typically take around half an hour. FreeTaxUSA offers free filing for people in all tax situations such as filing jointly, homeownership, dependents, itemized deductions, self-employed, investments, rental property, retirement and tuition program distributions.

Once you file your return, it will be automatically stored as a PDF for up to seven years. If you want to file your taxes for free, most of the leading tax preparation software providers out there have strict income limits for you to qualify. Free offerings are also often limited to people with super-simple returns, forcing filers with complex returns to dip into their bank accounts to prepare and file their taxes. This is not the case with Credit Karma ; the company offers comprehensive filing for federal and state returns for free.

Credit Karma, primarily known as an online platform that aims to help its users achieve personal finance and credit score goals, has developed an e-file product: Credit Karma Tax.

To facilitate your tax preparation process, Credit Karma is equipped with easy-to-use navigation tools to guide you every step of the way. You can also easily import your using their Smart File feature on the Credit Karma Tax mobile app or your computer. Credit Karma Tax is available in 40 states. However, its services are not available in states that offer free online tax filing services. Credit Karma Tax is the only tax software provider that offers a completely free tax filing service for federal and state returns.

The provider offers support for most tax situations and forms, including Schedule C. Drake Tax has provided tax software services to preparers since and has offered electronic filing since it became available. Drake Tax has helped a wide range of offices produce accurate and compliant tax returns. Most notably, Drake Tax offers multiple professional tax software options that can service small offices that work with lower-income taxpayers to large CPA firms that support the more complex end of the market.

Drake Tax offers multiple tax preparation software package tiers designed to meet the needs of any professional — from a single CPA working from a home office to a large corporation.

The online-only software provider is filer-friendly and equipped with a sophisticated walkthrough system that guides you through your tax return. Navigation is simple. Once you get started you can use the "tell me more" button to learn more about your taxes or ignore it and continue scrolling. Should you need support from a tax expert,