• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The College Investor

Student Loans, Investing, Building Wealth

  • About
  • Podcast
  • Research
  • Contact
  • Save For College
      • How To Start

      • How To Save For College
      • How To Pay For College
      • What Is the Average Cost of College?
      • What Is A 529 Plan and Where to Open One in Your State
      • How Much Should You Have In A 529 Plan By Age
      • How To Use A 529 Plan For Private Elementary And High School
      • What Are Qualified Expenses For A 529 Plan (And What Doesn’t Count)?
      • The Best Brokers To Open A 529 Plan
      • Tools + Accounts

      • 529 Plans: The Ultimate College Savings Plan
      • 529 Plan Contribution Limits
      • Prepaid Tuition Plans | What To Know
      • Understanding And Using 529A ABLE Accounts
      • Using A Roth IRA To Save And Pay For College
      • FAFSA Deadlines for Financial Aid
      • CollegeBacker Review
      • Upromise Review
      • UNest Review
      • Other Options

      • Student Loan And Financial Aid Programs By State
      • The Guide To Military And VA Education Benefits
      • How To Fill Out The FAFSA
      • How To Find College Scholarships
      • The Best College Scholarship Search Websites
      • How To Find Grants To Pay For College
      • Pell Grants: What They Are And How To Qualify
      • Understanding Federal Work-Study
      • How To Use A 529 Plan If Your Child Doesn’t Go To College
  • Student Loans
      • Borrowing

        • How Student Loans Work
        • How To Apply For A Student Loan
        • Best Student Loans And Rates In January 2023
        • 10 Best Private Student Loans Of January 2023
        • Best Student Loans To Pay For Graduate School
        • Best Student Loans To Pay For Medical School
        • Parent Loans To Pay For College
        • No-Cosigner Student Loan Options
        • Guide To Income Sharing Agreements (ISAs)
        • Best International Student Loans
      • Get Out Of Debt

        • Best Student Loan Refinance Companies In January 2023
        • Best Student Loan Repayment Plans
        • Best Student Loan Refinancing Bonuses And Promotional Offers Of January 2023
        • Student Loan Forgiveness Programs (The Complete List)
        • The Full List Of Student Loan Forgiveness Programs By State
        • Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
        • Top Student Loan Scams
        • Average Student Loan Monthly Payment
        • Average Student Loan Debt By Year
      • Reviews

        • Credible Review
        • Splash Review
        • Ascent Review
        • Citizens Bank Review
        • Commonbond Review
        • Earnest Review
        • ELFI Review
        • Laurel Road Review
        • LendKey Review
        • SoFi Review
  • Investing
      • How To Start

        • How To Start Investing in High School
        • How To Start Investing In College
        • How To Start Investing In Your Twenties For 22 – 29 Year Olds
        • How To Start Investing In Your 30s For 30 – 39 Year Olds
        • How To Start Investing With $100 Or Less
        • How To Give Kids The Gift Of Stock
        • What Is Dividend Growth Investing
        • IRA Rollover Chart
      • Tools + Accounts

        • Best Online Stock Brokers
        • The Best Traditional And Roth IRA Accounts
        • The Best Robo-Advisors
        • The Best Investing Apps
        • The Best Places to Trade Options
        • The Best Places To Open A Health Savings Account
        • The Best Solo 401k Providers
        • The Best Self-Directed IRA Providers Of 2023
        • Best Cryptocurrency Exchanges
      • Reviews

        • Vanguard Review
        • Fidelity Review 2023
        • M1 Finance Review
        • TD Ameritrade Review 2023
        • Charles Schwab Review
        • Robinhood Review
        • Webull Review
        • Betterment Review 2023
        • Wealthfront Review
  • Earn More Money
      • Extra Income

        • 20 Best Side Hustles You Can Start Earning With In 2023
        • 53 Side Hustle Ideas To Make Money Fast
        • 100 Ways To Make Money In College
        • 80 Ways To Make Money From Home In 2023
        • 5 Quick Money Making Ideas (That Take Less Than 1 Hour)
        • 10 Interesting Ways You Can Make Money Driving
        • High-Paying Side Gigs That Earn $1,000 or More Per Month
        • The 10 Best Money-Making Apps
        • Paid Surveys: Earn Money For Giving Your Opinion Online
        • 10 Crazy Ways To Make $10,000 You’ve Never Heard Of
      • Build Wealth

        • 40 Passive Income Ideas You Can Use To Build Wealth In 2023
        • 3 Ways To Make $50,000 Per Year Without Working With Passive Income
        • How To Become A Real Estate Investor With Just $500
        • 15 Best Online Business Ideas
        • Residual Income: 7 Super Smart Ways to Build It
        • The Most Common Multiple Income Streams
        • How To Become A Real Estate Mogul With Only $10,000
      • Reviews

        • Fundrise Review
        • RealtyMogul Review
        • FarmTogether Review
        • AcreTrader Review
        • Swagbucks Review
        • Survey Junkie Review
        • TopCashback Review
        • DoorDash Review
  • Personal Finance
      • Banking

        • 10 Best High Yield Savings Accounts Of January 2023
        • 10 Best Money Market Accounts Of January 2023
        • 10 Best Free Checking Accounts In January 2023
        • Best Bank CD Rates Of January 2023
        • 10 Best Business Checking Accounts In February 2023
        • Best Online Banks Of January 2023
        • Best Credit Unions Nationwide Of January 2023
        • Best College Student Checking Accounts Of January 2023
      • Insurance

        • Best Life Insurance Companies
        • Renters Insurance
        • Car Insurance
        • Pet Insurance
        • Umbrella Insurance
        • Disability Insurance
        • Tuition Insurance
        • Travel Insurance
      • Credit Tools

        • Best Budgeting Apps
        • Cash Advance Apps
        • How To Get A Free Credit Score Report
        • Best Credit Monitoring Services For 2023
        • Debt Settlement: Inside The Secret World
        • Credit Repair Explained: Should You Pay For Help?
        • Best Personal Loan Companies And Lenders
        • Online Loan Companies To Borrow From Home
      • Tax

        • Best Tax Software
        • Free Tax Software
        • IRS Tax Refund Calendar
        • Common IRS Questions and Errors
        • Federal Tax Brackets
        • Capital Gains Tax Brackets
        • 401k Contribution Limits
        • IRA Contribution Limits
        • HSA Contribution Limits
  • Forum
  • Search
Home » Taxes » Best Tax Software » Tax Software Alternatives » TaxAct Alternatives: 5 Other Popular Choices

TaxAct Alternatives: 5 Other Popular Choices

Updated: January 26, 2023 By Robert Farrington

Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Email
Print

At The College Investor, we want to help you navigate your finances. To do this, many or all of the products featured here may be from our partners. This doesn’t influence our evaluations or reviews. Our opinions are our own. Any investing information provided on this page is for educational purposes only. The College Investor does not offer investment advisor or brokerage services, nor does it recommend buying or selling particular stocks, securities, or other investments. Learn more here.Advertiser Disclosure

There are thousands of financial products and services out there, and we believe in helping you understand which is best for you, how it works, and will it actually help you achieve your financial goals. We're proud of our content and guidance, and the information we provide is objective, independent, and free.

But we do have to make money to pay our team and keep this website running! Our partners compensate us. TheCollegeInvestor.com has an advertising relationship with some or all of the offers included on this page, which may impact how, where, and in what order products and services may appear. The College Investor does not include all companies or offers available in the marketplace. And our partners can never pay us to guarantee favorable reviews (or even pay for a review of their product to begin with).

For more information and a complete list of our advertising partners, please check out our full Advertising Disclosure. TheCollegeInvestor.com strives to keep its information accurate and up to date. The information in our reviews could be different from what you find when visiting a financial institution, service provider or a specific product's website. All products and services are presented without warranty.

TaxAct Alternatives

Choosing the best tax filing software can sometimes feel like a daunting task.

With so many options, it’s difficult to tell which one will help you get the maximum refund.

TaxAct is one of the best tax software options, which will let you file both simple and complex returns and guarantees you a maximum refund, but it isn't your only option.

TaxAct has some stout competition, and while its affordability used to be a big draw for customers, over the last two years, they've increased their prices substantially without doing much to improve the product. 

Plus, TaxAct has one of the most limited free file options this year, even with their prices are going up and up! That's leaving some to look for TaxAct alternatives.

Looking for alternatives?

Our guide will take a deeper look at this software and put it to the test against its competitors to help you choose the best tax software this filing season.

Table of Contents
Comparing TaxAct to Other Tax Software Products
Breaking Down TaxAct Software
TaxAct vs. TurboTax
TaxAct vs. H&R Block
TaxAct vs. TaxSlayer
Which Alternative to TaxAct Is Best For You?

Comparing TaxAct to Other Tax Software Products

Before we delve into each of the tax software program alternatives, take a look at how their basic features stack up to get an idea of the features, cost, and support they have to offer:

TaxAct

H&R Block

TaxSlayer

TurboTax

FreeTaxUSA

Cash App Taxes

Free Version Details

Only free Federal filing this year, and limited to W2, Social Security, and unemployment income.

Robust free tier with W2, Social Security, Unemployment, and more.

Free tier only include W2 income and educational credits.

Only free for W2 and Social Security Income.

100% Free Fed

100% Free Fed and State

Prices

$0 - $94.95

$0 - $84.99

$0 - $47.95

$0 - $199

$0 - $22.98

$0

Live Support

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Limited

Audit Support

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Yes

Breaking Down TaxAct Software

TaxAct used to be one of the least expensive tax filing software options, but that's changed over the last several years.

Its pricing starts at $0, and it is best for basic tax returns or use by experienced filers.

Here are a few things you need to know about TaxAct:

  • Free Edition – Ideal for individual filers with simple tax situations. Federal costs $0. State costs $39.95 even on the free tier.
  • Deluxe Plan – Ideal for moderately complex tax situations. Federal filing costs $46.95, and each state filing costs $54.95.
  • Premier Plan – Ideal for the most complex situations except for self-employed individuals and other business owners. Federal filing costs $69.95, and each state filing costs $54.95.
  • Self-employed Plan – Has all the features of the premier plan, plus audit defense and other features for $94.95, and state filing costing $54.95.

Compared to previous years, TaxAct has increased the price of their Federal product, and increased the price of their State product (and are charging for state on the free tier) to one of the highest in the industry. Plus, TaxAct’s user experience and customer support are quite unimpressive compared to its major competitors.

You don’t have to worry, however, if TaxAct doesn’t meet your expectations. There are many alternative software options you can try.

They include TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA, and Cash App Taxes.

Let’s compare each of them with TaxAct so that you can choose the best option.

File your taxes with TaxAct>>

TaxAct Alternatives
Try TaxAct Here

TaxAct vs. TurboTax

Both TaxAct and TurboTax offer multiple options of paid editions, which support increasingly complex tax situations.

Both providers offer four paid plans. If you opt to add on-screen human assistance via TurboTax Live, you’ll need to pay an additional $79 to $199, depending on the plan and return type you’re using.

For both providers, the free plan allows you to file a 1040 and one state return. However, you aren’t allowed to itemize or file any of the Schedules 1 to 6.

That means the free plans can only work for you if you’re not looking to claim any credits or deductions except for the child tax credit or the earned income tax credit.

When it comes to features and ease of use, TurboTax would be your best choice.

In fact, TurboTax is usually considered the most user-friendly tax filing software on today’s market. Its interview style tax prep interface keeps things simple and easy to follow.

TurboTax also wins when it comes to customer support, thanks to TurboTax Live.

With this feature, you can have a face-to-face chat with a tax expert. TaxAct also offers access to tax experts, but you can’t have a face-to-face conversation with them.

Keep in mind that you have to incur more costs to enjoy TurboTax’s cutting-edge customer support.

Overall, TurboTax has the following pricing tiers:

  • $0 Free Tier
  • $59 Deluxe Tier
  • $89 Premier Tier
  • $119 Self-Employed Tier

You can also expect to pay $49 per state tax return.

Overall, TaxAct would be a better option for you as it costs slightly less but can get a great deal of work done.

If you prefer face-to-face support, however, you can decide to dig deeper into your pocket and invest in TurboTax.

File your taxes with TurboTax>>

TaxAct Alternative: TurboTax
Try TurboTax Here

TaxAct vs. H&R Block

Both TaxAct and H&R Block allow you to file federal and state taxes, but you will have to pay a bit more with H&R Block. However, once you price in state tax filing fees with TaxAct this year, the pricing is very similar.

Moreover, both providers offer free e-filling, a service that lets you send your tax returns to the state and IRS electronically.

Overall, it is slightly less expensive to file with TaxAct. Nonetheless, you can still save some money with H&R Block’s free version as it supports the regular Form 1040 and Schedule A. This means more income and deductions are support for free.

This year, H&R Block pricing is as follows:

  • Free Version - $0
  • Deluxe - $54.99
  • Premium - $74.99
  • Self-Employed - $114.99

You'll also pay $44.99 per state tax return you need to file.

When it comes to features and ease of use, TaxAct’s interface is somewhat unappealing, but it gives you access to all the basic features.

You will also get help throughout your tax preparation process, but the help is less detailed compared to what you get from H&R Block.

H&R Block boasts a straightforward and easy to use interface. It also offers adequate help during the preparation process. The software can direct you to a searchable knowledge base and links to important resources.

With either software, you can import W-2s, which helps to save time. However, H&R Block also allows for 1099 imports. Both providers also provide tools with which you can calculate the deduction values of charitable donations.

When it comes to customer support, H&R Block could be a better option, with physical locations spread across the country.

If you are okay with getting advice online, however, you can capitalize on the help options TaxAct has to offer. The good thing is that both providers offer access to actual tax experts.

Overall, TaxAct offers a slightly better deal if you don’t mind the absence of face-to-face customer support for Federal taxes.

However, if you feel you will need some help and don’t mind the extra cost that comes with it, you probably want to go for H&R Block.

File your taxes with H&R Block>>

TaxAct Alternative: H&R Block
Try H&R Block Here

TaxAct vs. TaxSlayer

If you have to choose between TaxAct and TaxSlayer and you are budget-conscious, then you’d be better off with TaxSlayer since it’s less expensive.

The cheapest paid package for TaxSlayer will cost you $29.95 while TaxAct’s will cost you $46.95.

TaxSlayer has the following pricing tiers this year:

  • Free version
  • $29.95 classic version
  • $49.95 premium version
  • $59.95 self-employed version

You can also expect to pay $39.95 per state.

Plus, TaxSlayer unlocks all tax forms and options at their lowest price-point (Classic) - so you get a TON more value.

So, if you prefer more features to enjoy a better tax filing experience, invest in TaxSlayer.

When it comes to user-friendliness, TaxSlayer generally provides a great user experience. Nonetheless, TaxAct has a simpler interface and is more user-friendly of the two (slightly - TaxSlayer has come a long way).

File your taxes with TaxSlayer >>

TaxAct Alternatives: TaxSlayer
Try TaxSlayer Here

TaxAct vs. FreeTaxUSA

FreeTaxUSA has long been an underdog in the tax software market, but it has a devout following due to its simple pricing model.

FreeTaxUSA offers the simple flat pricing: free federal filing and a flat $14.99 per state.

They also offer a Deluxe version for $7.99 which includes audit support.

This is much lower than what you get at any tier of TaxAct, and frankly, FreeTaxUSA is as easy to use (or possibly easier to use) than TaxAct.

If you have to choose between the two options, you're probably better off saving money and using FreeTaxUSA.

File your taxes with FreeTaxUSA >>

TaxAct Alternatives: FreeTaxUSA
Try FreeTaxUSA Here

TaxAct vs. Cash App Taxes

Cash App Taxes is one of the newest tax software options, and it's also the only option that is truly free for both Federal and State tax returns.

Cash App Taxes is the lowest priced tax software because they offer truly free federal and state tax returns. However, you may be disappointed in what free gets you.

Cash App Taxes doesn't allow for tax filing in multiple states, and doesn't support any foreign earned income. There may be other tax situations that it doesn't support as well.

If you have any complexity in your tax return, TaxAct is probably the better choice. But for simple tax returns, Cash App Taxes is a compelling alternative.

File your taxes with Cash App Taxes >>

TaxAct Alternatives: Cash App Taxes
Try Cash App Taxes Here

Which Alternative to TaxAct Is Best For You?

TaxAct used to be one of the cheapest tax filing options out there, but that's changed in recent years. With the higher Federal and State prices, it make it hard to justify using TaxAct compared to the alternatives.

TurboTax is simple to use and offers a wide selection of features (including a ton of bank and brokerage import features) and robust customer support. If you’re not experienced in tax filing, this could be an ideal option for you. Keep in mind that it costs more than TaxAct, though.

H&R Block stands out from the rest because it gives you the option to visit one of their offices spread across the country if you need any help. It also has an intuitive interface and uses simple language.

Finally, both FreeTaxUSA and Cash App Taxes offer low priced or free tax filing options that work well for simple tax returns.

TaxAct provides a good middle ground experience among the providers when it comes to cost, usability, and customer service, but you're typically probably better off with one of the other software packages.

The key, once again, is knowing your needs and budget and choosing your tax software accordingly.

Robert Farrington
Robert Farrington

Robert Farrington is America’s Millennial Money Expert® and America’s Student Loan Debt Expert™, and the founder of The College Investor, a personal finance site dedicated to helping millennials escape student loan debt to start investing and building wealth for the future. You can learn more about him on the About Page, or on his personal site RobertFarrington.com.

He regularly writes about investing, student loan debt, and general personal finance topics geared towards anyone wanting to earn more, get out of debt, and start building wealth for the future.

He has been quoted in major publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, Fox, ABC, NBC, and more. He is also a regular contributor to Forbes.

TaxAct Alternatives: 5 Other Popular Choices

Editor: Claire Tak

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, or other advertiser and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comment Policy: We invite readers to respond with questions or comments. Comments may be held for moderation and are subject to approval. Comments are solely the opinions of their authors'. The responses in the comments below are not provided or commissioned by any advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any company. It is not anyone's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
Subscribe
Connect with
I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree
Notify of

I allow to create an account
When you login first time using a Social Login button, we collect your account public profile information shared by Social Login provider, based on your privacy settings. We also get your email address to automatically create an account for you in our website. Once your account is created, you'll be logged-in to this account.
DisagreeAgree

1 Comment
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Primary Sidebar

Tax Resources

Featured Tax Reviews

>  H&R Block (recommended)
>  TurboTax (recommended)
>  Cash App Taxes
>  TaxSlayer
>  TaxAct
>  FreeTaxUSA

Tax Software

  • Best Tax Software 2023
  • Free Tax Software 2023
  • Best Crypto And NFT Tax Software For 2022

Tax Brackets

  • Federal Tax Income Brackets
  • Capital Gains Tax Brackets

More on Taxes

  • When To Expect My Tax Refund? The IRS Tax Refund Calendar 2023
  • Common IRS Where’s My Refund Questions and Errors
  • IRS Where’s My Refund Reference Codes
  • TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, And TaxSlayer Pricing Comparison
  • The Best Tax Software For Student Loan Borrowers
  • How To Find The Best Tax Software For Students And Recent Grads
  • The Most Common Tax Deductions
  • Stopping Tax Offsets Due To Student Loan Debt
  • Tax Resource And Help Center

Footer

Who We Are

The College Investor is an independent, advertising-supported financial media publisher, focusing on news, product reviews, and comparisons.

Connect

  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Press & Media

About

  • About
  • Our Team
  • Podcast
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • How We Make Money
  • Archives

Social

Copyright © 2023 · The College Investor · Privacy Policy ·Terms of Service · DO NOT Sell My Personal Information

wpDiscuz