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Business FinanceTop 10 Best 2023 Tax Software of 2026
Explore 2023 tax software options with a 2026 roundup that compares TaxAct, TaxSlayer, and Drake Software for filing needs and tradeoffs.
How we ranked these tools
An editor sets the topic, the inclusion criteria, and the evaluation framework before research starts.
AI search agents find sources, extract figures with provenance, and aggregate written reviews. They also transcribe video reviews and podcasts.
Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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TaxSlayer is the best overall pick for self-filers with common W-2 returns because its step-by-step interview keeps questions structured and its built-in checks help catch gaps before you file, while Drake Software is the better alternative for tax preparers since Drake Documents centralizes client PDFs alongside the work.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
TaxSlayer
Step-by-step tax interview with dynamic prompts and error checks
Best for: Self-filers needing guided interview tax preparation for common W-2 returns
Drake Software
Editor pickDrake Documents for centralized client file storage tied to tax preparation.
Best for: Tax preparers managing varied returns with interview-driven software and document storage
TaxAct
Editor pickInterview-based guidance with pre-filing review checks for accuracy
Best for: Individuals needing guided federal and state filing with practical review checks
Comparison Table
TaxSlayer
consumer tax prepGuides individuals through tax preparation for federal and state returns with form support and self-serve filing tools.
Step-by-step tax interview with dynamic prompts and error checks
TaxSlayer stands out for its guided interview that routes filers through common deduction and credit questions with clear next steps. It supports online federal and state returns with W-2 and 1099 entry workflows, plus import options for certain tax documents.
The software includes audit support features and tax calculator tools that help users validate outcomes before filing. TaxSlayer is a strong fit for straightforward returns and moderate complexity scenarios that benefit from structured prompts.
- +Guided interview flow keeps common tax questions structured and trackable.
- +Supports both federal and state filing within one online experience.
- +Includes refund and tax impact calculators during the review steps.
- +Audit support resources help users respond to IRS notices.
- –Advanced scenarios like complex business filings get limited attention versus top competitors.
- –Document import capabilities are narrower than the strongest software ecosystems.
- –Fewer professional-grade collaboration and workflow tools than enterprise options.
First-time filers
Guided W-2 and basic deductions interview
Faster, fewer missed fields
Freelancers and gig workers
1099 entry with interview-based credits
More complete credit capture
Show 2 more scenarios
Households with mixed income
Federal and state filing workflow
Coordinated multi-state submission
Supports online federal and state returns while keeping W-2 and 1099 entry consistent.
Audit-sensitive taxpayers
Audit support and pre-filing checks
Lower audit readiness risk
Provides audit support tools and calculators to validate outcomes before final filing.
Best for: Self-filers needing guided interview tax preparation for common W-2 returns
Drake Software
tax prep suiteSupports tax preparers with integrated client management, tax return production, and firm-grade features for compliance workflows.
Drake Documents for centralized client file storage tied to tax preparation.
Drake Software stands out for being tax-first software built around Drake Tax, Drake Documents, and Drake Tax Planner workflows. It covers individual, business, and specialty returns with state filing options and step-by-step interview screens.
The package also includes client document organization through Drake Documents and planning support for future-year scenarios. It is a strong fit for tax preparers who want consistent software tools rather than fully automated bookkeeping-to-tax pipelines.
- +Wide return coverage for individuals, businesses, and specialty filings
- +Drake Documents organizes client PDFs and tax-related files in one place
- +Tax Planner supports scenario planning to forecast results
- +Strong interview-driven data entry for common tax workflows
- –Workflow feels geared to preparers rather than end users
- –Navigation can feel dense for newcomers compared with streamlined competitors
- –Collaboration features are limited for multi-person remote return prep
Individual tax preparers
Recurring personal and itemized returns
Faster return preparation
Small business accountants
Owner-operator and pass-through filings
Reduced state filing errors
Show 2 more scenarios
Tax planners for clients
Forecasting future-year withholding outcomes
Clear planning recommendations
Drake Tax Planner scenarios model changes to income and deductions before the next tax year.
Tax firms organizing client docs
Centralizing documents for each return
Improved document traceability
Drake Documents stores and organizes client paperwork to support cleaner handoffs during preparation.
Best for: Tax preparers managing varied returns with interview-driven software and document storage
TaxAct
budget-friendlyDelivers low-cost guided preparation for federal and state returns with forms-based accuracy checks.
Interview-based guidance with pre-filing review checks for accuracy
TaxAct stands out for delivering a straightforward online tax prep flow with strong guidance prompts and simple form navigation. It supports federal and state returns, includes common deduction and credit checklists, and provides step-by-step interview questions.
Filing workflows emphasize accuracy checks and document review before submission, with options for importing or reusing prior-year data. It is a solid choice for preparing standard US returns without heavy customization needs.
- +Guided interview helps reduce missed credits and deductions
- +Federal and state filing in one consistent workflow
- +Review checks flag common errors before you submit
- +Reuse prior-year information to speed up repeat filings
- –Advanced tax scenarios can feel less streamlined than top competitors
- –Limited depth for complex bookkeeping and multi-entity filings
- –Upsells for certain forms and add-ons can raise total cost
Best for: Individuals needing guided federal and state filing with practical review checks
FreeTaxUSA
value-focusedOffers free federal filing with paid state filing and includes guided workflows and document import support for some scenarios.
Step-by-step tax interview that generates IRS forms automatically from your answers
FreeTaxUSA stands out with a low-cost federal and state filing workflow that focuses on guided interview steps. It supports common tax situations like W-2, 1099 income, standard or itemized deductions, and schedules for credits such as child and education.
- +Low-cost path for federal filing with paid add-ons for state returns
- +Guided interview flow maps questions to the correct form schedules
- +Uploads supported documents to reduce manual entry workload
- +Clear import and review screens help catch common omissions early
- –Less robust tax guidance for complex edge cases than top competitors
- –Audit support tools are limited compared with premium software tiers
- –Filing paths for niche forms can feel harder to locate
- –State filing experience is more dependent on the chosen add-on
Best for: Cost-conscious filers with W-2 and standard 1099 scenarios needing guided setup
Cash App Taxes
fast filingEnables quick filing for eligible tax situations by bundling tax preparation with filing and refund deposit via Cash App.
Cash App integration for document access and guided tax steps
Cash App Taxes distinguishes itself with a tight integration into the Cash App ecosystem for locating tax documents and moving through key steps. It supports W-2 and 1099 preparation, e-filing, and guided prompts that map common tax situations to the required forms.
- +Mobile-first onboarding that keeps the tax flow simple
- +Guided questionnaire reduces uncertainty across common tax inputs
- +E-filing support for a smooth end-to-end submission
- –Limited depth for complex tax scenarios and edge cases
- –Less robust organization tools than dedicated tax prep competitors
- –State return support can add cost quickly for multi-state filers
Best for: W-2 and straightforward 1099 filers who want a mobile-first workflow
Sage Intacct for Accounting Tax Workflows
accounting automationSupports tax-related accounting processes through journal workflows, reporting, and finance controls for organizations that need tax-ready financial data.
Audit trail and permissions on the general ledger with segment dimensions for tax reconciliation
Sage Intacct stands out for combining tax-focused workflows with strong financial close and reporting controls. It supports multi-entity accounting, audit-ready ledgers, and configurable processes that help tax teams reconcile transactional data to filings.
- +Multi-entity accounting supports consolidated tax reporting across business units
- +Role-based permissions help control access to tax-relevant financial data
- +Dimension and chart of accounts design improves mapping to tax reporting needs
- +Audit trails support traceability from journal entries to tax reporting support
- –Tax workflow automation needs configuration rather than built-in tax return tooling
- –Complex setup can slow time-to-value for smaller tax teams
- –Native tax calculation and return forms support is limited compared with tax specialists
- –Integrations for tax documents often require additional implementation work
Best for: Mid-size organizations standardizing tax-ready financial data using controlled workflows
OLT.com (Online Tax Office)
professional workflowProvides tax professionals a cloud portal for client intake, document management, secure file exchange, and tax workflow organization.
Client document collection and guided organizer workflow that feeds directly into prepared tax returns
OLT.com stands out by combining cloud tax preparation with practice management-style workflows for handling recurring client work. It provides guided individual tax filing, document collection, and worksheet-style guidance that supports faster review and fewer missed inputs.
- +Guided tax preparation reduces missed inputs during data entry
- +Task and workflow tooling supports review steps between preparers
- +Document collection flow helps maintain organized client packets
- –More workflow oriented than streamlined DIY filing
- –Collaboration features feel lighter than full practice management suites
- –Limited reporting depth compared with top tax platforms
Best for: Tax preparer teams needing structured workflow and guided filing without heavy customization
Intuit TurboTax
consumer tax prepGuides users through federal and state tax preparation with interactive forms, maximum refund tools, and IRS-ready output.
TurboTax Live offers real-time help from tax experts during preparation.
TurboTax stands out for its guided, question-driven interview that turns tax forms into plain-language steps. It supports common individual scenarios like W-2 wages, interest and dividends, mortgage interest, and investment reporting through import workflows.
- +Question-and-answer interview translates tax complexity into guided steps
- +Robust error checks flag missing forms, deductions, and inconsistent entries
- +Data import options reduce manual entry for W-2 and common financial accounts
- –Paid tiers gate key features and advanced support
- –Self-employed and multi-state scenarios raise total cost quickly
- –Large forms can feel slower to navigate than simpler filing tools
Best for: Single filers and families needing guided tax preparation with strong accuracy checks
H&R Block Tax Software
consumer tax prepProvides guided online tax filing for individuals with error checks, refund tracking, and add-on support options.
Interview-driven filing plus optional live tax pro support during return preparation
H&R Block Tax Software stands out for its guided tax-filing flow with interview-style question screens and live assistance options. The product supports federal and state returns, imports key data from prior-year returns, and runs calculations as you enter information.
- +Interview-style data entry reduces missed fields during tax filing
- +Strong refund and tax estimate feedback updates as you complete sections
- +Prior-year import helps speed setup and reuse consistent inputs
- +Plan-linked audit support and pro help for additional guidance
- –Advanced tax situations require paid tiers more often than basic filers expect
- –Separate state return workflow can feel repetitive on multi-state returns
- –UI guidance can still require user knowledge of deductions and forms
Best for: Personal filers needing guided software plus optional tax-pro support
Lacerte by Intuit
pro tax softwareEnables professional tax preparers to produce complex individual and business returns with integrated pro workflows and e-file readiness.
Integrated tax diagnostics and review checks that flag issues before filing
Lacerte by Intuit focuses on professional desktop tax preparation with workflows built for CPA firms. It supports complex federal and state returns, including partnership and corporate work, with form-level control and pro-focused diagnostics.
- +Form-level control for federal and multi-state returns
- +Strong diagnostics and review tools for common tax errors
- +Workflow supports recurring clients and complex entity returns
- +Deep pro-grade support for partnership and corporate calculations
- –Desktop-first experience adds setup and operational overhead
- –User interface feels dense for non-tax professionals
- –Collaboration workflows are less direct than cloud-only competitors
- –High cost for small practices that file few returns
Best for: CPA firms preparing complex returns with consistent pro workflows
Conclusion
After evaluating 10 2023 tax software, TaxSlayer stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
How to Choose the Right 2023 Tax Software
This buyer's guide helps you choose the right 2023 tax software for your filing situation using concrete examples from Intuit TurboTax, H&R Block Tax Software, TaxAct, Cash App Taxes, FreeTaxUSA, OLT.com, Drake Software, Lacerte by Intuit, TaxSlayer, and Sage Intacct for Accounting Tax Workflows. It maps specific strengths like interview-driven accuracy checks and document workflow to the people who actually need them. It also compares real pricing entry points, common failure points, and when pro-grade desktop tools beat DIY interview tools.
What Is 2023 Tax Software?
2023 tax software is a guided system that collects your tax inputs, generates federal and state forms, runs calculations, and produces IRS-ready output for filing. It solves the problem of missing forms and inconsistent entries by using accuracy checks, pre-filing review checks, and interview-style question flows like those in Intuit TurboTax and FreeTaxUSA. Many tools also add options for audit support, pro help, and document import so you spend less time re-keying and more time verifying. In practice, it looks like TurboTax Live for real-time expert help during preparation or OLT.com for organized client document intake feeding into prepared returns.
Key Features to Look For
These features determine whether tax software reduces errors, saves time with imports, and fits your complexity level without surprise costs.
Question-and-answer interview that drives form completion
A guided interview maps your answers to the right tax schedules so you do not have to interpret every form line. Intuit TurboTax uses a question-driven workflow plus robust error checks, and TaxSlayer uses guided routing with dynamic prompts and step-by-step tax calculators.
Accuracy checks and pre-filing review that flag missing or inconsistent inputs
Error detection prevents submissions with missing forms, deductions, or inconsistent entries. Intuit TurboTax flags missing items through built-in accuracy checks, and TaxAct focuses on review checks before submission to improve correctness.
IRS-ready output plus audit support tied to your plan and scenario
Audit readiness matters when you want help responding to notices and validating the numbers you entered. H&R Block Tax Software includes audit support coverage tied to plan levels and pro availability, while TaxSlayer includes audit support resources and response help for IRS notices.
Import and reuse workflows for income documents and prior-year setup
Document import and prior-year reuse reduce manual entry and lower the risk of typos. Intuit TurboTax and H&R Block Tax Software support data import and prior-year import to speed setup, while FreeTaxUSA supports document upload and reuse through guided interview steps.
Mobile-first guided filing with tight ecosystem integration
Some filers want a streamlined flow that connects document access and filing steps without complex navigation. Cash App Taxes stands out for mobile-first onboarding, guided prompts for common W-2 and 1099 scenarios, and a workflow integrated with Cash App.
Pro workflow support for teams and complex entities
If you prepare returns as a practice, workflows for document handling, client intake, diagnostics, and collaboration matter more than consumer simplicity. OLT.com adds client document collection and guided organizer workflows for teams, and Lacerte by Intuit delivers form-level control and pro-grade diagnostics for complex federal and multi-state work.
How to Choose the Right 2023 Tax Software
Pick the tool that matches your filing complexity, your need for guidance versus control, and your willingness to pay for higher support or professional workflows.
Start with your tax complexity and filing type
Choose Intuit TurboTax if you want guided federal and state preparation plus robust accuracy checks for common individual scenarios like W-2 wages, interest and dividends, and mortgage interest. Choose FreeTaxUSA if you primarily have W-2 and standard 1099 scenarios and want a low-cost guided workflow that still generates IRS forms automatically. Choose Lacerte by Intuit if you need complex pro-grade workflows for partnership and corporate calculations and form-level control.
Match your need for guided error prevention to your risk tolerance
If you want the strongest guardrails for missing forms and inconsistent entries, Intuit TurboTax provides built-in accuracy checks and highlights missing details during the interview. If you want practical review checks that focus on common errors before submission, TaxAct emphasizes guided prompts plus pre-filing review checks. If you want calculators that validate refund and tax impact during review steps, TaxSlayer includes refund and tax impact calculators inside its guided flow.
Decide how you will get and organize documents
If you want easier input with uploads and prior-year reuse, FreeTaxUSA supports document uploads and Guided interview screens that catch omissions early. If you want ecosystem-connected access and a mobile-first workflow for common tax documents, Cash App Taxes uses Cash App integration and guided prompts for W-2 and 1099 inputs. If you run a practice and need structured client intake, OLT.com provides client document collection and secure file exchange to feed prepared tax returns.
Plan for multi-state filing and add-on-driven cost
Estimate total cost before checkout because state filing can add charges on multiple tools. H&R Block Tax Software runs federal and state, but its plans add more forms and higher support as complexity grows. TaxAct charges extra for state filing, and Cash App Taxes also adds separate state pricing that can increase cost quickly for multi-state filers.
Choose expert help only if it matches your scenarios
If you want real-time help from tax experts during preparation, Intuit TurboTax includes TurboTax Live. If you want optional tax pro support during return preparation, H&R Block Tax Software offers live assistance options aligned with plan levels. If you are an organization standardizing tax-ready accounting data, Sage Intacct for Accounting Tax Workflows focuses on audit trails, permissions, and ledger reconciliation instead of consumer return form assembly.
Who Needs 2023 Tax Software?
2023 tax software serves both individual filers who want guidance and preparers and organizations who need controlled workflows and audit trails.
Single filers and families who want guided accuracy checks for common individual taxes
Intuit TurboTax is a fit for guided federal and state preparation with robust error checks and IRS-ready output. TaxSlayer is a fit when you want step-by-step interview prompts with refund and tax impact calculators for common W-2 returns.
Cost-conscious filers with W-2 and standard 1099 scenarios who still want guided setup
FreeTaxUSA focuses on guided interview steps that map answers to IRS form schedules and supports document uploads to reduce manual entry. Cash App Taxes is a fit when you want mobile-first onboarding tied to Cash App for fast self-filing of common W-2 and 1099 situations.
Personal filers who want optional tax pro support and plan-linked audit help
H&R Block Tax Software provides interview-style entry plus optional live tax pro support during preparation. It also links audit support coverage to plan levels, which helps when you want coverage that scales with your chosen level.
Tax preparers and CPA firms that need document workflow and pro diagnostics for complex returns
OLT.com is a fit for preparer teams that need client document collection and guided organizer workflows feeding into prepared returns. Lacerte by Intuit is a fit for CPA firms needing form-level control, strong diagnostics, and pro-grade support for partnership and corporate calculations.
Mid-size organizations that must reconcile tax reporting from controlled accounting processes
Sage Intacct for Accounting Tax Workflows is a fit when your goal is audit-ready ledgers and reconciliation using role-based permissions and audit trails. It is not a dedicated tax-prep calculator tool, so it is best when tax return preparation uses external processes alongside structured financial workflows.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes show up when filers or teams pick tools that do not match their complexity level, support needs, or document workflow demands.
Underestimating how quickly advanced scenarios raise tier and state costs
TaxAct and Cash App Taxes can increase total cost because state filing carries added charges and self-serve scenarios that need more forms can trigger upsells. H&R Block Tax Software also pushes more advanced situations into paid tiers more often than basic filers expect.
Relying on a form-filling workflow without strong pre-filing error checks
If you want missing-form prevention, avoid tools that feel less streamlined for complex work and instead choose Intuit TurboTax or TaxAct. TurboTax uses built-in accuracy checks, and TaxAct emphasizes pre-filing review checks that flag common issues before submission.
Choosing a consumer tool when your work requires pro-grade diagnostics and form-level control
If you prepare partnership or corporate returns, Lacerte by Intuit is built for pro-focused diagnostics and form-level control rather than consumer-grade guidance. If you need structured client intake and document workflow, OLT.com fits practice operations that need organizer and document collection steps.
Picking a mobile-first workflow for taxes that require deeper edge-case handling
Cash App Taxes targets W-2 and straightforward 1099 filers, so it is not designed for complex multi-state or edge-case workflows. FreeTaxUSA and TaxSlayer still guide you, but you should match the tool to your scenario depth to avoid feeling constrained.
How We Selected and Ranked These Tools
We evaluated Intuit TurboTax, H&R Block Tax Software, TaxAct, Cash App Taxes, FreeTaxUSA, OLT.com, Drake Software, Lacerte by Intuit, TaxSlayer, and Sage Intacct for Accounting Tax Workflows using four dimensions that include overall capability, features, ease of use, and value. We emphasized how strongly each product guided users through federal and state work using interview-driven flows, because that drives correctness and reduces missed inputs. We also scored how well each tool supports accuracy checks and review steps, especially how systems flag missing forms or inconsistent entries before you file. Intuit TurboTax separated itself by combining a question-and-answer interview with robust error checks and by including TurboTax Live real-time expert help during preparation, which directly addresses both completion and verification.
Frequently Asked Questions About 2023 Tax Software
Which 2023 tax software handles W-2 and 1099 imports with the least re-keying?
How do guided interview workflows differ between TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct?
How does prior-year return reuse work in Drake Software, OLT.com, and TaxAct?
What integration and workflow differences matter most for preparer teams using Drake Software versus OLT.com?
Which 2023 tax tools support multi-entity data governance and audit trail needs through accounting permissions?
When does PDF tax-document import and document handling become a deciding factor?
What tradeoffs appear when a filer chooses a mobile-first flow like Cash App Taxes instead of a desktop-first professional suite like Lacerte?
Which tools provide strong audit-risk review features during preparation rather than only after submission?
How should administrators think about security controls and access management when multiple preparers collaborate?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
Funding and competing interests
This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.
They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.
Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →
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