Quick Overview
- 1#1: TurboTax - Comprehensive tax preparation software that guides users through federal and state income tax filing with deduction maximization and audit support.
- 2#2: H&R Block - User-friendly tax software offering live expert assistance, accurate calculations, and worry-free audit support for income tax returns.
- 3#3: Drake Tax - Professional-grade tax preparation software with advanced e-filing, diagnostics, and support for complex income tax scenarios for accountants.
- 4#4: Lacerte - High-end professional tax software from Intuit featuring robust calculations, integration, and efficiency tools for income tax preparation.
- 5#5: UltraTax CS - Enterprise tax preparation platform with powerful workflow automation, compliance checks, and multi-state income tax support for firms.
- 6#6: TaxAct - Affordable tax filing software providing accurate returns, import capabilities, and professional editions for income tax accounting.
- 7#7: ProSeries - Intuit's professional tax software offering customizable forms, error checks, and seamless data import for efficient income tax processing.
- 8#8: TaxSlayer - Cost-effective online tax preparation tool with strong support for self-employed and complex income tax situations.
- 9#9: CCH Axcess Tax - Cloud-based tax compliance software with advanced analytics, document management, and global income tax handling for large practices.
- 10#10: FreeTaxUSA - Low-cost tax filing service delivering federal free filing and state returns with solid accuracy for straightforward income taxes.
We selected and ranked these tools based on core features like calculation accuracy and deduction support, usability across skill levels, professional capabilities for complex tax scenarios, and overall value, ensuring they deliver reliable performance and meet the demands of varied users and use cases.
Comparison Table
Choosing the right income tax accounting software is key to efficient filing, and this comparison table explores tools like TurboTax, H&R Block, Drake Tax, Lacerte, UltraTax CS, and more. Readers will gain insights into features, ease of use, and suitability for different needs, from individual returns to complex business filings.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TurboTax Comprehensive tax preparation software that guides users through federal and state income tax filing with deduction maximization and audit support. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 2 | H&R Block User-friendly tax software offering live expert assistance, accurate calculations, and worry-free audit support for income tax returns. | specialized | 9.0/10 | 8.9/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | Drake Tax Professional-grade tax preparation software with advanced e-filing, diagnostics, and support for complex income tax scenarios for accountants. | enterprise | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Lacerte High-end professional tax software from Intuit featuring robust calculations, integration, and efficiency tools for income tax preparation. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 5 | UltraTax CS Enterprise tax preparation platform with powerful workflow automation, compliance checks, and multi-state income tax support for firms. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | TaxAct Affordable tax filing software providing accurate returns, import capabilities, and professional editions for income tax accounting. | specialized | 8.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 7 | ProSeries Intuit's professional tax software offering customizable forms, error checks, and seamless data import for efficient income tax processing. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 8 | TaxSlayer Cost-effective online tax preparation tool with strong support for self-employed and complex income tax situations. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | CCH Axcess Tax Cloud-based tax compliance software with advanced analytics, document management, and global income tax handling for large practices. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 10 | FreeTaxUSA Low-cost tax filing service delivering federal free filing and state returns with solid accuracy for straightforward income taxes. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.5/10 |
Comprehensive tax preparation software that guides users through federal and state income tax filing with deduction maximization and audit support.
User-friendly tax software offering live expert assistance, accurate calculations, and worry-free audit support for income tax returns.
Professional-grade tax preparation software with advanced e-filing, diagnostics, and support for complex income tax scenarios for accountants.
High-end professional tax software from Intuit featuring robust calculations, integration, and efficiency tools for income tax preparation.
Enterprise tax preparation platform with powerful workflow automation, compliance checks, and multi-state income tax support for firms.
Affordable tax filing software providing accurate returns, import capabilities, and professional editions for income tax accounting.
Intuit's professional tax software offering customizable forms, error checks, and seamless data import for efficient income tax processing.
Cost-effective online tax preparation tool with strong support for self-employed and complex income tax situations.
Cloud-based tax compliance software with advanced analytics, document management, and global income tax handling for large practices.
Low-cost tax filing service delivering federal free filing and state returns with solid accuracy for straightforward income taxes.
TurboTax
specializedComprehensive tax preparation software that guides users through federal and state income tax filing with deduction maximization and audit support.
Step-by-Step Interview Engine that simulates a conversation with a tax professional, adapting questions based on user inputs for personalized guidance.
TurboTax is the leading online tax preparation software from Intuit, designed to guide users through filing federal and state income tax returns with maximum accuracy and refund optimization. It features an intuitive step-by-step interview process that asks questions in plain English, automatically populates forms, and imports data from employers, banks, and prior years. The platform supports complex tax situations including self-employment, investments, rentals, and itemized deductions, while offering audit support and live expert assistance.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for all tax scenarios with auto-imports and error checks
- Live expert help and Full Service options for hands-off filing
- Maximum Refund and Accuracy Guarantees with free audit defense
Cons
- Higher cost for premium features compared to free alternatives
- Aggressive upsells during the filing process
- Limited offline capabilities requiring internet access
Best For
Individuals, families, and small business owners who want a guided, expert-backed tax filing experience to maximize refunds without hassle.
Pricing
Free Edition for simple returns; Deluxe ($59), Premier ($89), Self-Employed ($119) for federal, plus $49 per state; discounts often available.
H&R Block
specializedUser-friendly tax software offering live expert assistance, accurate calculations, and worry-free audit support for income tax returns.
Seamless live chat and phone support from credentialed tax pros integrated directly into the filing process
H&R Block's online tax software is a robust platform designed for individuals and small businesses to prepare, e-file, and optimize federal and state income tax returns. It guides users through a step-by-step interview process, supports thousands of tax forms and scenarios including deductions, credits, investments, and self-employment income, and includes built-in error checks for accuracy. Additional perks like import from prior years or financial institutions, audit support, and optional professional review make it a comprehensive solution for tax season.
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage of tax forms and complex scenarios like investments and rental properties
- Step-by-step guidance with helpful explanations and automatic calculations
- Access to live tax experts via chat or phone for real-time assistance
Cons
- Pricing escalates quickly for advanced editions needed for business or self-employed filers
- Frequent upsells to premium support during the filing process
- Free version limited to very simple returns without itemized deductions
Best For
Individuals and freelancers seeking an intuitive DIY tax filing experience with backup from tax professionals.
Pricing
Free for basic 1040 returns; Deluxe starts at $35 federal + $37/state; Premium & Self-Employed $50-$115 federal + state fees; additional paid support plans available.
Drake Tax
enterpriseProfessional-grade tax preparation software with advanced e-filing, diagnostics, and support for complex income tax scenarios for accountants.
Legendary customer support with direct access to tax professionals via phone, chat, and email during extended hours
Drake Tax is a professional tax preparation software suite designed for CPAs, accountants, and tax firms, supporting federal and state returns for individuals, businesses, partnerships, corporations, and estates. It offers robust e-filing, bank product integration, data import from prior years or QuickBooks, and tools for audit risk management. Known for its reliability and extensive form coverage, it helps streamline high-volume tax seasons with automation and error-checking features.
Pros
- Comprehensive federal and 50-state form support
- Exceptional customer support with live experts
- Affordable pricing with unlimited returns option
Cons
- Dated user interface compared to newer competitors
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Limited native integrations with non-tax accounting tools
Best For
Small to mid-sized tax firms and solo preparers prioritizing cost savings and reliable support over cutting-edge UI.
Pricing
Starts at $1,495 per preparer for unlimited federal returns (single state included), with additional states at $395-$495 each; volume discounts available.
Lacerte
enterpriseHigh-end professional tax software from Intuit featuring robust calculations, integration, and efficiency tools for income tax preparation.
Intelligent Diagnostics engine that proactively identifies errors, optimizes refunds, and ensures compliance across thousands of scenarios
Lacerte is a professional-grade tax preparation software from Intuit, designed specifically for CPAs, accountants, and tax firms handling complex individual, business, partnership, and fiduciary returns. It provides comprehensive support for federal, state, and local tax forms, with powerful calculation engines, e-filing capabilities, and integration with QuickBooks and other Intuit tools. The software excels in diagnostics, error-checking, and quality reviews to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Pros
- Extensive library of over 10,000 forms and schedules for complex returns
- Robust e-filing with direct deposit and bank product integrations
- Top-tier customer support and frequent IRS-compliant updates
Cons
- High pricing model unfavorable for solo practitioners or low-volume users
- Steep learning curve and somewhat dated interface
- Primarily desktop-based with limited cloud or mobile functionality
Best For
Mid-sized to large tax firms and CPAs managing high volumes of intricate business and individual tax returns.
Pricing
Starts at ~$1,500/year for base license (10 returns), plus $1.50-$3 per additional federal return, state fees, and optional e-file bundles up to $5,000+ for unlimited high-volume plans.
UltraTax CS
enterpriseEnterprise tax preparation platform with powerful workflow automation, compliance checks, and multi-state income tax support for firms.
SmartDiag intelligent diagnostics that proactively identify and resolve return errors and optimization opportunities
UltraTax CS is a professional-grade tax preparation software from Thomson Reuters, designed specifically for CPAs and accounting firms handling individual, business, partnership, fiduciary, and estate tax returns. It provides comprehensive federal and state support across all 50 states plus DC, with automated calculations, diagnostics, and e-filing capabilities. The software integrates deeply with other CS Suite tools for streamlined workflows in high-volume practices.
Pros
- Extensive federal and multi-state form library with automatic updates
- Powerful diagnostics and error-checking for compliance assurance
- Strong integration with practice management and trial balance tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to dense interface
- High cost prohibitive for solo practitioners or small firms
- Less intuitive navigation compared to consumer tax software
Best For
Mid-to-large accounting firms managing complex, high-volume tax returns with multi-state requirements.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $3,500-$6,000+ per preparer annually, based on firm size, return volume, and modules selected.
TaxAct
specializedAffordable tax filing software providing accurate returns, import capabilities, and professional editions for income tax accounting.
Maximum Refund Guarantee, ensuring the largest possible refund or your money back
TaxAct is a user-friendly online and desktop tax preparation software designed for individuals, families, and small businesses to file federal and state income tax returns efficiently. It supports a wide array of tax forms and situations, including W-2s, investments, rental properties, and self-employment income, with tools for maximizing refunds. The platform offers audit defense options and guarantees accuracy, making it a solid choice for straightforward to moderately complex filings.
Pros
- Exceptionally affordable pricing compared to competitors
- Comprehensive support for most tax forms and deductions
- Fast processing and e-filing with prior-year import capabilities
Cons
- Interface feels somewhat dated and less intuitive
- Limited step-by-step guidance for complex scenarios
- Customer support primarily chat/email, no phone for basic plans
Best For
Cost-conscious filers with simple to moderate tax situations who want reliable software without premium frills.
Pricing
Free edition for basic 1040 returns; paid federal plans from $39.99 (Deluxe) to $99.99 (Self-Employed), plus $39.99 per state return.
ProSeries
enterpriseIntuit's professional tax software offering customizable forms, error checks, and seamless data import for efficient income tax processing.
Smart Diagnostics engine that proactively identifies errors and ensures filing accuracy
ProSeries, developed by Intuit, is a professional-grade desktop tax preparation software tailored for accountants and tax pros handling individual, business, partnership, S-corp, and fiduciary returns. It provides extensive federal and state form support, automated calculations, e-filing, and direct deposit services. The software excels in accuracy with built-in diagnostics and supports data import from QuickBooks and prior-year returns to streamline workflows.
Pros
- Comprehensive federal and 50-state forms library
- Powerful diagnostics and error-checking tools
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and prior-year data import
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Higher subscription costs than some rivals
- Primarily desktop-based with limited cloud mobility
Best For
Experienced tax professionals and mid-sized firms preparing high volumes of complex returns.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at ~$349 for basic individual returns, with professional bundles ranging from $1,200 to $3,500+ including multi-state and business modules.
TaxSlayer
specializedCost-effective online tax preparation tool with strong support for self-employed and complex income tax situations.
Unbeatable value with live CPA/expert support included in mid-tier plans at a fraction of TurboTax's cost
TaxSlayer is an online tax preparation software designed for individuals and self-employed users to file federal and multiple state income tax returns electronically. It offers tiered plans from basic W-2 filers to those with business income via Schedule C, Schedule E, and more complex deductions. The platform provides step-by-step guidance, error checks, and e-filing with a focus on affordability and reliability.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing compared to competitors
- Strong customer support via live chat and phone in premium plans
- Supports a wide range of tax situations including self-employment
Cons
- Limited free filing options and fewer direct import tools
- Interface feels less polished than top competitors
- Audit defense and guarantees are basic compared to leaders
Best For
Budget-conscious individuals and freelancers seeking straightforward tax filing without premium frills.
Pricing
Federal filing starts at $0 (Simply Free, limited forms), Classic $34.95 + $39.95/state, Premium $44.95 + state, Self-Employed $64.95 + state (2023 pricing; varies yearly).
CCH Axcess Tax
enterpriseCloud-based tax compliance software with advanced analytics, document management, and global income tax handling for large practices.
Intelligent Diagnostics engine that proactively flags issues and suggests fixes across thousands of forms
CCH Axcess Tax is a cloud-based professional tax preparation software from Wolters Kluwer, designed for CPAs and tax firms handling complex individual, business, partnership, and fiduciary returns. It features advanced calculation engines, real-time compliance updates, and robust diagnostics to minimize errors and ensure accuracy across federal, state, and local filings. The platform integrates with other CCH tools for streamlined workflows, making it ideal for high-volume practices.
Pros
- Comprehensive support for complex tax scenarios and multi-state filings
- Cloud-based accessibility with real-time collaboration and automatic updates
- Powerful diagnostics and error-checking tools that enhance accuracy
Cons
- High cost, especially for smaller firms
- Steep learning curve and less intuitive interface
- Occasional performance lags during peak tax season
Best For
Mid-to-large tax firms and CPAs managing high volumes of complex returns who need enterprise-level reliability.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing based on firm size, users, and return volume; typically $5,000+ per preparer annually.
FreeTaxUSA
specializedLow-cost tax filing service delivering federal free filing and state returns with solid accuracy for straightforward income taxes.
Unlimited free federal tax filing regardless of form complexity
FreeTaxUSA is an online tax preparation platform that enables users to file federal income tax returns for free, supporting a wide array of forms and schedules for individuals, including W-2 imports and prior-year data carryover. It handles straightforward to moderately complex returns, with state filing available for a low fee and a deluxe upgrade for advanced features like priority support. The software emphasizes affordability and accuracy, competing directly with pricier alternatives like TurboTax.
Pros
- Completely free federal tax filing for all supported forms
- Low-cost state returns at $14.99
- Intuitive step-by-step interface with error checks
Cons
- Limited live support options (email and phone only)
- No mobile app for on-the-go filing
- Fewer advanced tools for very complex returns compared to premium competitors
Best For
Budget-conscious individuals and families with simple to moderate tax situations seeking free federal filing.
Pricing
Federal free; state $14.99; deluxe upgrade $7.99 for extra forms and support.
Conclusion
Among the reviewed tools, TurboTax leads as the top choice, offering comprehensive guidance, deduction maximization, and reliable audit support for a seamless filing process. H&R Block stands out as a strong runner-up with its user-friendly design and live expert assistance, while Drake Tax excels for professionals managing complex tax scenarios, ensuring precision even in intricate situations. With such diverse options, users can find the perfect fit based on their needs, whether prioritizing ease, personal support, or professional-grade efficiency.
Take the first step toward stress-free tax filing—explore TurboTax and unlock the benefits of a top-ranked, reliable solution for your income tax needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison