Quick Overview
- 1#1: TurboTax - AI-powered tax preparation software that guides users through complex filings to maximize refunds.
- 2#2: H&R Block - Comprehensive tax software with live expert support and Worry-Free Audit Support for accurate filings.
- 3#3: TaxAct - Affordable, feature-rich tax software with extensive form support and strong audit defense tools.
- 4#4: Drake Tax - Professional-grade tax preparation software supporting thousands of forms for accountants and firms.
- 5#5: Lacerte - High-performance tax software for professionals with advanced calculations and e-filing integration.
- 6#6: UltraTax CS - Scalable tax compliance software with workflow automation for mid-to-large tax practices.
- 7#7: ProSeries - Reliable professional tax preparation tool with error-checking and direct bank payment options.
- 8#8: TaxSlayer - Cost-effective online tax filing software with live chat support and accuracy guarantees.
- 9#9: CCH Axcess Tax - Cloud-based tax workflow solution for firms with real-time collaboration and compliance tools.
- 10#10: Avalara - Automated sales, use, and VAT tax calculation engine integrated with e-commerce platforms.
Tools were chosen based on robust feature sets, accuracy, ease of use, and value, evaluating both personal and professional solutions to deliver a balanced, top-tier compilation.
Comparison Table
Tax calculation software simplifies the often complex process of filing taxes, and this comparison table explores leading tools like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, Drake Tax, Lacerte, and more. Readers will gain insights into features, usability, and ideal uses for each, aiding in selecting the best fit for their specific tax filing needs, whether individual or professional.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TurboTax AI-powered tax preparation software that guides users through complex filings to maximize refunds. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | H&R Block Comprehensive tax software with live expert support and Worry-Free Audit Support for accurate filings. | specialized | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | TaxAct Affordable, feature-rich tax software with extensive form support and strong audit defense tools. | specialized | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | Drake Tax Professional-grade tax preparation software supporting thousands of forms for accountants and firms. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 8.9/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 5 | Lacerte High-performance tax software for professionals with advanced calculations and e-filing integration. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.6/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 6 | UltraTax CS Scalable tax compliance software with workflow automation for mid-to-large tax practices. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | ProSeries Reliable professional tax preparation tool with error-checking and direct bank payment options. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 8 | TaxSlayer Cost-effective online tax filing software with live chat support and accuracy guarantees. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.3/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 9 | CCH Axcess Tax Cloud-based tax workflow solution for firms with real-time collaboration and compliance tools. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 10 | Avalara Automated sales, use, and VAT tax calculation engine integrated with e-commerce platforms. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.5/10 |
AI-powered tax preparation software that guides users through complex filings to maximize refunds.
Comprehensive tax software with live expert support and Worry-Free Audit Support for accurate filings.
Affordable, feature-rich tax software with extensive form support and strong audit defense tools.
Professional-grade tax preparation software supporting thousands of forms for accountants and firms.
High-performance tax software for professionals with advanced calculations and e-filing integration.
Scalable tax compliance software with workflow automation for mid-to-large tax practices.
Reliable professional tax preparation tool with error-checking and direct bank payment options.
Cost-effective online tax filing software with live chat support and accuracy guarantees.
Cloud-based tax workflow solution for firms with real-time collaboration and compliance tools.
Automated sales, use, and VAT tax calculation engine integrated with e-commerce platforms.
TurboTax
specializedAI-powered tax preparation software that guides users through complex filings to maximize refunds.
Adaptive step-by-step interview that simulates a conversation with a tax pro, dynamically adjusting questions based on user inputs
TurboTax is the leading tax calculation software from Intuit, designed to guide users through federal and state tax filing with step-by-step interviews tailored to their financial situations. It supports a wide range of tax scenarios, from simple W-2 income to complex deductions, investments, and self-employment. Backed by accuracy guarantees and optional live expert support, it aims to maximize refunds while minimizing errors and audit risks.
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage of all major tax forms and deductions
- 100% accuracy guarantee with refund of fees if errors occur
- Live chat and expert assistance for complex situations
Cons
- Premium pricing can be steep for simple returns
- Frequent upselling to higher tiers during filing
- Full features require stable internet connection
Best For
Individuals and small business owners seeking guided, expert-supported tax preparation to ensure maximum refunds and compliance.
Pricing
Free for simple 1040 returns; Deluxe ($59+), Premier ($89+), Self-Employed ($119+) for federal, plus $39-49 per state.
H&R Block
specializedComprehensive tax software with live expert support and Worry-Free Audit Support for accurate filings.
Worry-Free Audit Support and seamless access to in-person H&R Block offices for professional assistance
H&R Block's online tax software is a robust platform designed for accurate federal and state tax preparation, guiding users through a step-by-step interview process to calculate deductions, credits, and refunds. It supports a wide array of tax scenarios, including W-2 income, self-employment, investments, and rentals, with automatic import from prior years and financial institutions. The tool emphasizes accuracy with guarantees and offers optional professional review for complex situations.
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage of tax forms and situations with high accuracy
- Multiple support options including live chat, phone, and Tax Pro Review
- Free edition for simple returns and easy data import
Cons
- Higher pricing for complex returns compared to some competitors
- Occasional upsells during filing process
- Interface can feel slightly dated in places
Best For
Users who want reliable tax software with easy access to professional experts for moderately complex returns.
Pricing
Free for simple 1040 returns; Deluxe ($35 federal + $37/state), Premium ($50+), and Self-Employed ($85+) tiers.
TaxAct
specializedAffordable, feature-rich tax software with extensive form support and strong audit defense tools.
Unmatched value with full IRS form coverage at a fraction of competitor prices
TaxAct is an online tax preparation software that enables users to file federal and state income taxes accurately and affordably through guided interviews and extensive form support. It caters to a range of filers, from those with simple W-2 income to self-employed individuals with investments, rentals, and business deductions. Key tools include deduction maximizers, error checks, audit risk assessments, and import capabilities from prior years or other software.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing across tiers
- Comprehensive support for complex forms and schedules
- Strong accuracy guarantee and refund maximization tools
Cons
- User interface feels dated compared to flashier competitors
- Limited live phone support (mostly chat/email)
- Less hand-holding and educational content for beginners
Best For
Budget-conscious filers comfortable with self-guided preparation who need robust support for deductions, investments, or self-employment.
Pricing
Free for simple 1040 returns; federal paid plans from $39.99 (Deluxe) to $99.99 (Self-Employed), plus $39.99 per state.
Drake Tax
enterpriseProfessional-grade tax preparation software supporting thousands of forms for accountants and firms.
Legendary customer support with live phone, chat, and email assistance available around the clock during peak tax season.
Drake Tax is a professional-grade tax preparation software tailored for tax professionals, enabling efficient preparation and e-filing of federal and state returns for individuals, businesses, partnerships, and more. It features a comprehensive library of over 5,000 forms, advanced diagnostics for error checking, and integration with bank products for refunds. The software supports unlimited e-filing and direct deposit, making it a reliable choice for high-volume preparers.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with excellent value for small firms
- Comprehensive form support across all 50 states
- Superior customer support with 24/7 access during tax season
Cons
- Desktop-only installation limits remote access
- Interface can feel dated compared to cloud competitors
- State packages sold separately add to costs
Best For
Small to mid-sized tax preparation firms and independent preparers prioritizing cost savings and reliable support.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at $1,495 for the base Professional Edition, with add-ons for states ($200-$400 each) and multi-user licenses.
Lacerte
enterpriseHigh-performance tax software for professionals with advanced calculations and e-filing integration.
Advanced Diagnostics engine that proactively identifies errors, optimizations, and compliance issues
Lacerte, developed by Intuit, is a professional-grade tax preparation software tailored for CPAs and tax firms handling complex returns. It excels in accurate calculations for individual, business, partnership, corporate, and fiduciary tax forms, with built-in diagnostics to minimize errors. The platform supports e-filing, client organizers, and seamless integration with other Intuit products like QuickBooks.
Pros
- Highly accurate tax calculations with extensive form support
- Powerful diagnostics and error-checking tools
- Reliable e-filing with high acceptance rates
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- Expensive pricing structure
- Interface feels dated compared to modern alternatives
Best For
Mid-sized to large tax firms preparing complex returns for businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
Pricing
Annual subscription starting at $1,299 for basic users, up to $5,000+ for unlimited professional tiers with add-ons for states and payroll.
UltraTax CS
enterpriseScalable tax compliance software with workflow automation for mid-to-large tax practices.
Smart Diagnostics that automatically detects and resolves potential errors before filing
UltraTax CS is a professional tax preparation software from Thomson Reuters designed for CPAs and accounting firms to handle federal, state, and local tax returns across individuals, corporations, partnerships, S-corps, and fiduciaries. It features a powerful calculation engine, automated error diagnostics, and e-filing capabilities to streamline high-volume processing. The software integrates seamlessly with other CS Professional Suite tools for enhanced workflow and compliance with evolving tax laws through automatic updates.
Pros
- Highly accurate calculation engine with built-in diagnostics
- Comprehensive support for complex multi-state returns
- Automatic tax law updates and strong integration with practice management tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High subscription costs unsuitable for solo practitioners
- Primarily desktop-based with limited cloud flexibility
Best For
Mid-to-large accounting firms handling high volumes of complex business and individual tax returns.
Pricing
Custom quote-based subscription; typically starts at $5,000 annually for basic setups, scaling to $15,000+ based on firm size, users, and modules.
ProSeries
enterpriseReliable professional tax preparation tool with error-checking and direct bank payment options.
Intuit's 100% Accuracy Guarantee backed by advanced error-checking and support for over 27,000 form scenarios
ProSeries by Intuit is a professional desktop tax preparation software tailored for tax pros handling individual, business, and complex returns. It offers comprehensive federal and state form support, automated calculations, error checks, and direct e-filing capabilities. Designed for accuracy and efficiency, it integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and other Intuit tools for streamlined workflows.
Pros
- Extensive library covering virtually every IRS form and 27,000+ combinations
- Reliable e-filing with high acceptance rates and Intuit's accuracy guarantee
- Strong integration with QuickBooks for easy data import
Cons
- Desktop-only, lacking cloud or mobile access for remote work
- Pricing scales steeply for high-volume users or multi-state filing
- Moderate learning curve for non-expert users
Best For
Established tax professionals and firms preparing high volumes of complex federal and state returns who prefer robust desktop software.
Pricing
Annual subscriptions start at ~$449 for Basic (10 returns), up to $3,149 for Unlimited, plus per-state (~$35-50) and e-file fees.
TaxSlayer
specializedCost-effective online tax filing software with live chat support and accuracy guarantees.
Unmatched low-cost entry point with comprehensive form support rivaling pricier alternatives
TaxSlayer is an online tax preparation software that enables users to file federal and state tax returns electronically with support for a wide range of forms and deductions. It offers tiered pricing plans from free for simple returns to premium options for self-employed filers, including features like audit defense and live expert assistance. The platform emphasizes affordability and ease, making it suitable for DIY tax filers seeking value without sacrificing essential functionality.
Pros
- Highly affordable pricing across all plans
- Strong customer support via phone, chat, and email
- Supports complex forms like Schedule C for self-employed users
Cons
- Interface feels dated compared to top competitors
- Free version limited to very basic returns
- Occasional reports of slower processing times
Best For
Budget-conscious individuals and small business owners with straightforward to moderately complex tax needs who prioritize cost savings.
Pricing
Free for simple Form 1040 returns; Classic ($34.99 federal + $39.99 state), Premium ($49.99 federal + state), Self-Employed ($69.99 federal + state).
CCH Axcess Tax
enterpriseCloud-based tax workflow solution for firms with real-time collaboration and compliance tools.
Proactive, AI-driven diagnostics that scan returns in real-time for compliance issues and optimization opportunities
CCH Axcess Tax by Wolters Kluwer is a cloud-based tax preparation and calculation software tailored for professional accountants and tax firms. It excels in handling complex federal, state, and local tax returns for individuals, businesses, partnerships, and estates with advanced computation engines and real-time diagnostics. The platform integrates seamlessly with other CCH Axcess tools for workflow automation, e-filing, and practice management, ensuring compliance with ever-changing tax laws.
Pros
- Exceptionally accurate tax calculations with built-in diagnostics and error-checking
- Broad support for multi-state filings and complex entity types
- Strong integration with CRM, document management, and trial balance tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to dense interface
- High subscription costs that may not suit solo practitioners
- Occasional performance lags during peak tax season
Best For
Mid-sized to large tax firms and CPAs managing high-volume, complex returns who prioritize accuracy and compliance over simplicity.
Pricing
Custom subscription pricing starting at around $5,000-$10,000 per preparer annually, with firm-wide tiers; requires vendor quote.
Avalara
enterpriseAutomated sales, use, and VAT tax calculation engine integrated with e-commerce platforms.
AvaTax real-time tax engine with jurisdiction-specific accuracy down to the address level
Avalara is a comprehensive cloud-based tax compliance platform specializing in automated sales and use tax calculation, determination, filing, and remittance across thousands of jurisdictions. Its core AvaTax engine delivers real-time, address-level accurate tax computations for transactions, supporting complex rules like product taxability and exemptions. The software integrates seamlessly with over 1,200 ERP, accounting, and e-commerce platforms, helping businesses manage nexus tracking and compliance obligations efficiently.
Pros
- Precise real-time tax calculations across 19,000+ jurisdictions with geolocation accuracy
- Extensive integrations with 1,200+ platforms including Shopify, QuickBooks, and SAP
- Full compliance suite including filing, remittance, and exemption certificate management
Cons
- High pricing scales quickly with transaction volume, less ideal for small businesses
- Steep initial setup and configuration for complex implementations
- Custom quotes required, lacking transparent self-service pricing tiers
Best For
Mid-sized to enterprise businesses with high-volume, multi-channel sales needing robust automated tax compliance.
Pricing
Custom pricing based on transaction volume and features; starts around $100-$500/month for basic plans, with enterprise solutions often $10,000+ annually.
Conclusion
The reviewed tax calculation software caters to diverse users, with TurboTax emerging as the top choice, leveraging AI to guide complex filings and maximize refunds. H&R Block follows with its comprehensive support and audit protection, ideal for those seeking expert guidance, while TaxAct stands out for affordability and robust features, making it a strong pick for budget-conscious individuals. Together, these tools demonstrate the breadth of solutions available, with TurboTax leading the pack.
Ready to simplify your tax journey? Start with TurboTax today to unlock AI-powered assistance and potentially enhance your refund.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison