Quick Overview
- 1#1: TurboTax - Guides users through complex tax filing with step-by-step interviews, refund maximization, and live expert help.
- 2#2: H&R Block - Offers accurate tax preparation software with in-person support options and worry-free audit assistance.
- 3#3: TaxAct - Provides affordable, feature-rich tax software for individuals and businesses with strong accuracy guarantees.
- 4#4: TaxSlayer - Delivers cost-effective online tax filing with unlimited support and easy import from prior years.
- 5#5: Drake Software - Professional-grade tax preparation for accountants with e-filing, diagnostics, and bank integration.
- 6#6: FreeTaxUSA - Free federal tax filing software supporting all forms with low-cost state returns.
- 7#7: Cash App Taxes - Completely free tax software for simple and complex returns with direct deposit options.
- 8#8: Lacerte - Enterprise tax software for professionals featuring advanced calculations and multi-client management.
- 9#9: ProSeries - Intuit's professional tax prep tool with paperless workflows and error checks.
- 10#10: UltraTax CS - Comprehensive professional tax solution with integrated practice management and compliance tools.
Tools were selected and ranked by evaluating features, accuracy, user-friendliness, and value, ensuring the list reflects top performers across simple and complex tax scenarios.
Comparison Table
Navigating tax-preparing software can be complex, but this comparison table streamlines the process by evaluating top tools like TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Drake Software, and additional options. Readers will discover key details such as pricing models, features, ease of use, and support to identify the software that aligns with their specific tax needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TurboTax Guides users through complex tax filing with step-by-step interviews, refund maximization, and live expert help. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.7/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 2 | H&R Block Offers accurate tax preparation software with in-person support options and worry-free audit assistance. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.9/10 |
| 3 | TaxAct Provides affordable, feature-rich tax software for individuals and businesses with strong accuracy guarantees. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.2/10 |
| 4 | TaxSlayer Delivers cost-effective online tax filing with unlimited support and easy import from prior years. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.1/10 | 7.9/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 5 | Drake Software Professional-grade tax preparation for accountants with e-filing, diagnostics, and bank integration. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 6 | FreeTaxUSA Free federal tax filing software supporting all forms with low-cost state returns. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 7 | Cash App Taxes Completely free tax software for simple and complex returns with direct deposit options. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 10/10 |
| 8 | Lacerte Enterprise tax software for professionals featuring advanced calculations and multi-client management. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 9 | ProSeries Intuit's professional tax prep tool with paperless workflows and error checks. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.1/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | UltraTax CS Comprehensive professional tax solution with integrated practice management and compliance tools. | enterprise | 8.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 | 7.7/10 |
Guides users through complex tax filing with step-by-step interviews, refund maximization, and live expert help.
Offers accurate tax preparation software with in-person support options and worry-free audit assistance.
Provides affordable, feature-rich tax software for individuals and businesses with strong accuracy guarantees.
Delivers cost-effective online tax filing with unlimited support and easy import from prior years.
Professional-grade tax preparation for accountants with e-filing, diagnostics, and bank integration.
Free federal tax filing software supporting all forms with low-cost state returns.
Completely free tax software for simple and complex returns with direct deposit options.
Enterprise tax software for professionals featuring advanced calculations and multi-client management.
Intuit's professional tax prep tool with paperless workflows and error checks.
Comprehensive professional tax solution with integrated practice management and compliance tools.
TurboTax
specializedGuides users through complex tax filing with step-by-step interviews, refund maximization, and live expert help.
TurboTax Live, providing real-time access to CPA tax experts for personalized guidance and full-service filing options
TurboTax is a premier online tax preparation software from Intuit that guides users through filing federal and state income taxes via an intuitive, step-by-step interview process tailored to individual situations. It supports a vast array of tax forms and scenarios, from simple W-2 wages to complex deductions like investments, homeownership, self-employment, and cryptocurrency. Backed by maximum refund and accuracy guarantees, it also offers optional live expert assistance for added confidence.
Pros
- Highly intuitive interview-style guidance that adapts to user inputs
- Comprehensive coverage of all major tax forms and situations
- Live expert help and audit defense support available
Cons
- Premium pricing for basic filers compared to free alternatives
- Frequent upsells to higher tiers during the process
- Full features require stable internet and account creation
Best For
Taxpayers with moderate to complex returns who prioritize ease, accuracy, and professional guidance over minimizing costs.
Pricing
Free Edition for simple 1040 returns; Deluxe ($59+), Premier ($89+), Self-Employed ($119+), plus $39-$49 per state; Live Assisted versions add $100+.
H&R Block
specializedOffers accurate tax preparation software with in-person support options and worry-free audit assistance.
Tax Pro Review option for expert validation of your return before filing
H&R Block's online tax software is a robust platform for preparing and e-filing federal and state tax returns, supporting everything from simple W-2 income to complex deductions like self-employment, investments, and rental properties. It features step-by-step guidance, automatic import of prior-year data and W-2s, and accuracy/maximum refund guarantees. Users also have access to live chat support and the option to escalate to professional review or in-person assistance.
Pros
- Comprehensive form coverage for most tax situations including Schedule C and investments
- Strong accuracy guarantees and maximum refund promise
- Flexible support options from AI chat to live tax pros
Cons
- Higher tiers can become expensive with state fees added
- Interface feels slightly dated compared to flashier competitors
- Free version limited to very basic returns
Best For
Taxpayers with moderately complex returns seeking reliable guidance and pro support without the highest premium costs.
Pricing
Free Edition for simple returns; Deluxe ($35+), Premium ($65+), and Self-Employed ($85+), plus $37-50 per state.
TaxAct
specializedProvides affordable, feature-rich tax software for individuals and businesses with strong accuracy guarantees.
Deduction Maximizer tool that scans for over 350 deductions and credits to ensure users don't miss savings.
TaxAct is an online tax preparation software that simplifies filing federal and state income taxes for individuals, families, and self-employed users through an intuitive interview-style process. It supports a wide range of tax situations, including investments, rentals, and business income, with tools to maximize deductions and credits. The platform offers free filing for simple returns and paid tiers for more complex needs, backed by guarantees for accuracy and maximum refund.
Pros
- Exceptionally low pricing for comprehensive coverage
- Strong support for complex returns like self-employment and investments
- Robust accuracy and maximum refund guarantees up to $100,000
Cons
- Dated and somewhat clunky user interface
- Limited free edition compared to competitors
- Mobile app lacks full desktop functionality
Best For
Budget-conscious filers with straightforward to moderately complex tax situations seeking reliable software without premium pricing.
Pricing
Free for simple 1040 returns; federal filings from $0-$85 (Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed), plus $40-$50 per state.
TaxSlayer
specializedDelivers cost-effective online tax filing with unlimited support and easy import from prior years.
Unmatched value with unlimited live expert support included in paid plans at budget prices
TaxSlayer is an online tax preparation software designed to simplify filing federal and state tax returns for individuals and small businesses. It offers tiered plans covering everything from basic 1040 forms to complex situations like self-employment income, rental properties, and itemized deductions. With a focus on affordability and accuracy, it provides tools for e-filing, audit support, and live expert assistance without the high costs of premium competitors.
Pros
- Exceptionally affordable pricing compared to TurboTax or H&R Block
- Reliable phone and chat support from tax professionals
- Handles most common and moderately complex tax scenarios accurately
Cons
- User interface appears dated and less intuitive than top competitors
- Limited automatic import options for prior-year data or third-party accounts
- Free version is very basic, restricting many filers to paid plans
Best For
Cost-conscious DIY filers and small business owners seeking solid tax prep without premium pricing.
Pricing
Free for simple federal returns ($0 + $39.99/state); Classic $24.95 federal; Premium $39.95; Self-Employed $59.95 (each + $39.95/state).
Drake Software
enterpriseProfessional-grade tax preparation for accountants with e-filing, diagnostics, and bank integration.
Unmatched 24/7 live phone support throughout tax season, ensuring minimal downtime for high-volume preparers.
Drake Software is a professional-grade tax preparation platform designed for CPAs, accountants, and tax firms, offering comprehensive support for federal and all 50 state returns, e-filing, and payroll integration. It features robust tools like bank product integration, audit protection, and automated data import from prior years. Widely used by mid-sized firms, it emphasizes affordability and reliability during peak tax season.
Pros
- Exceptional value with comprehensive form and state support at competitive prices
- Outstanding 24/7 customer support during tax season
- Seamless e-filing and bank product integrations for faster refunds
Cons
- Dated Windows-only interface feels clunky compared to modern alternatives
- Steep learning curve for new users without prior professional tax software experience
- Limited mobile or cloud-based access options
Best For
Mid-sized tax preparation firms and independent professionals seeking cost-effective, feature-packed software with reliable support.
Pricing
Annual per-preparer pricing starts at $1,495 for basic packages, scaling to $2,995+ for premium tiers with unlimited states and advanced modules.
FreeTaxUSA
specializedFree federal tax filing software supporting all forms with low-cost state returns.
Free federal tax filing for every supported form, regardless of income or complexity
FreeTaxUSA is an online tax preparation platform that offers free federal tax filing for most U.S. taxpayers, supporting a wide range of IRS forms and schedules from simple 1040s to more complex situations like itemized deductions and self-employment income. It provides accurate, fast e-filing with direct deposit options for refunds and includes audit assistance. State returns are available for a nominal fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to pricier competitors.
Pros
- Free federal filing for all supported forms and complexities
- Low-cost state returns at $14.99
- Fast processing and reliable accuracy with extensive form support
Cons
- Limited customer support (email only, no phone or live chat)
- No mobile app for on-the-go filing
- Basic interface lacks advanced guidance tools found in premium software
Best For
Cost-conscious individuals and small business owners with straightforward to moderately complex taxes who prioritize affordability over extensive support.
Pricing
Federal returns free; state returns $14.99; optional Deluxe federal edition $7.99 for extra guidance.
Cash App Taxes
specializedCompletely free tax software for simple and complex returns with direct deposit options.
Zero fees for both federal and state tax filing, even for refunds over $1 million
Cash App Taxes is a free online tax filing service that enables users to prepare and e-file both federal and state returns without any fees. It offers a step-by-step interview process to gather information, automatically calculate deductions and credits, and supports common scenarios like W-2 wages, unemployment, student loan interest, and retirement distributions. Backed by Cash App, it provides a seamless mobile and web experience with prior-year import capabilities.
Pros
- Completely free federal and state filing with no upselling
- Intuitive, guided interface that's mobile-friendly
- Fast data import from previous years or other services
Cons
- Limited support for complex returns like self-employment with expenses or multi-state filings
- No phone support, only email and chat
- Doesn't handle all IRS forms (e.g., no Schedule C for business income/expenses)
Best For
Individuals and families with simple tax situations seeking a no-cost filing solution.
Pricing
100% free for federal and state returns; no paid tiers or add-ons.
Lacerte
enterpriseEnterprise tax software for professionals featuring advanced calculations and multi-client management.
Advanced diagnostics engine that proactively flags errors, exceptions, and optimization opportunities across thousands of forms
Lacerte, from Intuit's ProConnect suite, is a professional-grade tax preparation software tailored for CPAs and tax firms handling complex returns. It supports federal, state, and local forms for individuals, businesses, partnerships, S-corps, trusts, and estates, with robust e-filing and direct deposit capabilities. The software excels in diagnostics, planners, and integrations with QuickBooks, making it efficient for high-volume practices.
Pros
- Comprehensive diagnostics and error-checking reduce compliance risks
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks and Intuit ecosystem
- Strong support for complex returns including depreciation and AMT calculations
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High pricing that scales with return volume
- Occasional performance lags with large datasets
Best For
Experienced tax professionals and mid-to-large firms preparing complex, high-volume returns.
Pricing
Subscription-based; 1040 module starts at ~$449 for 10 returns, unlimited plans from $2,195+ annually, plus state and business modules extra.
ProSeries
enterpriseIntuit's professional tax prep tool with paperless workflows and error checks.
Worksheet-style interface that closely mirrors IRS forms for intuitive navigation and accuracy
ProSeries by Intuit is professional-grade tax preparation software tailored for CPAs, accountants, and tax firms handling complex federal and state returns. It supports preparation, e-filing, printing, and management of individual (1040), business (1120/1065), fiduciary, and other return types with advanced calculations and error checks. The software integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and offers tools like depreciation schedules, carryover tracking, and client organizers for efficient workflows.
Pros
- Robust support for complex returns and multiple entity types
- Seamless QuickBooks integration and data import capabilities
- Reliable e-filing with advanced diagnostics and high acceptance rates
Cons
- High cost, especially for multi-module access
- Steep learning curve for non-expert users
- Limited cloud/mobile features compared to newer competitors
Best For
Professional tax preparers and firms managing high volumes of individual and business returns.
Pricing
Module-based subscriptions start at $349/year for basic 1040 unlimited federal e-file; full bundles exceed $2,000 annually; pay-per-return options available.
UltraTax CS
enterpriseComprehensive professional tax solution with integrated practice management and compliance tools.
Intelligent Diagnostics that scans returns in real-time to flag issues, suggest fixes, and ensure audit readiness
UltraTax CS is a professional-grade tax preparation software from Thomson Reuters, designed for CPAs, accounting firms, and tax professionals to handle complex federal and state tax returns for individuals, businesses, partnerships, and fiduciaries. It provides comprehensive form support, automated calculations, diagnostics, and e-filing capabilities. The software integrates seamlessly with other CS Professional Suite tools for practice management and research.
Pros
- Extensive federal and state form library with automatic updates
- Powerful diagnostics engine for error detection and compliance
- Seamless integration with Thomson Reuters ecosystem
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users
- High subscription costs
- Resource-intensive and Windows-only
Best For
Established accounting firms and CPAs managing high-volume, complex tax returns.
Pricing
Subscription-based, typically $3,500-$6,000+ per preparer annually, plus per-state fees and module add-ons.
Conclusion
The top 10 tax preparing tools reviewed each offer unique strengths, with TurboTax leading as the top choice, guiding users through complexity via step-by-step interviews and providing live expert help. H&R Block closely follows, excelling with in-person support and audit assistance, while TaxAct stands out for its affordability and strong accuracy guarantees. Together, they cover diverse needs, from simple returns to professional accounting workflows.
Don’t miss out on a seamless tax filing experience—head to TurboTax to leverage its intuitive guidance and maximize your return.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison