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Best Online Tax Software Providers Of March 2024
- TaxSlayer Premium:Best Tax Software for Customer Support
- Cash App Taxes: Best Free Tax Software
- Best Free Tax Software (Tie)
- Jackson Hewitt Online: Best Tax Software for Value
- TurboTax Deluxe:Best Tax Software for Ease of Use
- TaxSlayer Self-Employed:Best Tax Software for the Self-Employed
| Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating - Image | Best For | Federal Filing Fee | State Filing Fee | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TaxSlayer Premium |  | 5.0 |  | Best Tax Software for Customer Support | $42.95 | $39.95 | Learn More | On TaxSlayer's Website | |
| Cash App Taxes |  | 5.0 | | Best Free Tax Software | $0 | $0 | Learn More | On Cash App Taxes' Website | |
| H&R Block |  | 4.9 | | Best Free Tax Software (Tie) | $0 | $0 | View More | ||
| Jackson Hewitt Online |  | 5.0 | | Best Tax Software for Value | $25 | $0 | Learn More | On Jackson Hewitt's Website | |
| TurboTax Deluxe |  | 4.8 |  | Best Tax Software for Ease of Use | $59 | $59 | Learn More | On Intuit's Website | |
| TaxSlayer Self-Employed | | 4.0 |  | Best Tax Software for the Self-Employed | $62.95 | $39.95 | Learn More | On TaxSlayer's Website |
Best Tax Software for Customer Support
TaxSlayer Premium
5.0
Our ratings take the following features into account and weight them according to category: cost to file your state and federal taxes, what forms you can file for free, ease of use and quality of help content and customer service.
Federal Filing Fee
Premium: See offer landing page for details. Includes all forms + live chat support, Ask a Tax Pro, front-of-the-line assistance.
$42.95
State Filing Fee
$39.95
On TaxSlayer's Website
Premium: See offer landing page for details. Includes all forms + live chat support, Ask a Tax Pro, front-of-the-line assistance.
$42.95
$39.95
Why We Picked It
TaxSlayer Premium offers outstanding customer service compared to its competitors. It provides multiple ways to contact customer support for tax filing assistance, including phone, chat, email and professional tax assistance. And while TurboTax also scored very well for this category, we’ve chosen TaxSlayer because it offers free professional tax assistance.
We called TaxSlayer’s support line, and the hold time was less than 2 minutes. We spoke with Mardae, a customer service representative who was helpful and professional. We asked him how to report business income from a 1099-NEC. He answered our questions within minutes and provided step-by-step guidance to enter the form into the program.
Pros & Cons
- It provides good customer service, including multiple ways to contact TaxSlayer: by phone, chat and email and through professional tax assistance.
- TaxSlayer Premium offers assistance from a tax expert without an additional cost.
- Free tax assistance is available only with TaxSlayer’s Premium and Self-Employed editions.
Who Should Use It?
TaxSlayer Premium is best for users who value excellent customer service and want to pay a low price for a product with great support. Users have access to a priority phone line, and TaxSlayer also provides assistance via chat, as well as more standard options such as email support.
BEST FREE TAX SOFTWARE
Cash App Taxes
5.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Federal Filing Fee
$0
State Filing Fee
$0
On Cash App Taxes' Website
$0
$0
Why We Picked It
If your tax situation is simple—say you have one W-2 and few deductions—Cash App Taxes is the best tax software to meet your needs.
Cash App Taxes is unique in the tax software landscape because it offers completely free tax filing, no matter how complicated your return. Most of the big players provide a free version for simple returns but charge for self-employed tax returns.
But even though it’s free, you need to download the app to use the program. And Cash App provides limited support services: There’s only email support for users, and no option if you would like to speak with someone. So it’s a great free choice for simple tax returns, but we don’t recommend it for people with more complicated taxes unless they feel confident filing their own returns.
Pros & Cons
- It’s completely free for everyone.
- Cash App Taxes doesn’t provide phone support.
- You must download Cash App to file your taxes.
- If you have multiple state tax returns, you can’t file with Cash App Taxes. It supports tax filing for only one state.
Who Should Use It?
Cash App Taxes software works best if you have a simple tax return (with a W-2 and a couple of common deductions, like student loan interest) and are seeking online tax software that is completely free and won’t hit you with surprise fees. It’s also quick and easy to use.
Best Free Tax Software (Tie)
H&R Block
4.9
Our ratings take the following features into account and weight them according to category: cost to file your state and federal taxes, what forms you can file for free, ease of use and quality of help content and customer service.
Federal Filing Fee
$0
State Filing Fee
$0
Learn More
Read Our Full Review
$0
$0
Why We Picked It
If you have simple taxes—a basic W-2 and few deductions, for example—H&R Block’s free online version is one of the best tax software options for your needs. In fact, it finished in a virtual tie for first in our best free tax software category.
What we love is that you can file both your federal and state taxes for free. Other software programs, like TaxAct and eFile.com, offer free federal filing but then upsell you to a paid version to file your state taxes.
H&R Block has no income restrictions on who can file for free. Programs such as eFile.com and TaxSlayer limit their free filing option to users with annual incomes of $100,000 or less.
Finally, it covers the widest variety of common filing scenarios among the competitors we evaluated, including most tax filing scenarios for parents, college students, retirees and employees. Here are some of the forms you can file for free:
- Form W2, Wage and Tax Statement
- Schedule EIC, Earned Income Credit
- 1098-E, Student Loan Interest
- 1099 R, Retirement Income
- SSA-1099, Social Security Income
- Form 8917, Tuition and Fees
- Form 8863, Education Credits
- 1099-G, Certain Government Payments (Unemployment Compensation)
H&R Block’s free option got nicked in our scoring only because you can’t use it for all tax situations. There’s a cost to file with H&R Block if you’re self-employed, wish to itemize deductions or have other special tax circ*mstances, while competitor Cash App Taxes is always free.
Pros & Cons
- Free federal and state tax filing
- No income or filing status restrictions
- Provides the most filing options for employees, retirees, parents, college students and graduates
- Phone support had longer hold times than competitors
Who Should Use It?
H&R Block’s free online version is best if you have a very simple tax filing that includes wages, limited interest income, earned income tax credit, child tax credit and unemployment income.
BEST TAX SOFTWARE FOR VALUE
Jackson Hewitt Online
5.0
Our ratings take the following features into account and weight them according to category: cost to file your state and federal taxes, what forms you can file for free, ease of use and quality of help content and customer service.
Federal Filing Fee
$25
State Filing Fee
$0
On Jackson Hewitt's Website
$25
$0
Why We Picked It
Jackson Hewitt Online charges a flat fee of $25 to file your tax return, no matter how complex it may be. And you can file multiple state tax returns without paying a penny more. It’s a good choice for someone seeking to do their own taxes.
There’s an easy-to-use interface that allows you to navigate through different sections of your return so you can file it quickly. If you need assistance, you can click on the Help menu to search through frequently asked questions or connect with customer service via live chat or email.
Jackson Hewitt offers phone support, but its representatives only answer product questions and don’t offer any tax advice. If you want expert tax assistance, you would need to choose a different service and pay more.
An advantage of Jackson Hewitt is that its software doesn’t try to upsell you while you complete your tax return, as some of its competitors do.
Pros & Cons
- Jackson Hewitt Online charges a flat fee of $25 to file your taxes.
- If you have multiple state returns, you can file them all for no additional fees.
- It offers limited phone support; representatives can help with product-related questions only.
Who Should Use It?
Jackson Hewitt works best for a tax return with many deductions, such as itemized deductions or education expenses. Also, if you need to file more than one state tax return and want an inexpensive choice with different customer service options, this tax software may work well for you.
Best Tax Software for Ease of Use
TurboTax Deluxe
4.8
Our ratings take the following features into account and weight them according to category: cost to file your state and federal taxes, what forms you can file for free, ease of use and quality of help content and customer service.
Federal Filing Fee
$59
State Filing Fee
$59
On Intuit's Website
$59
$59
Why We Picked It
TurboTax Deluxe is our pick for easy-to-use online tax software because its simple interface lets you easily navigate your tax return and enter all the necessary information. You can also import your tax documents directly into the platform.
As you prepare your tax return, TurboTax Deluxe offers many helpful tools, such as explainer videos, questionnaires to help you identify tax deductions and credits, and explanations for why you might owe taxes. We found this very useful for someone who feels mostly confident filing their taxes but wants some reassurance they’re doing it right.
TurboTax keeps you updated on your tax refund or liability as you add deductions and credits.
Source: TurboTax
The navigation menus direct you to specific tax categories, such as income, deductions and credits. But more importantly, TurboTax provides a list of items required to complete your tax return accurately.
TurboTax has a user-friendly interface that lets you easily navigate between categories to file your tax return. Source: TurboTax
While TurboTax is easy to use, it comes with one major downside: upsells. TurboTax constantly tries to sell add-on products throughout the filing experience, such as help and support packages to assist with audits or amended tax returns, and one-on-one time with specialists.
Most filers don’t need to pay for these extras to complete their taxes successfully, but the upsells may sow doubt in their minds that they need to spend extra to do so, and may force them to take time away from filing to opt out of each offer.
TurboTax also can be more expensive than its competitors, depending on the time of year. Its prices fluctuate and—without promotions or add-ons—currently range from $59 to $119 for federal income tax filing, plus an additional $59 for each state tax return.
Pros & Cons
- The simple, easy-to-use interface helps you quickly navigate to specific tax forms and situations.
- TurboTax Deluxe offers many helpful tools such as EasyGuide and Explain Why. They allow you to identify additional tax deductions and credits and provide a brief explanation of why you may owe taxes.
- You can upload your W-2, enabling TurboTax to fill out key fields on your return automatically.
- It provides alternative secure ways to log into your account without using your password.
- TurboTax tries to upsell you more than competitors do.
- It can be more expensive than the competition.
Who Should Use It?
You should, if you have more than a basic W-2 (if, for example, you itemize deductions and have investment income) and you feel comfortable filing your own taxes—but you also think you may need a little assistance here and there.
Best Tax Software for the Self-Employed
TaxSlayer Self-Employed
4.0
Our ratings are calculated based on fees, rates, rewards and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.
Federal Filing Fee
Self-Employed: See offer landing page for details. Includes all forms + access to a tax pro with self-employed expertise.
$62.95
State Filing Fee
$39.95
On TaxSlayer's Website
Self-Employed: See offer landing page for details. Includes all forms + access to a tax pro with self-employed expertise.
$62.95
$39.95
Why We Picked It
We selected TaxSlayer Self-Employed as the best choice for self-employed filers because it offers strong customer service—including a priority phone line—and a platform that’s easy and intuitive to use, even for more complicated returns. You can select a guided interview, which walks you through a step-by-step process to help you file your taxes quickly and accurately.
One of the biggest draws of TaxSlayer Self-Employed is that for a competitive fee you can file both your federal taxes and a state tax return electronically. TurboTax often charges more to file your federal and state tax return when you’re self-employed, then charge even more if you want tax advice from an expert.
If you don’t need the extra hand-holding, you can navigate directly to specific tax forms to enter your income and deductions—a much faster option.
TaxSlayer lets you choose between a more guided experience or being self-sufficient while filing. Source: TaxSlayer
But while TaxSlayer’s guided experience can be helpful, it may slow you down if you’re searching for a particular deduction or business expense. For example, after you click “Deductions,” you’re provided a list of common write-offs. If you don’t see the deduction you’re searching for, you must click “See More” to filter through the remaining options.
Pros & Cons
- Costs include expert tax help to answer any questions you may have.
- It offers a guided experience to help you navigate directly to tax forms.
- TaxSlayer’s tax experts have limited IRS VITA or in-house training and may not be certified public accountants, enrolled agents or tax attorneys. However, if a tax expert is unable to answer your questions, the case is escalated until it’s resolved.
Who Should Use It?
A self-employed person who wants the most value for their money will appreciate TaxSlayer SE. At a cost of less than $100 to file both federal and state taxes, the software offers step-by-step guidance, tax experts on call and the time-saving option to go directly to the specific tax forms you need.
The Complete Guide to Using Tax Software
- What Is Tax Software?
- Should I Pay Someone To Do My Taxes?
- How To Choose an Online Tax Software Provider
- How To Buy Tax Software
- Free Tax Filing
- Summary: Best Tax Filing Software of 2024
What Is Tax Software?
Tax software is a digital product that allows you to file both your federal and state tax returns with guided help. Depending on the tax software you choose, you can find features such as direct import of tax forms, tax deduction locators, expert tax help and customer service support.
Tax software helps you save time because it provides navigation tools to easily enter your tax information. Also, most tax software products allow you to upload your prior year’s tax return so you don’t have to manually reenter key details such as your name, Social Security number and dependents’ information.
While tax software can range in price, if you have a simple tax return—maybe with only one W-2 and few deductions—in many cases you can file for free.
1
TurboTax Deluxe
Federal Filing Fee
$59
State Filing Fee
$59
2
TaxSlayer
Federal Filing Fee
Classic: See offer landing page for details.
$22.95
State Filing Fee
$39.95
3
TaxSlayer Premium
Federal Filing Fee
Premium: See offer landing page for details. Includes all forms + live chat support, Ask a Tax Pro, front-of-the-line assistance.
$42.95
State Filing Fee
$39.95
How Does Tax Software Work?
While tax software may differ depending on the software provider, you can expect most tax software to work in similar fashion. Typically, you enter your income from tax documents, such as your W-2, 1099 K or 1099-INT. You also enter deductions you may be entitled to, such as mortgage or student loan interest, business expenses or contributions to a health savings account.
Depending on the tax software you choose, you may be asked a series of questions much like what you’d be asked if you were to hire a tax professional. In some cases, you may need to enter your information directly onto a tax form, and you may need more tax knowledge to ensure you enter the information correctly.
After going through the tax software’s navigation tools, you will know whether you owe taxes or can expect a refund. You can choose to enter your banking details to pay taxes or receive a direct deposit to your bank account. Finally, you can opt to file electronically or choose to file a paper tax return.
Related:File A Tax Return This Year, Even If You Usually Don’t Do It
Pros of Tax Preparation Software
- Easy navigation tools
- Interview questionnaires
- Direct import of W-2 and 1099 Forms
- Overall review of tax forms and calculations
Cons of Tax Preparation Software
- Limited tax professional assistance
- It may require some working tax knowledge to use
Should I Pay Someone To Do My Taxes?
As a CPA and former IRS agent, I can tell you that there are certain filing situations when you should hire a tax professional. I have seen many do-it-yourself tax returns that landed in the hands of an IRS auditor.
Here are some scenarios where you should consider paying someone to do your taxes in 2024:
- You just started a business in 2023 or have a complex business structure, such as an S-corporation, partnership or corporation.
- You have employees or you’re self-employed.
- You experienced a recent change in your tax situation, such as your marital status, dependents, a job change or a move to a different state.
- You sold a property in 2023.
- You worked in multiple states.
Related: Best Small Business Tax Software of 2024
How Much Does a Tax Preparer Cost?
The fee can range from several hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the tax preparer and the complexity of the return. Some tax preparers charge a fixed fee that varies by how complicated the return is to prepare. Others charge based on their firm’s standard hourly rates. Individuals typically pay a fixed fee, while corporations usually pay hourly rates.
How To Choose an Online Tax Software Provider
Ease of use, cost, technical assistance and customer service are four broad areas to look at when choosing the best platform for you.
Ease of Use
Costs and Fees
Technical and Tax Assistance
Customer Support Options
How To Buy Tax Software
Before buying tax software, it’s important to identify your specific requirements. Take time to think about your financial picture and the particulars of your earnings and expenses. Do you work freelance? Do you have investments or other passive sources of income?
Then research your options. You can narrow them down to a manageable number by setting standards. Check out the features and capabilities of the software, and figure out which ones your situation calls for. Otherwise there’s a risk you might end up paying for lots of options you don’t need.
Free Tax Filing 2023-2024
When it comes to free tax filing options, all products are not created equal. We reviewed the free versions of each of our finalist platforms and awarded Cash App Taxes the title as our best free pick because it provides the widest variety of forms at no cost. But H&R Block was so close that we’re calling our results a virtual tie.
While the online tax products we studied provide limited free filing options, there’s another, lesser-known choice that offers free tax filings with few limitations and restrictions.
IRS Free File
The IRS Free File program generally allows you to file your tax return for free if you have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $79,000. You may want to opt for IRS Free File rather than an advertised free filing solution from an online tax provider because the tax agency’s program can support more tax forms for free. Before using the service, browse each product offering to see which free product works best for you.
The IRS Free File tax providers for 2023 tax returns are:
- FreeTaxUSA
- TaxSlayer
- TaxAct
- IRS Free File Program by ezTaxReturn.com
- 1040.com
- FileYourTaxes.com
- OnLine Taxes (OLT)
- 1040Now
The program has been around since 2003, but you’re forgiven if you haven’t heard of it. The IRS estimates that 70% of all taxpayers qualify for the program, but only a small percentage of taxpayers have used it.
Other Free Tax Filing Options
If you have a simple tax return, with one W-2 and a couple of deductions, you’ll likely be able to file your taxes for free. Many online tax software providers offer free filing for simple returns on their websites.
Here are some questions to ask before selecting a free product:
- Which forms does the tax online software provider allow you to file?
- Is there an additional cost for state tax return filing?
- Are there any income restrictions to qualify?
- Is support available?
Related: How To File Your Taxes For Free in 2024
Pro Tip
You can contact the IRS in two ways: via phone at (800) 829-1040 or by creating an online account at IRS.gov.
Summary: Best Tax Filing Software of March 2024
| Company | Company - Logo | Forbes Advisor Rating | Forbes Advisor Rating - Image | Best For | Federal Filing Fee | State Filing Fee | Learn More CTA text | Learn more CTA below text | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TaxSlayer Premium | | 5.0 | | Best Tax Software for Customer Support | $42.95 | $39.95 | Learn More | On TaxSlayer's Website | |
| Cash App Taxes | | 5.0 | | Best Free Tax Software | $0 | $0 | Learn More | On Cash App Taxes' Website | |
| H&R Block | | 4.9 | | Best Free Tax Software (Tie) | $0 | $0 | View More | ||
| Jackson Hewitt Online | | 5.0 | | Best Tax Software for Value | $25 | $0 | Learn More | On Jackson Hewitt's Website | |
| TurboTax Deluxe | | 4.8 | | Best Tax Software for Ease of Use | $59 | $59 | Learn More | On Intuit's Website | |
| TaxSlayer Self-Employed | | 4.0 | | Best Tax Software for the Self-Employed | $62.95 | $39.95 | Learn More | On TaxSlayer's Website |
Methodology
We began our analysis by looking at nine popular online tax software providers: Cash App Taxes, eFile.com, FileYourTaxes.com, FreeTaxUSA, H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, TaxSlayer, TaxAct and TurboTax.
To evaluate the five finalists–Cash App Taxes, H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, TaxSlayer and TurboTax–we created three generic tax filing profiles and ran each through the software to review for ease of use, quality of customer service and free filing options:
- A single filer with a basic W-2 and student loan deductions
- A married couple with wage income, a dependent and child care expenses
- A freelancer with business income and deductions
Our analysis used side-by-side comparisons of the providers’ features and costs to assess which offered the best online tax software in the following categories:
- Best for Customer Support: Our analysis included a thorough review of each platform’s support options. We determined if the online tax software providers offered phone, live chat, email or help articles for users, and we evaluated each option. We contacted customer service departments by phone to assess their hold time and customer service quality.
- Best Free Tax Software:For the best free online tax software, we analyzed which provider offered the most impressive overall package of features with no fees for federal and state tax return filings, no income or filing status restrictions, and the broadest selection of tax filing forms.
- Best for Value:For the best-value online tax software, we sought to determine which provider offered all tax filings and situations at the best cost. This category differs from our best free online tax software in that we focused on the lowest-priced versions of our finalists’ online tax software.
- Best Tax Software for Ease of Use:An easy-to-use platform is most important for many tax filers. For this category, we reviewed each platform to determine which provided the simplest process for completing users’ tax forms. We reviewed each company’s Q&A tax interview options, looked for the ability to upload W-2 forms and automate data entry, explored all navigation menus, and gauged the length of time required to complete a return.
- Best for the Self-Employed:Self-employed freelance workers generally have more complicated income tax filings than employees. Ensuring that online tax software caters to the special needs of freelancers and self-employed individuals is essential at tax time. We evaluated each platform’s offering in this category for pricing, support, state filing fees, deduction finder options and total costs.
Each category was weighted and scored feature by feature. The author, a certified public accountant (CPA) with more than 20 years of taxation experience, completed all tax software testing by opening accounts with each provider to perform hands-on evaluations.
To learn more about how Forbes Advisor rates tax products, and our editorial process, check out our
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When are taxes due for the 2024 tax filing season?
Monday, April 15, 2024 is Tax Day, the deadline to file your 2023 tax return.
What happens if you miss the tax deadline?
If you expect you may need more time to file, you should consider filing Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return.
Keep in mind that while a tax extension extends the time to file, it does not extend the time to pay your taxes, which are still due on tax day. If you fail to request an extension or pay your taxes by the due date, you may incur additional penalties and interest. The final date to file an extension for your 2023 taxes will be April 15, 2024.
Is it better to hire a tax professional or use tax software?
It depends on the complexity of your tax situation. If you have only one W-2 and no deductions, do-it-yourself tax software could be a cost-effective choice.
You may need guidance from a tax professional, though, if you own a business, sold investments or worked in multiple states in 2022. Other situations where you might benefit from tax assistance could include working multiple jobs, getting divorced or having a baby.
Who should and who should not use tax software?
Generally, if you need to file a tax return, you should use tax software. You could refrain in certain circ*mstances. For example, you may not need software if you have one Form W-2 and no tax deductions. Even in those cases, though, using tax preparation software makes it easier to file your tax return and request direct deposit of your tax refund.
Are there any hidden fees associated with tax software?
You may be aware of some fees only after you start using the tax software. However, you’ll have an option to decline any additional fees before you file your tax return.
Is H&R Block better than TurboTax?
Both H&R Block and TurboTax provide great D.I.Y. tax software options. TurboTax has been the premier and most popular D.I.Y. software for nearly 40 years. H&R Block is newer to the software space but has been a big name in tax preparation since 1955. Both sell easy-to-use software with advanced options for customer support. H&R is slightly less expensive but TurboTax provides a “donation calculator” tool that makes tracking the value of charitable donations easy.
To learn more about each and determine which is best for you, check out our guide on .
Do I have to buy tax software every year?
Using online tax preparation software, you won’t need to buy tax software every year. Tax software providers update their online products annually to align with the current tax law.
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Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circ*mstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
