16 Best Tax Software For 2023 [Ultimate Guide]

If you’re like most people, you probably dread doing your taxes. It’s not fun and it can be confusing.

Luckily, there are some great tax software programs available that make doing your taxes a little easier for you.

 

 

What Is The Best Tax Software?   

Each of these tax software programs has its pros and cons and you should take a look at each one to see which one is best for your situation.

1. Intuit TurboTax

 Intuit TurboTax is the most popular tax preparation software, and it’s no surprise why. It’s easy to use and it’s loaded with helpful features that make filing your taxes a breeze.

But if you’re like me, you might have heard about TurboTax but never actually used it before. Well, I’m here to tell you that there are many reasons why TurboTax is the best tax software on the market today:

Easy to Use: Intuit TurboTax has a very user-friendly interface that makes filing your taxes a breeze. It’s easy to navigate between different sections and find exactly what you’re looking for.

You don’t need any special training or technical knowledge to use this program anyone can do it!

Accurate Calculations: This program automatically double-checks all of your calculations for accuracy so that you don’t have to worry about making mistakes while doing your taxes.

If there are any discrepancies or errors in your return, Intuit TurboTax will let you know right away so that you can correct them before submitting them online or printing out your completed forms.

Comprehensive Coverage: Intuit TurboTax covers all of the major deductions and credits available for taxpayers living in the United States including mortgage interest deductions, charitable donations

Key Features   

1. Easy-to-use interface: Intuit TurboTax offers a very simple interface so that you don’t have to worry about complex navigation or confusing jargon. The layout is intuitive, with all necessary information clearly visible on each screen.
2. Dedicated support: If you encounter any problems using Intuit TurboTax, there’s always someone available over the phone or via email who can help resolve your issue quickly and easily without charging extra fees for their services

Pros

– Easy to use

– Great for beginners and intermediate users.

– Offers a variety of tax filing options including taxes for the self-employed, partnerships, small businesses and corporations.

Cons

The software does not have an audit risk meter like H&R Block’s TaxCut Premium does.  

 Intuit TurboTax is the most popular tax software for individual taxpayers and small businesses. It offers a large range of features and options, including a free version that you can use to file simple returns.

However, it has some drawbacks, including high prices, complicated navigation, and a lack of mobile app support.

Pros

• The best-known tax software with the largest number of users.
• Easy to use interface makes it easy for anyone to do their taxes at home.
• Has more than 100 different versions for different types of people and businesses, which makes it very flexible.
• Free filing option available for simple returns (1040EZ, 1040A).

Pricing

Intuit TurboTax is available in two versions, Deluxe and Premier. The Deluxe version is for taxpayers who have simple returns and don’t itemize deductions.

The Premier version is for taxpayers who have more complicated returns, including self-employment income or rental properties.

Both versions of TurboTax are available as an online subscription or download. All prices include the federal e-file fee of $19.99 per return, but not state e-filing fees, which vary by state.

TurboTax Online Basic Edition (Deluxe + State) – $59.99

• TurboTax Deluxe + State – $89.99
• TurboTax Premier + State – $109.99

2. Liberty Tax

 Liberty Tax Service is a tax preparation company founded by John Hewitt and Jerry Ferrell in 1997. Liberty Tax Service was the first franchised tax preparation firm in the United States, with more than 3,800 locations throughout the country.

It is a subsidiary of Liberty Tax, Inc., which also provides mortgage services.

Key Features:    

Liberty Tax Service offers several different types of services to prepare taxes for individuals or businesses including:

• Income Tax Returns
• Sales Tax Returns (for businesses only)
• Estate Tax Returns (for estates over $1 million)

Pros      

1. Very affordable.
2. Great customer service.
3. They are very knowledgeable about their business and are always ready to help their customers.
4. They have great locations all around the country, so if one location is too busy you can go to another one nearby and be served right away!
5. You can always get in touch with them by phone or email, they will respond quickly!

3. Jackson Hewitt

 Jackson Hewitt Tax Service is the largest tax preparation company in the United States. The company was founded in 1984 by Robert Jackson and Terry Hewitt, who are both still involved with the company today.

Jackson Hewitt has over 6,400 tax offices across the country, making it one of the largest full-service tax preparation companies in the nation.

It has helped more than 20 million families prepare their taxes since its founding and offers a variety of services for all types of taxpayers.

Key Features

Jackson Hewitt offers a variety of services to help you prepare your taxes:

• Federal and state tax return preparation;
• Tax planning;
• Tax audit defense; and
• Filing extensions.

Pros  

1. Convenient locations. Jackson Hewitt has more than 1,100 locations nationwide. These are typically in strip malls or in the same shopping center as other financial services companies.
2. The company offers online account management and bill pay, but you can also visit your local branch to get help with taxes and other financial matters.
3. Free live chat support. Jackson Hewitt offers free live chat support from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. on weekends (Eastern Time).
4. You can email the company at any time of the day or night with questions about its products and services, including those related to filing taxes with them in 2019-2021 tax season!

Con     

 Jackson Hewitt has been around since the 1930s, but it’s not the most reliable tax preparer. The company was sued by the Federal Trade Commission in 2010 for deceptive advertising practices, and many of its locations have received poor reviews from customers.

Jackson Hewitt’s fees are higher than some other tax prep companies, and its customer service is often criticized as lackluster. The company also charges an additional $25 fee to e-file your return, which is unusual among major tax preparation firms.

Those who have used Jackson Hewitt’s services say they’ve had problems with missing or inaccurate information on their returns, including mistakes that caused them to owe thousands more than they expected.

Some customers also complained about long wait times and poor customer service when they called in with questions or concerns about their returns.

If you decide to use Jackson Hewitt this year, be sure to double-check all of your information before filing so that no mistakes are made and you don’t end up owing money when you thought you were due a refund

Pricing

 Jackson Hewitt is a chain of tax services offices. Their prices are “as low as $29”, but that’s only for basic returns.

If you’re self-employed, have rental properties, have capital gains or losses, etc., the price goes up. Jackson Hewitt provides an estimate of your refund amount when you walk in the door (in addition to telling you how many deductions you can claim).

They also provide a free tax guide and free electronic filing if your return is under $100,000 and you file online instead of going to their office.

The Jackson Hewitt website lists all of their prices online, which is very helpful for comparison shopping purposes.

4. AvaTax

AvaTax is the leading tax preparation software for small businesses and self-employed taxpayers.

AvaTax is the best choice for small business owners and self-employed individuals because it is designed especially for them.

Its friendly interface, powerful features, and affordable pricing make it a great choice for independent contractors, freelancers, consultants, contractors, and other self-employed workers who need to file their taxes online.   

     

Key Features:

– Filing taxes is easy with AvaTax. It guides you through the process and allows you to easily import your W2 and 1099 information from your employer or banks.

– AvaTax automatically double checks all the numbers on your tax return for accuracy and compares them to official IRS guidelines. If there are any discrepancies, it will let you know so you can fix them before filing.

– If you have children (or grandkids), AvaTax will help you take advantage of valuable tax breaks for dependents like the child tax credit and dependent care credit.     

Pros

1. Comprehensive Tax Preparation Software
2. Easy to Use
3. Affordable Pricing
4. Free Support

 AvaTax is one of the best tax software on the market, and it’s easy to see why. With its intuitive interface, step-by-step approach to filing, and excellent customer support, AvaTax is a good choice for anyone looking to file their taxes online.

AvaTax offers a number of different plans that range from $49.99 to $179.99 per year depending on how many returns you want to file.

The basic plan allows you to file up to five returns at once, while the Pro plan allows up to 25 returns for $179.99 per year or $15 per return if paid monthly or quarterly.

The company also offers several add-ons such as state eFile options, eFile extensions, and audit protection insurance coverage that can be added on top of your subscription price if needed.

Pricing

 AvaTax offers two pricing plans:

1. AvaTax Basic: $19/month or $188/year.
2. AvaTax Deluxe: $29/month or $288/year.

 AvaTax is a cost-effective, easy-to-use tax software that helps you complete your tax return quickly and accurately.

The cost of AvaTax depends on how many federal and state returns you file with us. The pricing chart below applies to each state return, but not to the federal return.

• Single State Return: $25 (State Return)
• Married State Return: $35 (State Return)
• Married Federal/Single State Return: $60 (Federal Return)

5. Drake Tax

 Drake Tax is a team of dedicated tax professionals who have been helping Canadians for more than 20 years.

Key Features:    

– Step-by-step guidance throughout the entire process so you’ll know exactly what to do, which reduces the risk of mistakes.

– Help from certified CPAs who are available 24/7.

– Unlimited access to Drake Tax on any device (PC or Mac).

Pros      

1. The customer service is very good. The staff are very helpful and friendly.
2. The software is user friendly and easy to use.
3. I have had no problems using it at all!
4. I really like that they offer free tax advice online and through phone calls, as well as access to their CPAs and EAs who can help answer any questions you may have regarding your taxes.

Pricing

Their pricing includes all preparation fees (including T2 return), processing fees, postage costs and GST/HST where applicable. There are no hidden fees or additional charges unless specifically stated in writing beforehand.

6. Thomson Reuters’ ONESOURCE

Thomson Reuters is the world’s leading source of intelligent information for businesses and professionals.

They combine industry expertise with innovative technology to deliver critical information to leading decision makers in the financial and risk, legal, tax and accounting, intellectual property and science and media markets, powered by the world’s most trusted news organization.

        

Key Features:    

– On the go access to your data and reports from anywhere, anytime

– Easy to use

– Save time with easy navigation and search functionality

– Stay current on tax developments and changes as they happen with automatic alerts and information updates

– Manage all your documents in one place – saving you time and money!

Cons

1.Cost of the online subscription is expensive.

2.Not friendly for small businesses and start-ups.

3.The interface is not user-friendly and hard to navigate through different sections.

4.There are only a few articles in the free version, so you have to pay for access to other articles if you want to read more than that or use them as citation sources in your academic papers or other documents.

Pricing

ONESOURCE® Pricing includes:

• Over 400 million records – both public and private – including historical data going back five years or more
• International coverage – data is available for over 40 countries
• Easy-to-use search functionality – powerful functionality allows users to search by multiple criteria simultaneously
• Real-time updates – changes are automatically updated on a daily basis

7. QuickBooks

 QuickBooks is a bookkeeping software program that helps you manage your business finances. You can use QuickBooks to record sales and purchase transactions, create invoices and track payments.

You can even use it to pay bills and track payroll.

Business owners can use QuickBooks to:

• Manage inventory
• Pay employees and contractors
• Create estimates and invoices for customers
• Track customer payments
• Generate reports for taxes, financial statements or other business decisions

Key Features:    

1. Automatic Data Backup
2. Easy to Use
3. Multiple Currency Support
4. Create Invoices and Estimates
5. Track Time & Mileage Logs
6. Communicate with Clients and Employees

Pros

– Easy-to-use interface: QuickBooks has a simple user interface that is easy to understand and navigate. There are no complicated menus or tabs in this software.

All you need to do is open the program and start setting up your account.

– Easy-to-understand reports: You can generate different types of reports based on the information that you need. For example, if you want to know how much money you have made over time, all you need to do is create a chart or graph for that particular time period.

The report will show all the details that you require such as total sales by month or year, total expenses by month or year and so on.

– Integrated tools: With this software, you don’t need any additional tools or services to help run your business efficiently because everything is included in one package! You can use this product as an accounting tool, inventory management system and contact management tool at the same time!

Cons     

 QuickBooks is a popular accounting software that helps small businesses manage their finances. It offers several features, including accounting, invoicing, payroll and inventory management.

It’s not hard to see why QuickBooks has become so popular over the years. However, there are some drawbacks to using QuickBooks, too. Here are three of them:

1. It’s expensive
2. You need training to use it effectively
3. It’s not designed for freelancers

Pricing

QuickBooks pricing is based on a subscription model. You can choose between two different plans QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Pro both of which are available in several versions.

We recommend that you first use the free 30-day trial to see if this program will work for you and your business.

8. Clarus R+D    

Key Features:    

• Cloud-based platform.
• Easy-to-use and navigate.
• No installation or setup required.
• Multiple users can access the same Clarus R+D account at the same time, even remotely.
• Easy to use and navigate; no installation or setup required.

Cons

– The Clarus R+D has a small selection of connectors, which limits its usefulness as a “one-stop shop” for information security testing.

– The price point is relatively high for what you get.

– The company seems to be struggling to keep up with the fast pace of technology development and the needs of its customers.

Clarus R+D is not a good choice for small and mid-sized businesses. It’s only available in the U.S., so if you want to use it internationally, you’ll need to find something else.

The pricing is also a bit higher than most other solutions we’ve tested.

Verdict: If your needs are fairly straightforward, then Clarus R+D might be the right choice for you. It’s easy to get started with and offers plenty of features that will help you get more out of your data by making it more accessible.

However, if you’re looking for something more robust that can handle more complex tasks, then there are better options out there.

9. OLT Online Taxes

OLT Online Taxes provides a fast and easy way to file your taxes online.

         

Key Features: 

– E-File for Free

– File your taxes for free using OLT Online Taxes. The IRS waives the electronic filing fee for all taxpayers with adjusted gross incomes of $66,000 or less, and those who are eligible for the earned income tax credit (EITC) will also have their fees waived.

– Receive a Refund Faster

– Get your refund faster with direct deposit into your bank account. Avoid checks that can be lost in the mail or stolen by identity thieves.

– Help With Your Taxes

– A tax professional can help you understand how to claim various credits and deductions to maximize your refund.

– File Your State Taxes For Free (If Available)

Pros

1. OLT Online Taxes is a trusted and reliable tax software that has been helping people file their taxes for years.
2. OLT Online Taxes provides a free federal trial, which means you can try the software before you buy it!
3. OLT Online Taxes is affordable and very easy to use – there’s no need to learn how to do your taxes yourself when you can use the software’s step-by-step instructions to walk you through every part of the filing process!
4. OLT Online Taxes offers easy access to customer support whenever you need it, so if you have any questions or concerns about your return, they will be happy to help!

Cons     

– The software is not free

– It’s a bit complicated to use

– It can take a long time to file your taxes with the program

Pricing

 OLT Online Taxes is free for most people. But if you’re a business owner, sole proprietor or self-employed, you’ll need to pay a fee:

• Federal only: $14.95
• State and federal e-filing: $19.95
• State only: $9.95

It’s easy to see why you should use OLT Online Taxes. It comes with all the features you need to file your taxes online, and it’s completely free if you’re using it for personal taxes.

 OLT Online Taxes offers two pricing plans:

OLT PLUS. $4.99 per return.

Includes up to three federal e-files, unlimited state e-files, and unlimited tax advice.

OLT BASIC. $3.99 per return.

Includes one federal e-file and unlimited state e-files with no tax advice available (for taxpayers who do not need help with their taxes).

10. Credit Karma

Credit Karma is a free service that provides users with a FICO® Score, credit report and monitoring for their credit.

For the first time ever, members can see and track their TransUnion® credit report and score on the Web or from their mobile devices.

Credit Karma is committed to helping people take control of their financial lives by providing them with free access to their credit scores, analysis and insights. Credit Karma is available in English, Spanish, French and German.

Credit Karma was founded in 2007 by CEO and Founder Ken Lin. With more than 12 million members, Credit Karma continues to grow rapidly by helping people make better financial decisions.

The company has raised more than $100 million in funding since inception from investors including NEA, Sequoia Capital and Tiger Global Management.     

       

Key Features:    

1. Credit Score & Report

Credit Karma’s free credit score is based on data from TransUnion, one of the three major credit bureaus. It’s a VantageScore 3.0, the newest version of the credit scoring model that was introduced in 2006.

2. Identity Theft Protection

Credit Karma offers identity theft protection at no cost to you, though you have to sign up for it separately from your account. If you’re hit with an identity theft problem, the company will provide up to $1 million worth of assistance with restoring your good name and reputation.

3. Mobile App

The Credit Karma app is available through Apple’s App Store and Google Play for Android devices, as well as through its website. The mobile app includes many of the same features offered on the desktop site, including credit monitoring, alerts and insights into your credit report information (including a score update every 30 days).

Pros      

Credit Karma offers:

1. Free access to your TransUnion® credit report and score
2. Free monitoring of all three of your credit reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion (with Credit Karma Plus)
3. Free alerts for suspicious activity on your accounts, like when you have a hard inquiry on your report or if someone opens an account in your name
4. A summary of all your credit card accounts, loans and mortgages, as well as any collections or public records

Cons   

-It’s not free, but it’s cheap. $1/month for a basic membership, and it never charges you without your permission.

-It doesn’t have the option to freeze your report.

-The website is ugly as hell, but it works fine.

11. H&R Block

 H&R Block is a tax preparation company in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri and was founded by Henry W. Bloch and Richard E. Drebin in 1955.

H&R Block provides tax preparation services for individual U.S. taxpayers, as well as filing tax returns for corporations (including C corporations), partnerships, S corporations, estates and trusts.

H&R Block also provides online tax preparation software called Free File Alliance. In addition to offering traditional in-person tax preparation services, H&R Block offers online tax filing options through its proprietary software program, SnapTax®, which allows customers to prepare, sign and e-file their federal and state income taxes using a smartphone or tablet device.

In addition to its core consumer tax offerings, H&R Block also provides business-to-business (B2B) solutions for employers through its HRBlock.com division and related payroll services.

As of September 2017, HRBlock.com was the largest provider of employer-sponsored benefits in the United States.

Key Features:    

 H&R Block is a tax preparation company that offers its services to taxpayers for free. The company provides both an online and mobile option for clients to file their taxes, as well as a tax refund calculator to estimate how much money will be received.

H&R Block also offers additional products, such as its TaxCut software program, which can be purchased from most major retailers or directly from the company website. TaxCut includes both federal and state tax forms and provides assistance with filing returns electronically or by mail.

To use H&R Block’s free online filing service, clients must have a Social Security number and date of birth, as well as information about wages earned and other income during the year.

This information can be entered manually or imported into the program from an IRS Form 1040-EZ or 1040A form that was previously filed with the IRS or another tax preparation service.

Clients who do not have access to an IRS Form 1040-EZ or 1040A can still use H&R Block’s free online filing service by entering this information manually into their account profile on the website.

Pros

1. Personalized service and expert advice.

2. Free in-person appointments with a tax professional in your area.

3. H&R Block’s Tax Pro Review, where you can see what a tax professional would charge for each service you need.

4.Tax prep software that helps you find every deduction and credit you’re eligible for, then guides you through the process of preparing and e-filing your return.

5. Tax refund loans from H&R Block Financial Services (which are also available at most retail stores).

H&R Block’s Tax Pros can help with everything from filing to e-filing your federal and state taxes, including tax planning advice if you’re expecting a large refund or owe money on your taxes this year     

Cons    

– It is not always easy to get ahold of an agent by phone. The wait times can be long, and sometimes you have to listen to the same annoying music over and over again while you wait.

– The online experience is not as smooth as it could be. It doesn’t take into account how much time you want to spend on your taxes, so it can make things a little difficult if you’re pressed for time.

– H&R Block doesn’t have any local offices or in-person assistance which may make it difficult for people who are not comfortable doing their taxes online or don’t have access to a computer or internet connection.

Pricing

 H&R Block is the largest tax preparation company in the U.S. and Canada, with more than 10,000 offices nationwide. The company has been around since 1955 and offers a wide variety of services to its clients.

While you can use H&R Block’s software to file your taxes online, it’s not necessary to do so. You can also use an accountant or other tax professional if you prefer to have someone else handle your taxes.

H&R Block offers three main options for filing your taxes:

TaxCut Online (previously known as TurboTax Online).

This is H&R Block’s most popular option because it only takes about 15 minutes to complete your return after you answer a series of questions about yourself and your income sources.

TaxCut Online costs $19.95 for federal filing and $39.95 for state filing; however, the price varies depending on where you live and whether you’re filing jointly or separately from your spouse or partner.

In-person preparation at an H&R Block office location (this costs more than doing it from home).

Online account access that allows you to prepare your own taxes from start to finish with no assistance from an accountant or other tax professional.

12. TaxAct     

 TaxAct is a tax preparation software package developed by the company of the same name. It is marketed as a cheap alternative to more expensive professional tax software packages and sold through a variety of channels, including the company’s website, retail stores, and Amazon.

TaxAct has been criticized for its confusing interface and poor customer service.

Taxpayers may use TaxAct to prepare their federal income tax return or state income tax return, but not both at the same time.

TaxAct uses the term “tax year” instead of “fiscal year” because it is based on calendar years rather than fiscal years (i.e., from January 1 through December 31). Taxpayers can file amended returns for up to three previous years with an upgrade or add-on purchase.

Taxpayers who have used other online tax preparation software providers like TurboTax may find that TaxAct offers many similar features at a lower price point than its competitors do.

There are several different versions of TaxAct available Deluxe, Premium, and Self-Employed each with its own unique set of features and pricing tiers based on your needs as well as whether you want to prepare just your federal or state return or both at once.

Key Features:    

1. Easy to Use
2. No Maximum Balance
3. No Minimum Balance
4. Quick and Easy Federal Filing
5. Free State Filing in Most States
6. Online Support 24/7

With TaxAct, you can:

• E-File – E-File your federal and state income tax returns online with our fast, secure online service.
• Payments – Pay your federal income taxes by credit card or electronic funds transfer (EFT) with our secure payment system.
• State Filing – File state income tax returns for more than 30 states using our simple, step-by-step process.
• Support – Get live help from an expert if you need it, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Pros

• Low price. TaxAct has the lowest price of any major tax preparation software, and it’s been consistently beating TurboTax in that category since 2004. In the most recent two years, the cost has been $20 less than TurboTax.

•  Easy to use and navigate. TaxAct is one of the easiest programs to use, with a simple interface and helpful prompts along the way.

It also offers one-click answers to many common tax questions, which makes filling out forms much simpler than with competitors like TurboTax Deluxe or H&R Block Deluxe.

• Good for small businesses and self-employed people. TaxAct’s business version offers everything you need to prepare a Schedule C and Form 1040 accurately and easily.

You don’t have to pay extra for help with depreciation or payroll taxes those features are included in all versions of TaxAct Basic, Deluxe or Premium.    

Cons     

 TaxAct has been around for a long time, and it still offers the best value for your money if you’re looking for a basic tax filing service. The software is easy to use, and its support team is available to help you with any questions or issues you have.

The main downside of TaxAct is that it doesn’t offer some of the more advanced features found in other programs. For example, it doesn’t have a way to import financial data from banks and investment accounts, so you’ll have to enter all this information manually if you want to use it.

Another drawback is that TaxAct doesn’t offer a mobile app, so if you need to file your taxes on the go you’ll need to use another program like TurboTax or H&R Block.

Pricing

 TaxAct is a popular choice for people looking to file their taxes online. The company offers a free version of its service, but it’s limited in terms of what you can do.

TaxAct’s free version is limited to 1040EZ forms, and it doesn’t include any help with business tax filing or state returns. If you need help with those taxes, you’ll have to upgrade to one of TaxAct’s paid plans.

TaxAct offers five different plans, ranging from $19.99 per year for basic federal returns to $59.99 per year for all federal and state returns.

There are also three different levels of support available: Basic, Premium and Priority Support. Priority Support costs an extra $5 per month and includes unlimited live chat support during tax season and access to TaxAct experts over email or phone for questions about your tax return or filing process that aren’t covered by the other levels of support (which include email and phone support).

TaxAct also offers a free 30-day trial period so you can test out their software before deciding whether or not you want to subscribe for the full year.

13. FreeTaxUSA

FreeTaxUSA is a free tax filing company that offers free federal and state income tax preparation and efile services.

FreeTaxUSA helps you file your taxes online with confidence, ease and convenience.

You can prepare your tax return with the help of the IRS-certified experts at FreeTaxUSA.com, who will guide you through our secure website and answer any questions you may have along the way.

FreeTaxUSA provides easy-to-use tax software that allows you to complete your federal and state income taxes online, quickly and accurately.

Their user-friendly interface allows users to file their taxes on their schedule, because they do not have to wait until they have all of their information before they start filing their taxes.

They offer a wide range of features including:

• Income Tax Preparation Software – FreeTaxUSA offers the most comprehensive income tax preparation software available online with step-by-step guidance from start to finish.
• Available for both federal and state returns, our software allows you to complete your taxes in less than 30 minutes!
• eFile – Once your return has been completed online, simply select efile as part of the process and we will securely transmit your return directly to the IRS or State Department for review and approval.         

Key Features:    

• File your federal and state taxes online for free
• Prepare your federal return in less than 20 minutes
• Supports filing extensions (IRS form 4868)
• Provides step-by-step guidance so you don’t miss anything on your return
• Offers audit support if questions arise after filing

Pros

1. Free to use
2. No income limits
3. Completely free

FreeTaxUSA is a good option for anyone looking for a free tax filing service. You’ll have to pay for state returns, but if you don’t have any income or deductions to report, then you don’t have to pay anything at all.

And if you make too much money to file for free on TurboTax, FreeTaxUSA still offers some help. It’s best if you’re looking for something basic, like a W-2 or 1099 form and nothing more.

Cons     

The company doesn’t offer a dedicated mobile app, so you’ll need to use the website on your phone to complete and check your return.

You can’t file in advance, meaning you must wait until tax season to file your return.

FreeTaxUSA offers a free version of its software that’s designed for simple returns. You can access it via the website or as a downloadable program for Windows PCs.

The tool has no restrictions on how many people you can file for and allows you to import information from W-2 forms into the program. It also includes several features that help you find deductions and avoid common mistakes, such as an audit alert that alerts you when your return looks like it might be flagged by the IRS.

Pricing

 FreeTaxUSA offers two options for filing your taxes:

1. Free Federal and State Tax Filing
2. Premium Tax Filing Service

Free Federal and State Tax Filing is a free service, with no hidden fees, that allows you to file your federal and state income tax returns for free.

The amount of time it takes to complete the process will depend on how complex your tax situation is.

If you’re using a TurboTax product, it’s likely that you’ll need more than 15 minutes to complete the process.

However, if you’re using FreeTaxUSA, it will likely take less time because there are fewer questions to answer on our platform.

Premium Tax Filing Service is an optional upgrade that allows you to file your federal and state income tax returns quickly and easily all in one place at one low price.

You’ll have access to all of our additional features like audit protection, identity verification, and free consultation with certified tax professionals (CPA or EA).

14. TaxSlayer

 TaxSlayer is a popular tax software provider with a wide range of products and services. TaxSlayer has been around since 2002 and has over 1 million users.

The company offers online and desktop versions for individuals, as well as online versions for businesses and accountants.

The company also offers a free mobile app that you can use to prepare your taxes on the go.

TaxSlayer offers several different products to meet your specific needs:

1. TaxSlayer Pro: A basic tax preparation software designed for individuals and families who have simple returns. This is the most affordable option from TaxSlayer, costing $14.95 for federal filing and $19.95 for state filing (plus e-file fees). You can file your federal return for free if you earn less than $66,000 per year (or $32,000 if you’re married filing jointly).
2. TaxSlayer Deluxe: An expanded version of TaxSlayer Pro that includes deductions like mortgage interest, property taxes, charitable donations and more.

This is likely too much software for most people but might be useful if you need additional features and want to save some money by using one program instead of two (since you can only file one return at a time).

Key Features

1.Federal and state e-filing services

TaxSlayer offers its clients to file their federal and state returns electronically, which is a great feature for those who do not want to wait until April 15th to receive their refunds. This service can be used by businesses or individual taxpayers.

It is very simple to use, as all you need to do is enter your information and make sure that it has been entered correctly. Once you have submitted your tax return, you will receive an email confirmation of the submission.

You can also check the status of your submission on TaxSlayer’s website so that you know when it was processed and when it was accepted by the IRS or your state’s department of revenue.

This service costs $19.99 per return, but there are some discounts available if you purchase multiple returns at once or if you purchase other products with this product (for example, buying Quicken Deluxe + State + Fed Efile + State Efile would cost $34.99).

2.Free online filing – Individuals only

TaxSlayer offers free online filing for individuals who earn less than $66,000 annually (or $110,000 for joint filers).

Pros

1. It’s easy to use. TaxSlayer is a user-friendly online tax software that makes filing taxes a breeze.
2. You get your money back fast! If you owe money or have overpaid, you can expect to receive your refund within 21 days of filing your return with TaxSlayer.
3. They offer free customer service from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Monday through Friday, with live chat support available anytime on their website for even more help in filing your taxes with TaxSlayer!

 TaxSlayer is a tax-preparation service that offers both a do-it-yourself, online filing option and an assisted filing service. With the latter, customers can use one of the company’s tax experts to help them prepare their taxes.

TaxSlayer’s assisted filing service includes all forms, schedules and deductions you need to file your taxes with the IRS. The company also offers a free version that allows you to file state and federal taxes for free as long as your total income is less than $60,000.

If you make more than $60,000 a year, TaxSlayer will charge you $19.99 for state returns and $34.99 for federal returns.

Pros

• Free access to expert advice during tax season
• Free access to all forms and schedules required by the IRS

Cons     

– The biggest problem with TaxSlayer is that they don’t have a free version. So, if you’re a low income earner, or just someone who doesn’t itemize their taxes, this isn’t really an option for you.

– It’s not as easy to use as some of the other options out there.

– TaxSlayer doesn’t have any physical locations where you can go in and sit down with an accountant to talk about your taxes. This isn’t a bad thing necessarily, but it does mean that if you need help with something that isn’t covered by their online chat service or support team, it might be hard to get help without paying extra for it.

Pricing

TaxSlayer provides three different versions of their TurboTax software, which they offer at different price points:

• Basic – $0 Federal + $39 State
• Deluxe – $0 Federal + $39 State
• Premier – $0 Federal + $59 State

They also offer an online version of their TurboTax software called Online Tax Filing that costs $0 for both federal and state returns with no additional fees. This is an excellent option for those who prefer to file their taxes online rather than on paper or by phone.

15. Free File    

If you make $64,000 or less, you can use the IRS’ Free File to prepare and e-file your taxes for free.

This service is only available to taxpayers with a 2015 Adjusted Gross Income of $66,000 or less.

The Free File program includes popular software tax preparation products offered by top-tier companies like H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt and TaxSlayer. The IRS maintains a list of all approved software providers on its website.

If your AGI is between $32,000 and $66,000 (Single), or between $48,000 and $66,000 (married filing jointly), you may be eligible for the IRS’ Free File Fillable Forms product.

This is a fillable PDF version of Form 1040EZ that can be used to prepare and e-file your federal return for free using commercial software or online fillable forms providers such as Credit Karma Tax, H&R Block at Home and TurboTax Online Deluxe Federal + State.

If you make more than $66,000 (Single) or $133,000 (married filing jointly), you will not qualify for any of these programs but may still be able to file electronically for free through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance.

Key Features:    

 Free File is a free tax filing program that’s available to all taxpayers. Qualifying taxpayers can use Free File to electronically file their federal tax returns and get free federal tax software.

– Free federal and state e-file for eligible taxpayers

– Taxpayers with complex returns may qualify for FREE in-person tax help at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance location.

– Complete the Free File form to see if you qualify for free federal e-filing.

What is Tax Software?       

 Tax software is a computer program that does your taxes for you. It is also known as tax preparation software, tax preparation software, or tax filing software.

Tax software is often used by people with simple returns and those who use the trial-and-error method to prepare their taxes.

Tax preparation programs will ask you questions about your income and deductions, calculate your taxes and give you options to claim certain items. Some programs can also generate forms such as Form W-2 or Form 1099 and make recommendations on which forms to file with the IRS.

Tax preparation programs are available in many formats including software packages like TurboTax®, online programs like FreeTaxUSA® and H&R Block® Online, and stand-alone versions for specific types of returns like Form 1040A or Schedule C.

Some programs allow you to file electronically (e-file). This means that once you’ve completed your return, the IRS receives it electronically instead of having to process paper forms from taxpayers.

E-filing saves the government money because it reduces the need for employees to manually process paper returns. It also saves time for taxpayers since they don’t have to wait for their refund checks after filing by mail.

How Do You Choose the Best Tax Preparation Software?

Tax time is here again, and many people are rushing to get their taxes filed. If you’re planning to do your own taxes this year, then you’ll need to choose a tax preparation software program.

There are hundreds of different programs to choose from, and they all have their pros and cons. Some are easy to use while others are more complicated.

How do you decide which one is right for you?

First, you need to determine if you want a desktop or online program. A desktop program will run on your computer and can only be used there unless you purchase extra copies for other family members.

An online program is accessed through your Internet browser and can be used anywhere there is an Internet connection available. The advantage of an online program is that it can be accessed at any time of day or night since no additional copies need to be purchased or installed on separate computers.

If you’re looking for an easy way to file your taxes, then TurboTax Deluxe is likely the best choice for you because it offers step-by-step guidance throughout the filing process. It also provides automatic calculations that help prevent mistakes from being made during filing time by alerting users when something isn’t quite right with their return before filing begins.

1. Need to Prepare a State Tax Return

If you’re self-employed, you typically have to file a Schedule C (Profit or Loss from Business) with your federal tax return. You must also file a state income tax return, if required, and report your business income.

Some states require you to pay estimated taxes throughout the year, while others allow you to pay your entire tax liability in one lump sum when you file your annual return. If you are required to make estimated quarterly payments, these payments are added to the amount due at filing time.

If you have employees in multiple states, you should talk to an accountant about how best to handle the payroll and unemployment compensation requirements for each employer’s jurisdiction.

If you have employees who live in another state than where they work, ask your accountant whether or not they need to be covered by workers’ compensation insurance or unemployment compensation insurance in those states.

2. Help for Tax Deductions

Tax deductions are a valuable part of your income tax return. They reduce your taxable income, which lowers the amount of taxes you have to pay on that income.

The Internal Revenue Service allows taxpayers to claim tax deductions for certain types of expenses, including mortgage interest and medical expenses.

You can deduct certain expenses from your taxes. Deductions reduce your taxable income by the percentage of the deduction, so if you’re in the 25 percent federal income tax bracket and a deduction reduces your taxable income by $5,000, it saves you $1,250 in taxes.

These deductions may include:

• Medical expenses over 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI)
• Child care costs up to $3,000 per child under 13 years old or disabled family member who needs assistance with basic tasks (child care credit)
• State and local income taxes or sales taxes
• Mortgage interest paid on primary home or second home
• Charitable contributions

Tax Software – FAQ

 What is tax software?

Tax software is a computer program that helps you to complete your annual tax return. The software guides you through the process of filing your taxes, and then fills in all of the information on your behalf.

How do I download tax software?

Tax software can be downloaded directly from the company’s website, or purchased in stores like Best Buy or Staples.

What are the benefits of using Tax Software?

The biggest benefit is convenience – you don’t have to do the math yourself, and you only need to take a few minutes out of your day to get everything done. You also don’t have to worry about making mistakes, as the software will ensure that all your calculations are accurate before submitting them with the government.

What is the purpose of tax software programs?

 Tax software programs are used to prepare and file tax returns. Tax software programs are available for free and paid use.

They can be used by anyone with basic computer skills.

There are many different types of tax software, including free, online and downloadable versions. Most people will use the online version because it is convenient and easy to use.

The purpose of these programs is to help you prepare your taxes. They ask you questions about your income, deductions, credits, etc.

and then calculate how much money you should pay in taxes or receive back from the government in refunds or credits.

What is a federal tax return?     

A federal tax return is a form you must file with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by April 15 each year. The IRS gets your information from your state and federal income tax returns, which is then used to determine how much you owe in taxes and whether you qualify for any tax credits or deductions.

The most common types of federal income tax returns are 1040-EZ, 1040-A and 1040-EZ (short). You may also need to file Form 4868, Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return; Form 2350, Application for Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return; or Form 4868-Extension of Time To File U.S.

Individual Income Tax Return if you expect to owe at least $1,000 in taxes but not more than $50,000 when filing your return (see IRS Publication 556).

If you expect to owe more than $50,000 when filing your return, you should file Form 7004 instead of Form 4868-Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (see IRS Publication 556).

Is the IRS free file program useful?         

 The IRS Free File program is one of the best options out there for people who have simple tax returns. The program is free, easy to use and can help you file your taxes in no time.

The IRS Free File program is made up of two different ways to file your taxes online:

• Free File Software – This program lets you prepare and e-file your federal tax return directly through a software provider. There are over 100 software providers that participate in this program, including TurboTax, TaxAct and H&R Block at Home.

You’ll be able to find an eligible product by searching on the IRS website or by visiting the Free File Software page .

• Free File Fillable Forms – This option provides electronic versions of the IRS paper forms that you can complete on your computer and then e-file. If you’ve used a paper form before, this option should be very familiar to you.

You can find this option under “Get Ready for Free Tax Filing” on the IRS website .