Kemberley WashingtonTax Writer
Kemberley Washington is a tax journalist and provides consumer-friendly tax tips for individuals and businesses. Her work goes beyond tax articles. She has been instrumental in tax product reviews and online tax calculators to help individuals make i...
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Kemberley WashingtonTax Writer
Kemberley Washington is a tax journalist and provides consumer-friendly tax tips for individuals and businesses. Her work goes beyond tax articles. She has been instrumental in tax product reviews and online tax calculators to help individuals make i...
See Full Bio
Written By
Kemberley Washington
Kemberley WashingtonTax Writer
Kemberley Washington is a tax journalist and provides consumer-friendly tax tips for individuals and businesses. Her work goes beyond tax articles. She has been instrumental in tax product reviews and online tax calculators to help individuals make i...
See Full Bio
Kemberley WashingtonTax Writer
Kemberley Washington is a tax journalist and provides consumer-friendly tax tips for individuals and businesses. Her work goes beyond tax articles. She has been instrumental in tax product reviews and online tax calculators to help individuals make i...
See Full Bio
Tax Writer
Doug WhitemanPersonal Finance Editor
Doug Whiteman is an award-winning journalist with three decades of experience covering personal finance, starting when he was the Washington, D.C.-based consumer news editor and reporter for Associated Press Radio in the 1990s and early 2000s. He's p...
See Full Bio
Doug WhitemanPersonal Finance Editor
Doug Whiteman is an award-winning journalist with three decades of experience covering personal finance, starting when he was the Washington, D.C.-based consumer news editor and reporter for Associated Press Radio in the 1990s and early 2000s. He's p...
See Full Bio
Doug Whiteman
Doug WhitemanPersonal Finance Editor
Doug Whiteman is an award-winning journalist with three decades of experience covering personal finance, starting when he was the Washington, D.C.-based consumer news editor and reporter for Associated Press Radio in the 1990s and early 2000s. He's p...
See Full Bio
Doug WhitemanPersonal Finance Editor
Doug Whiteman is an award-winning journalist with three decades of experience covering personal finance, starting when he was the Washington, D.C.-based consumer news editor and reporter for Associated Press Radio in the 1990s and early 2000s. He's p...
See Full Bio
Reviewed
& 1 other
Updated: Aug 30, 2024, 3:39am
Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.
The 2023-2024 tax season ended in April, but if you filed an extension, you have until October 15, 2024 to file your tax return. If you did not get an extension, file today to prevent additional late fees.
When taxes are due, choosing good tax software can ease your burden.
We tested and reviewed products from five of the top online tax software platforms: Cash App Taxes, TaxSlayer, H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt and TurboTax. To find the best of the best, we assessed their prices, free tax filing options, ease of use and customer service quality.
Here are our top picks. Prices and other details are accurate as of May 30, 2024.
Why you can trust Forbes Advisor
Read more
Featured Tax Software Offer
1
TurboTax Deluxe
Federal Filing Fee
$69
State Filing Fee
$64
Best Online Tax Software Providers Of September 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
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.
$57.95
State Filing Fee
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.
$57.95
$44.95
Editor's Take
Why We Like It
TaxSlayer Premium stood out to our team because of its great 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, a benefit we felt was important for someone preparing their own taxes.
What We Don’t Like
Free tax assistance is available only with TaxSlayer’s Premium and Self-Employed editions.
Who It’s Best For
Tax Slayer Premium is best for someone who may need assistance when filing their tax return online. It’s a strong choice for users who value excellent customer service and want to pay a low price for a product with great support. TaxSlayer provides assistance to users via a priority phone line, chat and email.
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.
Details
We loved the short hold time on TaxSlayer’s support line: We were able to speak with someone in less than 2 minutes. We talked to Mardae, a helpful and professional customer service representative. When we asked him how to report business income from a 1099-NEC, he answered our questions within minutes and provided step-by-step guidance for entering the form information into the program.
BEST FREE TAX SOFTWARE
Cash App Taxes
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
$0
State Filing Fee
$0
On Cash App Taxes' Website
$0
$0
Editor's Take
Why We Like It
Our team loved that Cash App Taxes can handle just about any tax situation—at no cost.
It’s unique in the tax software landscape because filing your taxes is completely free, no matter how complex your return. (Most of the big players provide a free version for simple returns but charge for more complex ones, such as self-employed tax returns.)
What We Don’t Like
Cash App Taxes provides limited support services. Users can ask questions only by email, and there’s no phone option for when you need to have a conversation.
So we don’t recommend it for people with more complicated taxes unless they feel confident filing their own returns.
Who It’s Best For
Cash App Taxes works best for simple tax returns (with a W-2 and a couple of common deductions, like student loan interest). It’s a strong choice if you’re seeking tax software that is completely free and won’t hit you with surprise fees. It’s also quick and easy to use.
Pros & Cons
- It’s completely free for everyone, no matter how complex the return.
- Cash App Taxes doesn’t provide phone support.
- You must download the Cash App app to file.
- You can’t file multiple state tax returns with Cash App Taxes; it supports tax filing for only one state.
Details
You may not usually think of using an app to file your taxes, but Cash App Taxes shows why you should reconsider.
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
Self-Employed: See offer landing page for details. Includes all forms + access to a tax pro with self-employed expertise.
$0
State Filing Fee
$0
Self-Employed: See offer landing page for details. Includes all forms + access to a tax pro with self-employed expertise.
$0
$0
Editor's Take
Why We Like It
If you have simple taxes—a basic W-2 and few deductions, for example—s free online version is one of the best tax software options for your needs. It finished in a virtual tie for first in our best free tax software category.
We love that you can file both 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.
Also, H&R Block has no income restrictions on who can file for free. Programs such as eFile.com and TaxSlayer offer their free filing option only to users with annual incomes of $100,000 or less.
What We Don’t Like
H&R Block’s free option got nicked in our scoring only because it doesn’t apply to 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.
Who It’s Best For
H&R Block’s free online version is great for filing a simple tax return that includes wages, limited interest income, earned income tax credit, child tax credit and unemployment income.
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
Details
Of all the competitors we evaluated, H&R Block covers the widest variety of common filing scenarios, including most tax return situations for parents, college students, retirees and employees.
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
Learn More
Read Our Full Review
$25
$0
Editor's Take
Why We Like It
We salute Jackson Hewitt Online for its great value. 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.
We also liked Jackson Hewitt Online’s easy-to-use interface, which allows you to navigate through different sections of your return to file it quickly. Assistance is available through the Help menu, lists of frequently asked questions and customer service via live chat or email. We found the many assistance channels extremely helpful for people filing their tax returns on their own.
What We Don’t Like
Jackson Hewitt Online 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.
Who It’s Best For
We expect Jackson Hewitt Online to work best for tax returns with many deductions, such as itemized deductions or education expenses. This tax software may also work well for you if you need to file multiple state tax returns inexpensively.
Pros & Cons
- 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.
- Limited phone support; representatives can help with product-related questions only.
Details
While its competitors try to upsell you, Jackson Hewitt’s software does not. We appreciated this, as it allows you to focus on filing your taxes without any distractions.
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
$69
State Filing Fee
$64
On Intuit's Website
$69
$64
Editor's Take
Why We Like It
TurboTax Deluxe is our top pick for easy-to-use online tax software. Its simple interface lets you easily navigate your tax return as you enter all the necessary information. We loved how easily you can 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. This would be useful for someone who feels mostly confident filing their taxes but still wants some reassurance they’re doing it right.
What We Don’t Like
TurboTax 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—can range from $69 to $129 for federal income tax filing, plus an additional $64 or more for each state tax return.
Who It’s Best For
TurboTax works well for people with more than a basic W-2 (for example, those who itemize deductions and have investment income). It may be right for you if you feel comfortable filing your own taxes—but also think you may need a little assistance here and there.
Pros & Cons
- The 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 identify additional tax deductions and credits and briefly explain 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.
Details
TurboTax helpfully provides a list of items required to complete your tax return accurately, and the navigation menus direct you to specific tax categories, such as income, deductions and credits.
BEST TAX SOFTWARE FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED
TaxSlayer Self-Employed
4.0
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
Self-Employed: See offer landing page for details. Includes all forms + access to a tax pro with self-employed expertise.
$67.95
State Filing Fee
$44.95
On TaxSlayer's Website
Self-Employed: See offer landing page for details. Includes all forms + access to a tax pro with self-employed expertise.
$67.95
$44.95
Editor's Take
Why We Like It
Among the tax software options for self-employed people, TaxSlayer Self-Employed stands out. What we loved most about using this software is its strong customer service—including a priority phone line—and its interface, which is easy and intuitive, even for more complicated returns.
We found the guided interview approach helpful for those who might want a little more direction. It walks you through a step-by-step process to help you file your tax returns quickly and accurately. 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.
What We Don’t Like
TaxSlayer’s guided experience 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.
Who It’s Best For
A self-employed person who wants the most value for their money will appreciate TaxSlayer Self-Employed. At a cost of less than $120 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.
Pros & Cons
- Costs include expert tax help to answer any questions you may have.
- It offers a guided experience to help you find the necessary 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.
Details
If you contact TaxSlayer with a question and the tax expert you talk to can’t answer it, the case is escalated until it’s resolved.
| 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 | $57.95 | $44.95 | 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 | Learn More | Read Our Full Review | |
| Jackson Hewitt Online |  | 5.0 | | Best Tax Software for Value | $25 | $0 | Learn More | Read Our Full Review | |
| TurboTax Deluxe |  | 4.8 | | Best Tax Software for Ease of Use | $69 | $64 | Learn More | On Intuit's Website | |
| TaxSlayer Self-Employed | | 4.0 |  | Best Tax Software for the Self-Employed | $67.95 | $44.95 | Learn More | On TaxSlayer's Website |
The Complete Guide to Using Tax Software
- What Is Tax Software?
- How Does Tax Software Work?
- Pros and Cons of Tax Preparation Software
- Should I Pay Someone To Do My Taxes?
- How To Choose an Online Tax Software Provider
- How To Buy The Best Tax Software
- Free Tax Filing 2023-2024
- Summary: Best Tax Software of 2024
- Methodology
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.
Featured Tax Software Offer
1
TurboTax Deluxe
Federal Filing Fee
$69
State Filing Fee
$64
How Does Tax Software Work?
While tax software may differ depending on the software provider, you can expect most tax software to work similarly. 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 those you’d be asked if you were to hire a tax professional. In some cases, you may enter your information directly onto a tax form, and you may need some 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 and Cons of Tax Preparation Software
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easy navigation tools | Limited tax professional assistance |
Interview questionnaires | May require user to have some working tax knowledge |
Direct import of W-2 and 1099 forms | |
Overall review of tax forms and calculations |
Ask an expert
Is it better to hire a tax professional or use tax software?
Kemberley Washington
Certified Public Accountant
Nehemiah Jefferson
LLM, Tax Attorney
While both options have their advantages and disadvantages, it ultimately will depend on your level of tax knowledge and the complexity of your tax return. The use of tax software may work well for you if you have simple taxes, such as a Form W-2 and a few deductions. However, if you are self-employed, own rental properties or have other investments, you may want to hire a tax professional.
Kemberley Washington
Certified Public Accountant
While tax software may be sufficient for relatively straightforward returns, it is my experience that the tax professional can add tremendous value in preparing tax returns that are more complex. My clients are always seeking advice and guidance centered around tax planning, tax avoidance, and how the tax code applies to their specific situation. Moreover, I have discovered that even for the most simple returns where a taxpayer has used tax software, they still have questions.
LLM, Tax Attorney
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 that affects your tax situation, such as a new marital status, more or fewer 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 The Best 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.
Pro Tip
If you want to lower your tax liability, there is still time to fund a traditional individual retirement account (IRA). The IRS allows taxpayers to fund a prior year’s IRA up until the April 15 tax deadline. If you choose to do so, you can take the deduction on your tax return.
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.
1
TurboTax Deluxe
Federal Filing Fee
$69
State Filing Fee
$64
2
TaxSlayer
Federal Filing Fee
Classic: See offer landing page for details.
$37.95
State Filing Fee
$44.95
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.
$57.95
State Filing Fee
$44.95
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 IRS’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, yet 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
Summary: Best Tax Software of September 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 | $57.95 | $44.95 | 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 | Learn More | Read Our Full Review | |
| Jackson Hewitt Online | | 5.0 | | Best Tax Software for Value | $25 | $0 | Learn More | Read Our Full Review | |
| TurboTax Deluxe | | 4.8 | | Best Tax Software for Ease of Use | $69 | $64 | Learn More | On Intuit's Website | |
| TaxSlayer Self-Employed | | 4.0 | | Best Tax Software for the Self-Employed | $67.95 | $44.95 | 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. Those profiles were:
- 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.
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.
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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