TLDR
Pick based on how complex your return is and how much help you want. Simple W-2 filers can use free tiers, while self-employed people, investors, and multi-state filers should prioritize tools with strong Schedule C handling and live CPA access. Weigh import automation (W-2, 1099, brokerage) against the cost of upgrading to a paid tier before you commit.
Self-employed filers and investors who want accurate deduction handling plus the option to hand off a tricky return to a CPA.
Tax prep software has to do two jobs well: pull in your documents without errors and ask the right questions so you claim every deduction you qualify for. The gap between products shows up most for anyone past a basic W-2 return, like freelancers, landlords, and people with investment accounts.
The main decisions are DIY versus assisted filing, how many state returns you need, and whether your forms import automatically. Free federal filing is common now, but state returns and self-employment schedules are where fees add up. A plan that looks cheap can cost $100+ once you add a state and an upgrade tier.
Before you start, gather your W-2s, 1099s, brokerage statements, and last year's return. Most tools let you prepare the whole return for free and only charge when you file, so you can compare refund amounts across two products before paying.
best tax prep software Tools compared
Filter by what you care about. Every tool stays on the page.
| Tool | Price | Filing Types Covered | Document Import | Live Expert Access | State Return Support | Audit Protection | Mobile & Desktop Apps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax | From $0 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| H&R Block | From $0 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| TaxAct | From $70 | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| TaxSlayer | From $0 | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| FreeTaxUSA | Free fed, $15/state | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Cash App Taxes | Free | Limited | Limited | No | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Jackson Hewitt | From $25 | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Liberty Tax | See site | Yes | Limited | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| IRS Free File | Free | Limited | Limited | No | Limited | No | Yes |
| 1040.com | From $34.99 | Yes | Limited | Limited | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| eFile.com | See site | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| OLT (OnLine Taxes) | Free fed, $10/state | Yes | Limited | No | Yes | No | Yes |
| ezTaxReturn | From $0 | Limited | No | Limited | Limited | Limited | Yes |
| Keeper | From $20/mo | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes | Limited | Yes |
| Drake Tax | Custom | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Highlighted rows are featured placements. Competitor details are set by each platform, so confirm on their site before buying.
The 15 best best tax prep software tools
TurboTax
From $0TurboTax walks you through your return with plain-language questions and imports W-2s, 1099s, and investment data from many providers. It covers everything from simple returns in the Free Edition up to self-employment and investments, and you can add live expert help or hand the return off entirely. The main drawback is price, which climbs quickly once you move past the free tier or add state filing.
Pros
- Clear, guided interview that explains each step
- Strong import support for W-2s, 1099s, and brokerages
- Live expert and full-service options available
Cons
- More expensive than most competitors
- Frequent upsells during the process
- State returns cost extra
Best for: Filers who want hand-holding and don't mind paying for it
H&R Block
From $0H&R Block offers a capable online filing experience across free and paid tiers, with document import and the option to add help from a tax pro. Its biggest edge is the physical office network, so you can start online and finish in person if your return gets complicated. Pricing is lower than TurboTax but still tiers up for self-employment and state returns.
Pros
- Thousands of physical offices for in-person help
- Free tier covers more forms than some rivals
- Good import and document upload tools
Cons
- Paid tiers add up with state fees
- Interface feels less polished than TurboTax
Best for: People who want online filing with a fallback to in-person help
TaxAct
From $70TaxAct handles most common filing situations and leans on a straightforward price: a flat rate that covers federal and all state returns. It includes expert help when you need it and guides you through data entry with form-by-form prompts. It is cheaper than the big names for many filers, though the experience is more utilitarian.
Pros
- Flat pricing including all states advertised
- Expert help available when needed
- Covers a wide range of filing situations
Cons
- Interface is plainer than top competitors
- Import options are more limited
Best for: Cost-conscious filers who want all states for one price
TaxSlayer
From $0TaxSlayer keeps prices well below the major brands while still supporting most return types, including self-employment. Higher tiers add access to tax pros and priority support. The tradeoff is a less guided experience, so it suits filers who already know their way around a return.
Pros
- Among the cheapest paid tiers available
- Self-employed plan is affordably priced
- Expert help on higher tiers
Cons
- Less hand-holding than premium tools
- Import options are limited
Best for: Confident filers and self-employed people watching cost
FreeTaxUSA
Free fed, $15/stateFreeTaxUSA offers free federal returns regardless of complexity, including self-employment and investments, and charges a small flat fee per state return. It is not flashy, but it covers the forms most people need without the upsells. Paid add-ons include deluxe support and audit assistance.
Pros
- Free federal filing even for complex returns
- Low flat fee for state returns
- No tier-based upsells for forms
Cons
- State returns are not free
- Limited import from employers and brokerages
Best for: Budget filers who want free federal across all forms
Cash App Taxes
FreeCash App Taxes lets you file both federal and state returns at no cost, with no paid tiers. It supports most common situations but has limits on more unusual forms and states, and it requires the Cash App account. There is no paid expert help, so it works best for straightforward returns.
Pros
- Free federal and state filing
- No upsells or hidden tiers
- Covers most common tax situations
Cons
- No paid expert or full-service option
- Does not support every form or state
- Requires a Cash App account
Best for: Simple to moderate returns at zero cost
Jackson Hewitt
From $25Jackson Hewitt focuses on in-person preparation through standalone and Walmart-based offices, with flat-fee pricing for assisted filing. It also offers an online option and services for resolving back taxes and IRS notices. It is a fit for people who prefer handing their documents to a preparer rather than doing it themselves.
Pros
- Many offices, including inside Walmart stores
- Flat-fee assisted filing
- Tax resolution and audit services available
Cons
- Online tool is less developed than rivals
- Pricing varies by office and situation
Best for: People who prefer in-person filing at convenient locations
Liberty Tax
See siteLiberty Tax provides in-person filing through its franchise offices along with online self-filing and financial products like refund advances. It also offers bookkeeping and tax debt resolution services. Like other office-based chains, pricing depends on your situation and location.
Pros
- Nationwide network of franchise offices
- In-person and online filing options
- Refund advance and related products
Cons
- Online software trails the big names
- Pricing not clearly published online
Best for: Filers who want local, in-person preparation
IRS Free File
FreeIRS Free File is a partnership between the IRS and tax software companies that offers free guided federal filing to taxpayers under an income threshold. Above that limit, Free File Fillable Forms are available for anyone comfortable preparing their own return. State filing availability depends on the partner you choose.
Pros
- Genuinely free federal filing for eligible filers
- Multiple partner products to choose from
- Fillable forms available at any income
Cons
- Guided version has an income eligibility cap
- State filing varies by partner
- No expert help included
Best for: Eligible taxpayers who want a free, official filing route
1040.com
From $34.991040.com uses a single flat rate of $34.99 that covers federal and state returns for any supported situation, from W-2s to self-employment and investments. The appeal is predictable pricing with no tier jumps or surprise fees. You pay only when you file, and you can try it for free first.
Pros
- Flat $34.99 for federal and state
- No confusing pricing tiers
- Covers W-2, self-employment, and investment income
Cons
- Limited import and expert help options
- Less known than major brands
Best for: Filers who want one simple price for everything
eFile.com
See siteEFile.com has shut down and no longer offers tax preparation or e-filing. The site now only points visitors to the IRS for obtaining prior-year transcripts and returns. It is listed here for reference, but it is not a current option for filing.
Pros
- Previously offered low-cost filing
Cons
- Service is closed and unavailable
- Cannot file current or prior returns
- Only points to IRS transcript resources
Best for: Not currently usable; service has shut down
OLT (OnLine Taxes)
Free fed, $10/stateOLT.com is an IRS-authorized e-file provider that offers free federal filing and charges a modest fee for state returns. It covers most common filing situations with a plain, functional interface. It is a no-frills option for people who want to file cheaply and don't need a lot of guidance.
Pros
- Free federal filing
- Low-cost state returns
- IRS-authorized e-file provider
Cons
- Dated, basic interface
- Limited import and support options
- Little guidance for complex returns
Best for: Budget filers comfortable with a basic tool
ezTaxReturn
From $0EzTaxReturn offers guided federal and state filing at budget prices, with a free federal option for qualifying simple returns. It focuses on speed and simplicity rather than advanced features, so it fits straightforward situations better than complex ones. Support for some less common forms and states is limited.
Pros
- Affordable federal and state pricing
- Simple, guided experience
- Free option for qualifying simple returns
Cons
- Not all states supported
- Limited handling of complex returns
- Minimal import options
Best for: Simple returns that need a quick, cheap filing
Keeper
From $20/moKeeper connects to your bank and cards to find deductible business expenses throughout the year, then lets you file your return from the app. It is built around self-employed and gig workers who need to track write-offs. Filing is a paid feature on top of the subscription, and it is less suited to complex non-business returns.
Pros
- Automatic deduction tracking for freelancers
- Built for self-employed and gig workers
- Files directly from the app with tax pro review
Cons
- Subscription plus filing fee adds up
- Focused on self-employment, not all situations
- Less suited to complex investment returns
Best for: Freelancers and gig workers tracking deductions year-round
Drake Tax
CustomDrake Tax is built for professional preparers who file returns on behalf of clients, not for individual DIY filers. It handles a broad range of federal and state returns with batch processing, e-filing, and practice management tools. Pricing is sold as professional packages rather than per-return consumer plans.
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage for preparers
- Handles many clients and return types efficiently
- Includes e-filing and practice tools
Cons
- Not intended for individual self-filers
- Professional pricing, not consumer-friendly
- Steeper learning curve
Best for: Tax professionals and firms preparing many returns
How to choose the right tier
Match the product tier to your actual forms, not the marketing name. If you only have a W-2 and claim the standard deduction, a free tier handles everything. The moment you add a Schedule C (self-employment), Schedule E (rental), or Schedule D (capital gains), you usually jump to a paid tier that costs $40 to $130 federal.
State returns are the hidden cost. Many free federal offers charge $15 to $45 per state. If you moved or worked across state lines, count each state return in your total. FreeTaxUSA and Cash App Taxes are notable for low or no state fees.
Key features to look for
Document import saves time and reduces typos. Look for W-2 import by employer, 1099 import from banks and brokerages, and prior-year import so your carryover data transfers. Investors with hundreds of trades should confirm the tool imports brokerage data directly rather than requiring manual entry.
Accuracy and audit support matter when the return gets complex. Most major products include a maximum refund guarantee and some form of audit assistance, but read what 'audit support' means: guidance and letters are common, full representation usually costs extra. Live expert review (CPA or EA) is worth it for first-time business filers.
DIY versus assisted filing
Assisted tiers let a tax pro review your return or prepare it entirely. TurboTax Live and H&R Block's expert options run $90 to $200+ depending on complexity, but they catch errors and answer judgment-call questions. For a simple return, the extra cost rarely pays off.
Full-service options where a preparer files for you make sense if you had a major life change (business sale, inheritance, multiple states) or if your time is more valuable than the fee. Compare that cost against hiring a local CPA, who may charge a similar amount with year-round availability.
Frequently asked questions
Is free tax software actually free?
Free federal filing is real for simple returns, typically W-2 income with the standard deduction. The catches are usually state returns (often $15 to $45 each) and upgrades triggered by self-employment, investment income, or itemized deductions. Cash App Taxes and IRS Free File (for eligible incomes) are among the few that are genuinely free for federal and state.
Which software is best for self-employed or freelance filers?
Look for strong Schedule C support, expense categorization, and quarterly estimated tax tools. TurboTax Self-Employed, H&R Block Self-Employed, and Keeper are built for this. Keeper focuses on finding deductions from linked bank accounts, while the larger suites add live expert help. Expect to pay $60 to $130 federal plus state.
Can I switch software from last year?
Yes. Most products import a PDF of last year's return from a competitor to carry over your personal info and some carryover figures like capital loss carryforwards. Importing directly within the same brand is smoother, but cross-brand PDF import covers the basics and is worth doing to save setup time.
How much do state returns cost?
It varies widely. Some free tiers include one free state, but most paid products charge $15 to $45 per state return on top of the federal fee. FreeTaxUSA charges a flat low fee per state, and Cash App Taxes includes state filing at no cost. Always add the state fee to compare true totals.
What does audit protection or audit support include?
Read the fine print. Basic 'audit support' usually means guidance on what to do and help understanding IRS notices. Full 'audit defense' or representation, where someone deals with the IRS on your behalf, is typically a paid add-on ($40 to $60). If you have a complex return, the paid defense can be worth it.
Can I import my W-2 and 1099 forms automatically?
Most major products support W-2 import if your employer uses a participating payroll provider, and many import 1099s from banks and brokerages. This cuts manual entry and reduces errors. Investors with large trade volumes should confirm the tool imports brokerage 1099-B data directly before buying.
When should I use a CPA instead of software?
Software handles most returns well, including self-employment and investments. Consider a CPA or enrolled agent if you sold a business, have significant rental property, received equity compensation, filed in multiple states, or faced a major life change. A pro provides year-round planning, not just filing, which software cannot replace.
The bottom line
If your taxes are straightforward, start with a free federal tier and check the state filing fee before filing. If you have a business, rental income, or stock sales, run the numbers in two products (most let you prepare for free and pay only to file) and pick the one that catches more deductions.