1. Taxes
  2. Best Tax Software

Best Tax Software in 2023: Top 10 Picks for the Best Tax Service in the US

Filling out your tax forms is complicated. Make your life easier with some of the best tax software.

Deepti Nickam - Finance Writer
Written by

Deepti Nickam

Deepti Nickam - Finance Writer
Written by
Deepti Nickam
Finance Writer

Content writing and marketing professional with 5+ years of experience in the B2B and B2C sectors. Deepti has written about several subjects, including finance, project management, human resources, and more.

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Derek Sall - Founder/Personal Finance Expert
Reviewed by

Derek Sall

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Derek Sall - Founder/Personal Finance Expert
Reviewed by
Derek Sall
Founder/Personal Finance Expert

Derek has a Bachelor's degree in Finance and a Master's in Business. As a finance manager in the corporate world, he regularly identified and solved problems at the C-suite level. Today, Derek isn't interested in helping big companies. Instead, he's helping individuals win financially—one email, one article, one person at a time.

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Kacper Kozicki - Editor-in-Chief
Edited by

Kacper Kozicki

Kacper Kozicki - Editor-in-Chief
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Kacper Kozicki
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Kacper is an editor, writer, and multilingual translator with expertise in producing tailored content for global online brands.

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Lauren Bedford - Finance Writer
Fact-checking

Lauren Bedford

Lauren Bedford - Finance Writer
Fact-checking
Lauren Bedford
Finance Writer

Lauren is a published content writer and journalist. In the last five years, she has written about a range of subjects, including business, technology, and finance.

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July, 06 2023
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16 min

The below tax software packages have been researched, reviewed, confirmed, vetted, re-vetted, and then ranked based on a multitude of categories. These are the best of the best in 2023.

Why trust us
Advertiser Disclosure
Summary
  1. Best overall tax service (and best online tax service)—TurboTax Deluxe
  2. Best free tax software—Cash App Taxes
  3. Best tax return software—Jackson Hewitt Online
  4. Best tax software for self employed—TaxSlayer Self-Employed 
  5. Best crypto tax software—Koinly
  6. Best tax software for small businesses—TaxAct
  7. Best NFT tax software—CoinTracker
  8. Best tax software for day traders—TradeLog 
  9. Best tax software for stocks—H&R Block 
  10. Top tax preparation software for professionals—Drake Tax
Best overall
intuit-turbotax

TurboTax

4.9
Cost
$0 and up
Free Edition—$0, Deluxe—$59, Premier—$89, Self-Employed— $119
Refund advance
Yes
With TurboTax Refund Advance you could get up to $4,000 instantly in as little as 1 minute of IRS E-file acceptance.
In-person service
No
No in-person locations, but TurboTax Live connects you with a real tax expert for a final review on your return or a dedicated expert who can do you taxes for you.
Trustpilot score = 1.2/5
Available in all 50 states

42 people chose this

Learn more

Start for free. Pay only when you file.

Details
Filing costs

Basic

$0 to file a 1040 and a state return.

Mid-range

$69 (+$59 per state) for the Deluxe option. Itemize and claim tax deductions and credits.

Premium

$129 (+$59 per state) for Premium option. Report investment and rental income plus business income and expenses.

Expert assistance

$99 (+$54 per state) for Live Assisted Basic. Deluxe Live Assist is $139 (+$64 per state). Premium Live Assist is $219 (+$64 per state).

Schedules included

Itemized deduction (A)

N/A

Interest/dividends (B)

$0 if your interest and dividends are under $1,500. If higher, you'll need to file with the $69 Deluxe option.

Business income (C)

N/A

Rental income (E)

Yes, with Premium package, starting at $75.

HSA distributions

N/A

Basic

$0 to file a 1040 and a state return.

Mid-range

$69 (+$59 per state) for the Deluxe option. Itemize and claim tax deductions and credits.

Premium

$129 (+$59 per state) for Premium option. Report investment and rental income plus business income and expenses.

Expert assistance

$99 (+$54 per state) for Live Assisted Basic. Deluxe Live Assist is $139 (+$64 per state). Premium Live Assist is $219 (+$64 per state).

Itemized deduction (A)

N/A

Interest/dividends (B)

$0 if your interest and dividends are under $1,500. If higher, you'll need to file with the $69 Deluxe option.

Business income (C)

N/A

Rental income (E)

Yes, with Premium package, starting at $75.

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we like it

TurboTax, the overall champ, is a tax software by Intuit that combines tax expertise with an easy user interface. Importing your documents, navigating different forms, and filing your taxes all feel like breeze. 

Pros

  • Simple and easy-to-use interface.
  • Deluxe plan offers helpful tools like Easy Guide and Explain Why.
  • It lets you upload your W-2 and fill out key fields on your return automatically.

Cons

  • Constantly tries to sell you add-on products, which can overwhelm an already tax-fried brain.
  • Paid packages are pricey.
Best free tax app
cash-app-taxes

Cash App Taxes

4.1
Cost
$0
Free
Refund advance
No
N/A
In-person service
No
No in-person locations and no access to tex experts.
Available in all 50 states

27 people chose this

Learn more

Pay $0 to file for federal and state.

Details
Filing costs

Basic

$0 to file for federal and state taxes

Mid-range

N/A

Premium

N/A

Expert assistance

N/A

Schedules included

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, $0

Interest/dividends (B)

Yes, $0

Business income (C)

Yes, $0

Rental income (E)

Yes, $0

HSA distributions

Yes, $0

Basic

$0 to file for federal and state taxes

Mid-range

N/A

Premium

N/A

Expert assistance

N/A

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, $0

Interest/dividends (B)

Yes, $0

Business income (C)

Yes, $0

Rental income (E)

Yes, $0

HSA distributions

Yes, $0

Why we like it

Cash App is unique because all its tax offerings are free. This is ideal for simple tax fillings.

Pros

  • Completely free to use.
  • Free audit defense with every return.
  • Ideal for simple tax fillings.

Cons

  • Doesn’t provide phone support.
  • You’ll need the app to file your taxes.
Best for tax refunds
jackson-hewitt

Jackson Hewitt Online

4.7
Cost
$25
$25 flat fee
Refund advance
Yes
You can get up to $3,500 in loan with no interest or loan fees.
In-person service
Yes
In-person service is available in over 5,500 locations across the US.
Trustpilot score = 3.2/5
Has local tax offices in all 50 states

12 people chose this

Learn more

File your taxes online for $25 flat.

Details
Filing costs

Basic

$25 flat fee to file your tax returns

Mid-range

N/A

Premium

N/A

Expert assistance

N/A

Schedules included

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, $25

Interest/dividends (B)

Yes, $25

Business income (C)

Yes, $25

Rental income (E)

Yes, $25

HSA distributions

N/A

Basic

$25 flat fee to file your tax returns

Mid-range

N/A

Premium

N/A

Expert assistance

N/A

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, $25

Interest/dividends (B)

Yes, $25

Business income (C)

Yes, $25

Rental income (E)

Yes, $25

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we like it

Jackson Hewitt Online provides great value—charges a flat $25 fee to file all your tax returns. It also lets you file multiple state tax returns without paying extra.

Pros

  • Charges a $25 flat fee to file your tax returns.
  • Lets you file multiple state tax returns at no additional cost.

Cons

  • Customer care can’t offer tax advice.
Best for self-employed taxes
tax-slayer-logo

TaxSlayer

4.5
Cost
$19.95 and up
Classic Edition—$19.95, Premium—$39.95, Self-Employed—$49.95
Refund advance
No
N/A
In-person service
No
No in-person locations but all paid tiers provide access to expert tax advice.
Trustpilot score = 4.3/5
Available in all 50 states

72 people chose this

Learn more

Get help from a tax pro on all paid plans.

Details
Filing costs

Basic

$0 to file basic 1040 and a state return

Mid-range

$34.95 + state additional for all forms, deductions, and credits

Premium

$64.95 + state additional to file personal and business income and expenses, 1099, and Schedule C.​

Expert assistance

$54.95 + state additional to access a Tax Pro and live chat, plus skip-the-line phone & email support.

Schedules included

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $34.95 Classic plan

Interest/dividends (B)

$0 if your interest and dividends are under $1,500. If higher, you'll need to file with the $34.95 Classic plan

Business income (C)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $64.95 Self-employed plan.

Rental income (E)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $34.95 Classic plan

HSA distributions

Yes, you'll need to file with the $34.95 Classic plan

Basic

$0 to file basic 1040 and a state return

Mid-range

$34.95 + state additional for all forms, deductions, and credits

Premium

$64.95 + state additional to file personal and business income and expenses, 1099, and Schedule C.​

Expert assistance

$54.95 + state additional to access a Tax Pro and live chat, plus skip-the-line phone & email support.

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $34.95 Classic plan

Interest/dividends (B)

$0 if your interest and dividends are under $1,500. If higher, you'll need to file with the $34.95 Classic plan

Business income (C)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $64.95 Self-employed plan.

Rental income (E)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $34.95 Classic plan

HSA distributions

Yes, you'll need to file with the $34.95 Classic plan

Why we like it

TaxSlayer is one of the best tax software for independent contractors as it has guided interviews to walk you through all the steps in your tax-filing process.

Pros

  • Paid plans include expert tax advice.
  • Guided experience to help you navigate tax forms.

Cons

  • Self-employment tax plan is relatively expensive.
Best for crypto taxes
koinly-logo

Koinly

4.2
Cost
$0 and up
Free—$0, Newbie—$49, Hodler—$99, Trader—$179
Refund advance
No
N/A
In-person service
No
No in-person locations or expert advice
Trustpilot score = 4.8/5
Available in all 50 states and 20+ countries

61 people chose this

Learn more

Get Crypto tax reports in under 20 minutes.

Details
Filing costs

Basic

$0 for basic portfolio tracking and 10,000 transactions.

Mid-range

$49 for 100 transactions and Form 8949 and Schedule D tax reports.

Premium

$99 for 1000 transactions and Form 8949 and Schedule D tax reports.

Expert assistance

N/A

Schedules included

Itemized deduction (A)

N/A

Interest/dividends (B)

N/A

Business income (C)

N/A

Rental income (E)

N/A

HSA distributions

N/A

Basic

$0 for basic portfolio tracking and 10,000 transactions.

Mid-range

$49 for 100 transactions and Form 8949 and Schedule D tax reports.

Premium

$99 for 1000 transactions and Form 8949 and Schedule D tax reports.

Expert assistance

N/A

Itemized deduction (A)

N/A

Interest/dividends (B)

N/A

Business income (C)

N/A

Rental income (E)

N/A

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we like it

Koinly can easily track all your cryptocurrency accounts and wallets year-round for free.

Pros

  • Integrates with 350+ cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges and wallets.
  • Error reconciliation feature uncovers missing transaction data to ensure you’re filing accurately.

Cons

  • Doesn’t have an independent tax-loss harvesting feature.
  • Free plan doesn’t include tax reports.
Best for small business taxes
taxact-logo

TaxAct

4.5
Cost
$0 and up
Free—$0, Deluxe—$50.95, Premier—$74.95, Self-Employed—$99.95
Refund advance
No
N/A
In-person service
No
No in-person service but you can consult a tax expert with a paid plan.
Trustpilot score = 1.8/5
Available in all 50 states

27 people chose this

Learn more

Add Xpert AssistSM for $39.95 and get guidance from live tax experts.

Details
Filing costs

Basic

$0 to file basic 1040 and a state return

Mid-range

$50.95 + state additional for itemized deductions and real estate taxes.

Premium

$74.95 + State additional for 1099-K expenses from third party fees and other expenses.​

Expert assistance

$39.95 + state additional for basic plan, Deluxe expert assist is $90.90 + state additional, Premier expert assist is $114.90 + State Additional

Schedules included

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $50.95 Deluxe plan.

Interest/dividends (B)

$0 if your interest and dividends are under $1,500. If higher, you'll need to file with the $50.95 Deluxe plan.

Business income (C)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $99.95 Self-employed plan.

Rental income (E)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $74.95 Premier plan.

HSA distributions

Yes, you'll need to file with the $50.95 Deluxe plan.

Basic

$0 to file basic 1040 and a state return

Mid-range

$50.95 + state additional for itemized deductions and real estate taxes.

Premium

$74.95 + State additional for 1099-K expenses from third party fees and other expenses.​

Expert assistance

$39.95 + state additional for basic plan, Deluxe expert assist is $90.90 + state additional, Premier expert assist is $114.90 + State Additional

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $50.95 Deluxe plan.

Interest/dividends (B)

$0 if your interest and dividends are under $1,500. If higher, you'll need to file with the $50.95 Deluxe plan.

Business income (C)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $99.95 Self-employed plan.

Rental income (E)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $74.95 Premier plan.

HSA distributions

Yes, you'll need to file with the $50.95 Deluxe plan.

Why we like it

TaxAct's self-employed package lets S corporations file Form 1120-S completely online.

Pros

  • Complete forms like 1120 and 1120S completely online.
  • Free access to a tax expert at all plan levels.

Cons

  • Can be expensive if you’re filing multiple state returns.
  • Doesn’t have detailed explanations and guidance videos within the software.
Best for NFT taxes
cointracker-logo

CoinTracker

3.9
Cost
$0 and up
Free—$0, Hobbyist—$59–$99, Premium—$199–$2,999+
Refund advance
No
N/A
In-person service
No
No in-person locations or expert advice
Trustpilot score = 3.2/5
Fully available in US, India, UK, Canada, and Australia

9 people chose this

Learn more

Easily sync wallets and prepare tax reports.

Details
Filing costs

Basic

$0 for 10,000 transactions and cost basis and capital gains.

Mid-range

$59–$99 for 100 transactions and downloadable tax forms.

Premium

$199–$2,999+ for 1,000 transactions and tax summary by wallet.

Expert assistance

$199–$2,999+ to collaborate with a tax pro.

Schedules included

Itemized deduction (A)

N/A

Interest/dividends (B)

N/A

Business income (C)

N/A

Rental income (E)

N/A

HSA distributions

N/A

Basic

$0 for 10,000 transactions and cost basis and capital gains.

Mid-range

$59–$99 for 100 transactions and downloadable tax forms.

Premium

$199–$2,999+ for 1,000 transactions and tax summary by wallet.

Expert assistance

$199–$2,999+ to collaborate with a tax pro.

Itemized deduction (A)

N/A

Interest/dividends (B)

N/A

Business income (C)

N/A

Rental income (E)

N/A

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we like it

CoinTracker shines as the best crypto tax software within the limited options—because it supports all major NFT platforms.

Pros

  • Supports all major cryptocurrency exchanges and NFT platforms.
  • Covers 25 transactions free and gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

  • Doesn’t file your taxes
  • Tax loss harvesting tool requires a premium plan.
Best tax software for day traders
tradelog-logo

TradeLog

4.1
Cost
$219 and up
Investor—$219, Trader—$359, Elite—$459
Refund advance
No
N/A
In-person service
No
No in-person locations or expert advice
Trustpilot score = 3/5
Available in all 50 states

5 people chose this

Learn more

Use the 30-day free trial to preview TradeLog’s reporting with your accounts.

Details
Filing costs

Basic

$219 for up to 1,500 trade records.

Mid-range

$359 for up to 5,000 trade records.

Premium

$459 for over 5,000 trade records.

Expert assistance

N/A

Schedules included

Itemized deduction (A)

N/A

Interest/dividends (B)

N/A

Business income (C)

N/A

Rental income (E)

N/A

HSA distributions

N/A

Basic

$219 for up to 1,500 trade records.

Mid-range

$359 for up to 5,000 trade records.

Premium

$459 for over 5,000 trade records.

Expert assistance

N/A

Itemized deduction (A)

N/A

Interest/dividends (B)

N/A

Business income (C)

N/A

Rental income (E)

N/A

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we like it

TradeLog can import your entire year’s trading history with a few clicks. It can generate error-free tax reports, which are IRS compliant.

Pros

  • 30-day free trial.
  • Pro Version for tax professionals and CPAs.

Cons

  • Some customers have reported issues with running the software on Apple Mac OS.
Best tax software for stocks
hr-block-logo

H&R Block

4.7
Cost
$0 and up
Free—$0, Filing with a pro—$85+
Refund advance
Yes
You could get a tax advance loan up to $3500 on the same day you file your taxes with H&R Block.
In-person service
Yes
in-person service available at over over 9,000 offices nationwide.
Trustpilot score = 1.2/5
Has local tax offices in all 50 states

32 people chose this

Learn more

File on your own or get instant help from a tax pro.

Details
Filing costs

Basic

$0 to file a 1040 and a state return.

Mid-range

$85 + state additional to file with a tax pro.

Premium

N/A

Expert assistance

$85+ to file with a tax pro.

Schedules included

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $55 Deluxe plan.

Interest/dividends (B)

$0 if your interest and dividends are under $1,500. If higher, you'll need to file with the $55 Deluxe option.

Business income (C)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $115 Self-employed option.

Rental income (E)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $75 Premium option.

HSA distributions

N/A

Basic

$0 to file a 1040 and a state return.

Mid-range

$85 + state additional to file with a tax pro.

Premium

N/A

Expert assistance

$85+ to file with a tax pro.

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $55 Deluxe plan.

Interest/dividends (B)

$0 if your interest and dividends are under $1,500. If higher, you'll need to file with the $55 Deluxe option.

Business income (C)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $115 Self-employed option.

Rental income (E)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $75 Premium option.

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we like it

H&R Block’s high-quality tax filing software lets you import most tax PDF forms—so adding 1099 and W-2 forms is fairly painless.

Pros

  • Simple and intuitive interface.
  • In-person tax support.

Cons

  • Free tier has very limited features.
  • Limited integrations with third-party brokers and exchanges.
Best tax software for professionals
drake-tax-logo

Drake Tax

4.3
Cost
$345 and up
Pay-Per-Return—$345, Unlimited—$1,825, Power Bundle—$1,975
Refund advance
Yes
You can get a loan of anywhere from $250 to $6,000.
In-person service
No
No in-person locations or expert advice
Trustpilot score = 3.3/5
Available in all 50 states

3 people chose this

Learn more

Efficiently prepare and e-file individual and business returns for clients.

Details
Filing costs

Basic

$345 for 10 return fillings.

Mid-range

$1,825 for unlimited 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-SS, 1040-PR returns.

Premium

$1,975 for everything in previous plans + unlimited 1120, 1120-S, 1120-H, 1065, 1041, 990, 706 returns.

Expert assistance

N/A

Schedules included

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, you'll pay $34.99 for each filling with the Pay-Per-Return plan.

Interest/dividends (B)

Yes, you'll pay $34.99 for each filling with the Pay-Per-Return plan.

Business income (C)

Yes, you'll pay $34.99 for each filling with the Pay-Per-Return plan.

Rental income (E)

Yes, you'll pay $34.99 for each filling with the Pay-Per-Return plan.

HSA distributions

N/A

Basic

$345 for 10 return fillings.

Mid-range

$1,825 for unlimited 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-SS, 1040-PR returns.

Premium

$1,975 for everything in previous plans + unlimited 1120, 1120-S, 1120-H, 1065, 1041, 990, 706 returns.

Expert assistance

N/A

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, you'll pay $34.99 for each filling with the Pay-Per-Return plan.

Interest/dividends (B)

Yes, you'll pay $34.99 for each filling with the Pay-Per-Return plan.

Business income (C)

Yes, you'll pay $34.99 for each filling with the Pay-Per-Return plan.

Rental income (E)

Yes, you'll pay $34.99 for each filling with the Pay-Per-Return plan.

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we like it

Drake Tax can calculate taxes and returns in just a click. It can also update your client’s previous year’s data to the current year.

Pros

  • File unlimited taxes with the Unlimited plan.
  • ESign feature to avoid client-related paperwork.

Cons

  • A lot to learn for inexperienced tax preparers.
Table of contents:
Is this article helpful?

America’s tax system sucks. Why? For decades now, the tax service industry has prevented the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) from introducing a feature many developed countries take for granted—a free and easy-to-use online service for taxpayers.

It’s pretty absurd that the IRS knows how much taxes you owe, but asks you to calculate it yourself and pay a middleman (tax software) to file it for you.

We might grumble, but it isn’t changing anytime soon. For now, the only way to reduce your tax woes is to get the right software to pull your weight for you.

In this article, we’re going to take you through our picks for the ten best tax software options in 2023—their costs, pros and cons, and some key FAQs.

What's the Best Tax Filer in 2023? Check Out Our Best Online Tax Services

These services make tax filing smooth like peanut butter. Here’s a comparison table with their key features:

1. Best overall tax service (and best online tax service)—TurboTax Deluxe

Filing costs

Type Description

Basic

$0 to file a 1040 and a state return.

Mid-range

$69 (+$59 per state) for the Deluxe option. Itemize and claim tax deductions and credits.

Premium

$129 (+$59 per state) for Premium option. Report investment and rental income plus business income and expenses.

Expert assistance

$99 (+$54 per state) for Live Assisted Basic. Deluxe Live Assist is $139 (+$64 per state). Premium Live Assist is $219 (+$64 per state).

Schedules included

Type Description

Itemized deduction (A)

N/A

Interest/dividends (B)

$0 if your interest and dividends are under $1,500. If higher, you'll need to file with the $69 Deluxe option.

Business income (C)

N/A

Rental income (E)

Yes, with Premium package, starting at $75.

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we picked it

TurboTax, the overall champ, is a tax software by Intuit that combines tax expertise with an easy user interface. Importing your documents, navigating different forms, and filing your taxes all feel like breeze. 

Tax filing can be daunting (even if you’re a pro) so a little reassurance won’t hurt. This is why we love TurboTax’s Deluxe plan—it’s perfect if you have slightly complex tax deductions. Its helpful tools include explainer videos and questionnaires to help identify tax credits and deductions. 

Pros

  • Simple and easy-to-use interface.
  • Deluxe plan offers helpful tools like Easy Guide and Explain Why.
  • It lets you upload your W-2 and fill out key fields on your return automatically.

Cons

  • Constantly tries to sell you add-on products, which can overwhelm an already tax-fried brain.
  • Paid packages are pricey.

2. Best free tax software—Cash App Taxes

Filing costs

Type Description

Basic

$0 to file for federal and state taxes

Mid-range

N/A

Premium

N/A

Expert assistance

N/A

Schedules included

Type Description

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, $0

Interest/dividends (B)

Yes, $0

Business income (C)

Yes, $0

Rental income (E)

Yes, $0

HSA distributions

Yes, $0

Why we picked it

If you have an adjusted gross income (AGI)i of $73,000 or less a year—you can leverage the IRS Free File programi and file taxes for free with one of the IRS’s partner providers (including OLT, TaxAct, FileYourTaxes.com, FreeTaxUSA®, ezTaxReturn.com, TaxSlayer, and 1040NOW.NET). 

But here’s a sad stat—a study by ProPublicai says over 14 million Americans paid for free file returns that should have cost nothing in 2020.

If your tax situation is simple—let’s say a W-2 and a few deductions—you want to avoid this fate by picking IRS Free File programs.

But if you don’t qualify (or simply don’t like the portal) choose a free software like Cash App Taxes.

Most big fish in the market will give you a free version with limited features and prompt you to buy a paid plan—but Cash App is unique because all its offerings are free.

Keep in mind that you’ll have to download the app to do your business—and the support services are limited to email.

Pros

  • Completely free to use.
  • Free audit defense with every return.

Cons

  • Doesn’t provide phone support—note ideal if you want to talk to an expert.
  • You’ll need the app to file your taxes.
  • You can’t file multiple state tax returns.

3. Best tax return software—Jackson Hewitt Online

Filing costs

Type Description

Basic

$25 flat fee to file your tax returns

Mid-range

N/A

Premium

N/A

Expert assistance

N/A

Schedules included

Type Description

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, $25

Interest/dividends (B)

Yes, $25

Business income (C)

Yes, $25

Rental income (E)

Yes, $25

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we picked it

Jackson Hewitt Online got on our list because it provides great value—we’re talking a flat $25 fee to file all your tax returns.

It gets better—you can file multiple state tax returns without paying extra.

The app’s interface is straightforward—and if you get confused, you can connect to customer service via email, phone call, or live chat (just remember that these representatives only answer product-related questions, and don’t offer tax advice). 

This software also doesn’t try to upsell you when you’re filing returns.

Pros 

  • Charges a $25 flat fee to file your tax returns.
  • Lets you file multiple state tax returns at no additional cost.

Cons

  • Customer care representatives can only help you with product-related questions.

4. Best tax software for self employed—TaxSlayer Self-Employed 

Filing costs

Type Description

Basic

$0 to file basic 1040 and a state return

Mid-range

$34.95 + state additional for all forms, deductions, and credits

Premium

$64.95 + state additional to file personal and business income and expenses, 1099, and Schedule C.​

Expert assistance

$54.95 + state additional to access a Tax Pro and live chat, plus skip-the-line phone & email support.

Schedules included

Type Description

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $34.95 Classic plan

Interest/dividends (B)

$0 if your interest and dividends are under $1,500. If higher, you'll need to file with the $34.95 Classic plan

Business income (C)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $64.95 Self-employed plan.

Rental income (E)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $34.95 Classic plan

HSA distributions

Yes, you'll need to file with the $34.95 Classic plan

Why we picked it

Apart from a very lonely Boss’s Day, being self-employed also comes with a ton of operational challenges you have to tackle alone. But with software like TaxSlayer, doing your taxes won’t feel like a one-person mission.

This intuitive platform is the best tax software for independent contractors as it has guided interviews to walk you through all the steps in your tax-filing process.

TaxSlayer also has immaculate customer service (including a priority phone line) to help you navigate complicated returns.

However, the extra hand-holding isn’t always appreciated—if you’re looking for a particular deduction or business expense, the guided experience can slow you down.

Pros

  • Costs include expert tax advice.
  • Guided experience to help you navigate tax forms.

Cons

  • Self-employment tax plan is relatively expensive.

5. Best crypto tax software—Koinly

Filing costs

Type Description

Basic

$0 for basic portfolio tracking and 10,000 transactions.

Mid-range

$49 for 100 transactions and Form 8949 and Schedule D tax reports.

Premium

$99 for 1000 transactions and Form 8949 and Schedule D tax reports.

Expert assistance

N/A

Schedules included

Type Description

Itemized deduction (A)

N/A

Interest/dividends (B)

N/A

Business income (C)

N/A

Rental income (E)

N/A

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we picked it

Here’s a brutal fact—whether you gained or lost money on your crypto investment, the tax system doesn’t care. Even if you’re still mourning the loss of some hard-earned cash, you still have to file your taxes.

One way to ease this pain is getting the right crypto tax software—and we think Koinly fits the bill.

This app can’t file your taxes, but it can easily track all your cryptocurrency accounts and wallets year-round for free. When the tax season comes around, Koinly lets you convert your crypto data into tax forms and reports.

You get to try all its features (except the tax reports) with the free plan. Full tax reporting costs will vary based on your transactions.

Koinly works with nearly all types of trades, accurately matches transactions between wallets and accounts—and downloads data from most exchanges using APIs. 

Pros

  • Integrates with 350+ cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges and wallets. 
  • Error reconciliation feature uncovers missing transaction data to ensure you’re filing accurately.

Cons

  • Doesn’t have an independent tax-loss harvesting feature.
  • Free plan doesn’t include tax reports.

6. Best tax software for small businesses—TaxAct

Filing costs

Type Description

Basic

$0 to file basic 1040 and a state return

Mid-range

$50.95 + state additional for itemized deductions and real estate taxes.

Premium

$74.95 + State additional for 1099-K expenses from third party fees and other expenses.​

Expert assistance

$39.95 + state additional for basic plan, Deluxe expert assist is $90.90 + state additional, Premier expert assist is $114.90 + State Additional

Schedules included

Type Description

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $50.95 Deluxe plan.

Interest/dividends (B)

$0 if your interest and dividends are under $1,500. If higher, you'll need to file with the $50.95 Deluxe plan.

Business income (C)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $99.95 Self-employed plan.

Rental income (E)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $74.95 Premier plan.

HSA distributions

Yes, you'll need to file with the $50.95 Deluxe plan.

Why we picked it

We love TaxAct for small businesses because it comes with a unique feature—its self-employed package lets S corporations file Form 1120-S completely online.

Other top competitors (like TurboTax) offer this feature as an expensive download. 

The featured-loaded app lets you manage your tax preparation and add forms and documents to complex tax returns. 

But here’s the real deal—let’s say you pick a free plan when your tax situation is as complicated as the plot of Stranger Things. TaxAct will still let you consult a tax expert and get maximum refunds. Others upcharge for this, but TaxAct includes it, even in the free plan.

Pros

  • Complete forms like 1120 and 1120S completely online.
  • Free access to a tax expert at all plan levels.

Cons

  • Can be expensive if you’re filing multiple state returns.
  • Doesn’t have detailed explanations and guidance videos within the software.

7. Best NFT tax software—CoinTracker

Filing costs

Type Description

Basic

$0 for 10,000 transactions and cost basis and capital gains.

Mid-range

$59–$99 for 100 transactions and downloadable tax forms.

Premium

$199–$2,999+ for 1,000 transactions and tax summary by wallet.

Expert assistance

$199–$2,999+ to collaborate with a tax pro.

Schedules included

Type Description

Itemized deduction (A)

N/A

Interest/dividends (B)

N/A

Business income (C)

N/A

Rental income (E)

N/A

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we picked it

If you’re looking for help with NFTs, you’ll quickly realize the tax preparation options are scarce.

CoinTracker shines as the best crypto tax software within the limited options—because it supports all major NFT platforms.

This software comes with a portfolio dashboard that displays historical data, token prices, transactions, market caps, and more.

CoinTracker also has a cool fee-tracking feature that lets you see the fees you’ve paid per transaction on every exchange—a game changer when it comes to reducing the taxes you owe.

Like most crypto and NFT tax software, CoinTracker doesn’t file your taxes—but it does integrate with tax software like TurboTax, TaxAct, and H&R Block. This way you don’t have to use two different systems to file taxes.

With a 30-day money-back guarantee and no risk of losing money, you’ll want to try this one yourself. 

Pros

  • Supports all major cryptocurrency exchanges and NFT platforms.
  • Covers 25 transactions free and gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

  • Doesn’t file your taxes
  • Tax loss harvesting tool requires a premium plan.

8. Best tax software for day traders—TradeLog 

Filing costs

Type Description

Basic

$219 for up to 1,500 trade records.

Mid-range

$359 for up to 5,000 trade records.

Premium

$459 for over 5,000 trade records.

Expert assistance

N/A

Schedules included

Type Description

Itemized deduction (A)

N/A

Interest/dividends (B)

N/A

Business income (C)

N/A

Rental income (E)

N/A

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we picked it

Designed by traders for traders, TradeLog can import your entire year’s trading history with a few clicks.

It can generate error-free tax reports, which are IRS compliant—and helps manage trade history and reporting.

TradeLog is almost always accurate—but if you find out there are errors, you can use the tool’s extensive editing features and trade matching algorithms to find and correct things.

The bottom line is—if you’re a trader who doesn’t want help from a full-service tax CPA firm, go for TradeLog. It’s the best do-it-yourself tax software.

And if you need more assistance, pick TradeLog’s turnkey service—Trader Tax Solutions.

Pros

  • 30-day free trial.
  • Pro Version for tax professionals and CPAs.

Cons

  • Some customers have reported issues with running the software on Apple Mac OS.

9. Best tax software for stocks—H&R Block 

Filing costs

Type Description

Basic

$0 to file a 1040 and a state return.

Mid-range

$85 + state additional to file with a tax pro.

Premium

N/A

Expert assistance

$85+ to file with a tax pro.

Schedules included

Type Description

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $55 Deluxe plan.

Interest/dividends (B)

$0 if your interest and dividends are under $1,500. If higher, you'll need to file with the $55 Deluxe option.

Business income (C)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $115 Self-employed option.

Rental income (E)

Yes, you'll need to file with the $75 Premium option.

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we picked it

We like H&R Block’s high-quality tax filing software, especially for complex filings (something investors know all too well).

You can import most tax PDF forms—so adding 1099 and W-2 forms is fairly painless.

The clean user interface and extensive guidance videos should make your tax filing experience easy. But what if the thought of filing taxes online sends you into a panic and frenzy mode?

Good thing H&R Block is old-school-friendly—you can get in-person tax advice from the huge network of offline H&R Block branches.

Pros

  • Simple and intuitive interface.
  • In-person tax support.

Cons

  • Free tier has very limited features.
  • Limited integrations with third-party brokers and exchanges.

10. Top tax preparation software for professionals—Drake Tax

Filing costs

Type Description

Basic

$345 for 10 return fillings.

Mid-range

$1,825 for unlimited 1040, 1040-NR, 1040-SS, 1040-PR returns.

Premium

$1,975 for everything in previous plans + unlimited 1120, 1120-S, 1120-H, 1065, 1041, 990, 706 returns.

Expert assistance

N/A

Schedules included

Type Description

Itemized deduction (A)

Yes, you'll pay $34.99 for each filling with the Pay-Per-Return plan.

Interest/dividends (B)

Yes, you'll pay $34.99 for each filling with the Pay-Per-Return plan.

Business income (C)

Yes, you'll pay $34.99 for each filling with the Pay-Per-Return plan.

Rental income (E)

Yes, you'll pay $34.99 for each filling with the Pay-Per-Return plan.

HSA distributions

N/A

Why we picked it

If you’re a tax professional looking for software to help you with clients, your needs are way different from the average American taxpayer. And we think Drake Tax can address them.

With this software you can:

  • Calculate taxes and returns in just a click.
  • Update your client’s previous year’s data to the current year.
  • Accept debit or credit card payments within the platform.
  • Access the eSign feature to file taxes on behalf of clients and cut-down paperwork.

Pros

  • File unlimited taxes with the Unlimited plan.
  • ESign feature to avoid client-related paperwork.

Cons

  • A lot to learn for inexperienced tax preparers (you can master the platform, but only after tons of tutorials and possibly a few migraines). 

Our Methodology for Ranking the Best Online Tax Filing Apps

The editorial team at LifeAndMyfinances compared dozens of tax prep software options. While rating the tools, we considered various key factors:

  • Ease of use
  • Speed
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Expert tax assistance
  • Customer support
  • Customer reviews
  • Maximum refund guarantee

(Disclaimer: All the fees for the tax programs mentioned above are subject to change without notice. Many tools won’t charge you until you file. Keep in mind that there’s a chance the fees can change from the time you start your return until you submit it.)

Wrapping Up

When compared to paying your taxes on paper, online tax preparation and filing services can save you a lot of time and frustration

They can also help you save money by uncovering deductions you were unaware of.

Tax apps and websites are constantly improving—if you've struggled in the past with a web-based tax solution, give it another shot this year.

Read our comprehensive reviews to find the best solution for your financial needs.

America’s tax system still sucks—but your tax filing experience doesn’t have to!

FAQ

1. What is tax software?

Tax software is a digital tool that lets you file both your federal and state tax returns with guided help. Depending on the software, you can access features such as importing tax forms, tax deduction locators, expert tax help, and customer support lines.

Good tax software can save you tons of time by providing navigation tools to easily enter your tax information. You can also upload your previous year’s return so you don’t have to manually enter details like your name, Social Security number, and dependents’ information.

Costs may vary, but if you have a simple tax return—maybe with only one W-2 and few deductions—you can typically file for free.

2. How does tax software work?

Tax software is mostly available online through your web browser or an app. It automates tax filing by letting you enter your income from tax documents (like W-2, 1099 K, or 1099-INT).

You can enter deductions you’re entitled to (including mortgage loan interest, contributions to a health savings account, and more). Depending on the software, you’ll have to answer a series of questions, or enter your information directly onto a tax form (the latter is suitable for tax pros).

Once done, you’ll know if you owe taxes or can expect a refund. (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 file a paper tax return. 

3. Which tax software is best for me?

This depends on your individual tax situation, budget, and tax filing experience. Based on factors like customer support, ease of use, and value, we think TurboTax would be the best choice overall.

However, if you’re looking to file a simple tax return, consider a free tax software like Cash App Taxes.

Cryptos and NFTs have a different set of tax requirements—it’s best to opt for specialized tax software like Koinly and CoinTracker.

4. Do tax professionals use TurboTax?

TurboTax is only licensed for personal use—and it isn’t compliant with IRS regulations for paid preparers.

Intuit (TurboTax’s parent company) offers ProSeries, ProConnect, and Lacerte Tax software for tax professionals filing multiple returns.

5. How much federal tax should I pay?

The US has a progressive tax system, meaning you pay higher federal income tax rates with a higher taxable incomes pay.

You can calculate your taxable income by taking your gross income and subtracting your tax deductions.

Your gross income is all the money you earned during the year (including your job, side hustles, and income from other sources) before any taxes or deductions are taken out.

After subtracting applicable deductions, you’ll have your net income—the taxable income you’ll pay taxes for.

Next, you’ll need to find your appropriate tax bracket based on your income and filing status to find what you owe.

Consider using a tax liability calculator to figure out how much tax you may have to pay.

6. Is it worth it to buy tax software?

This is what Andrew Latham, Certified Financial Planner and Managing Editor at Supermoney.com, thinks about using tax software, “One important factor to consider is the complexity of your tax situation. If you have a simple tax return with only a few sources of income and deductions—it makes sense to file manually. However—if you have a more complex tax situation—such as multiple sources of income, deductions, or self-employment income, using tax software may be the way to go. In case you do have a simple return but aren’t comfortable filling out forms manually or reading IRS instructions—I recommend using free or cheap tax software since most programs simplify IRS instructions and make it easy to complete tax forms.

Ultimately, it’s also important to check if the price of the software is worth the time and effort it'll save you.

Sources

See all

Justin Elliott, (2020, February 5). TurboTax and Others Charged at Least 14 Million Americans for Tax Prep That Should Have Been Free, Audit Finds. ProPublica. https://www.propublica.org/article/turbotax-and-others-charged-at-least-14-million-americans-for-tax-prep-that-should-have-been-free-audit-finds

Free File: Do your Federal Taxes for Free | Internal Revenue Service. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2023, from https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free