Our Best Online Tax Filing Software for April 2024
Chosen 61 times- User-friendly, interview-style Q&A.
- Live, on-screen support option offers human help at extra cost.
- File your taxes easily online
- Free option available
Chosen 19 times- Save up to 35% on federal filing compared to TurboTax®
- Free expert guidance & quick return review
- Backed by a $100k Accuracy Guarantee
- Upgrade options from $24.95 +state additional
Chosen 29 times- E-file directly to the IRS
- Maximum refund guarantee
- File federal tax returns free
- 100% accuracy guaranteed
Chosen 13 times- File in less than 15 minutes
- Qualified tax support
- E-file.com is up to 50% less expensive than other software
- Get your tax return fast
Chosen 12 times- E-File Your Tax Extension with the IRS
- Receive your IRS approval in minutes
- Get refunded if your tax extension is not approved
- Avoid costly late filing penalties
Chosen 12 times- Maximum return guarantee
- File taxes online or visit one of 4,000+ offices to file in-person
- Live chat and tech support is available online
- Access to prior year returns
Chosen 17 times- Maximum refund guarantee
- Tax filing online for $0
- Get help from tax experts
- Qualify for a Refund Advance loan
Chosen 12 times- File Federal and State tax returns for $25
- Get one-on-one help from a tax experts
- Maximum refund guarantee
- In-person tax services available
Important
How to Find the Best Tax Filing Software
As seen in
Online Tax Filing Software
If you're ready to file your taxes for 2023 but you need to find the best tax filing software, we're here to help.
Some of the features that top tax filing software offers include mobile apps, free tax filing options, and in-person services, to help make your tax filing in 2023 as easy as possible.
With tax filing software you can easily file Federal and State tax returns online with free pricing options available along with help from tax experts.
Compare tax software online with Financer.com and choose the best tax filing options for 2023.
Why Compare Tax Software At Financer.com?
Best for Investors: TurboTax
We chose TurboTax as the best tax software for investors for its help with reporting sales of investment securities and funds earning, among other investment services included in its wide range of tax-filing products.
Why We Chose It: Because of its assistance with reporting sales of investment securities and funds earned, among other investment services contained in its broad variety of tax-filing products, TurboTax was selected as the best tax software for investors.
One of the most well-known online tax preparation programs is Intuit's TurboTax. The software's capability to import investment earnings and losses from various sources makes it a great option for investors as well.
Investment activity has increased, according to Lisa Green-Lewis, a tax analyst with TurboTax. The program makes it easier for taxpayers to enter all of their information for transactions, such as stock and cryptocurrency sales, she claims.
Only some taxpayers and uncomplicated tax returns are free to use with TurboTax (see if you qualify). Therefore, those who work as independent contractors, business owners, or other types of self-employed people and receive a 1099 form cannot use the free version.
Additionally, persons who have income from a farm, a rental property, or stocks and bonds are not eligible to file a straightforward tax return.
Benefits of Tax Filing Software
Best for Self-Employed: TaxSlayer
We chose TaxSlayer as the best tax software for self-employed filers because of its affordable and inclusive products for freelancing individuals.
Why We Chose It: The biggest benefit of TaxSlayer for self-employed tax filers is obvious: it is less expensive than the competition. You can get live chat support from tax experts and reminders for estimated tax payments for $55, the most expensive of its three paid online tax preparation tiers.
The company's option for free filing may be appreciated by independent contractors with really straightforward returns. Despite having fewer bells and whistles than some of its free competitors, it offers all the resources need to swiftly file a basic 1040 tax return.
If you are an active-duty member of the military, TaxSlayer also provides free federal tax filing for all income categories, deductions, and credits via the landing page. The expense of filing state taxes, which is $39 per state, is still your responsibility.
What To Look for in Tax Software
Pricing, customer service, and ease of use are three of the most important aspects when comparing tax software.
- Pricing - Affordability is key, but make sure what tax forms are included. Also consider the price of add-ons you may need, like expert support or a tax deduction finding tool.
- Customer service - If you need help with filing your taxes or have questions about tax returns, make sure you can easily reach customer support via phone, live chat, or email.
- Ease of use - Tax return filing can be challenging enough, so you need a platform that is easy to navigate with plenty of resources.
- Free filing - Some tax return filing software offers a free filing option which is ideal if you have a simple tax return.
Online tax software helps you prepare and file income tax returns faster and easier. It gives you step-by-step instructions and helps you calculate how much your tax refund is.
Tax filing software usually asks you some questions and then automates much of the filing process to help you save time and money.
One benefit of using tax filing software is that you don't have to be a tax expert to file your own tax returns. The software does most of the work for you, with additional help available from tax experts.
Most online tax filing software options fall into these two categories:
- Interview-based: This is easier to use because it follows a question-and-answer format. Simply answer the questions and the tax software will help complete your tax forms.
- Form-based: This gives you an electronic version of tax forms and documents. You have to fill in the data from your paper forms and put the correct numbers in the correct boxes.
How to Buy the Best Tax Software
How to Choose the Right Tax Software
Although there are several online tax software applications, not all of them are made for the same situations.
While some software is designed to be used primarily by professionals, others are designed to walk complete beginners through the process of personal finance.
Cost, user-friendliness, and form accessibility are the three primary considerations when selecting the best tax software.
Cost
For taxpayers to file their state and federal income tax returns, tax preparation software is frequently an economical choice.
However, you might need to pay for a premium service if your tax return is complicated, as it often is for those who are self-employed, business owners, investors, married couples filing jointly, or those who have children.
Think about your budget for tax preparation software and whether you can get by with basic, free software solutions.
Some businesses provide cost-effective programs, but these frequently lack assistance for filers who require more support.
Other software choices, which come at a larger cost, provide audit support or on-demand customer support from a tax professional.
User Experience
The process of submitting a tax return is made simpler with tax preparation software, especially for beginners. It's crucial that the consumer feels guided and comprehends everything that happens at every turn.
On their digital forms, tax preparation software should include detailed explanations for each field.
Additionally, be sure you are aware of the customer service methods that are available to you, including phone help, email, live chat, tax term glossaries, and tax email.
Types of Tax Forms
It serves little purpose to become familiar with a tax preparation program if it doesn't even provide the forms you require.
Most popular forms are typically publicly available (and free), but certain sorts of forms could need a little more prudence in their search.
Here are a few often-used forms you may come across:
1040: American taxpayers file their annual income tax returns using IRS Form 1040. The majority of taxpayers record their annual income tax on a 1040 form, along with any refunds or overpayments of tax.
W-2: A W-2 is a tax document that details the total amount of wages you were paid throughout the year as well as any federal, state, or other income taxes that were withheld by your employer.
1099-INT: Form 1099-INT is used to report the amount of interest a company or entity paid to you.
1099-DIV: Banks and financial institutions use form 1099-DIV to report dividends and other distributions you have received.
1098-E: The amount of interest you've paid on your federal student loans in a calendar year is reported on Form 1098-E.
1098-T: The amount of college tuition you paid over the course of a calendar year is reported on Form 1098-T, which is a tuition statement form. You can be qualified for an income adjustment or tax credit if you have a 1098-T.
Schedule A: To submit itemized deductions to the IRS, such as mortgage interest, business expenditures, and medical expenses, taxpayers use Schedule A.
Schedule B: There are eight basic circumstances in which you could be asked to complete a Schedule B form. These include holding a foreign financial account or trust, collecting accumulated interest from a bond, or receiving dividends or interest of more than $1,500.
Schedule C: A Schedule C lists your annual income, profits, and losses if you're self-employed or operate as a sole proprietor. The IRS states that any activity qualifies as a business if your major goal in engaging in it was to generate income and you did it continuously and regularly.
The Best Tax Software 2023: A Comparison
| Company | Overall Rating | Price Range | Free Version | Mobile App | Expert Help Available | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | $24.95 to $64.95 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Save on federal tax filing | See offer | |
 | $11.67 to $24.67 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Customer support | See offer | |
| | $29.99 to $144.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Full-service tax prep | See offer | |
| | $6.99 - $14.99 | Yes | No | Yes | Direct IRA filing | See offer | |
| recommended | $39 to $199 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Ease of use | See offer | |
| | $29.95 to $34.95 | No | No | Yes | Tax extensions | See offer | |
| | $25 to $59 | Yes | No | Yes | In-person tax filing | See offer | |
 | $0 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Free tax software | See offer | |
| | $29.95 to $44.95 | No | No | Yes | Families and investors | See offer |
| Company | Overall Rating | Price Range | Free Version | Mobile App | Expert Help Available | Best For | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | $24.95 to $64.95 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Save on federal tax filing | See offer | |
| | $11.67 to $24.67 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Customer support | See offer | |
| | $29.99 to $144.99 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Full-service tax prep | See offer | |
| | $6.99 - $14.99 | Yes | No | Yes | Direct IRA filing | See offer | |
| recommended | $39 to $199 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Ease of use | See offer | |
| | $29.95 to $34.95 | No | No | Yes | Tax extensions | See offer | |
| | $25 to $59 | Yes | No | Yes | In-person tax filing | See offer | |
| | $0 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Free tax software | See offer | |
| | $29.95 to $44.95 | No | No | Yes | Families and investors | See offer |
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Find Your Tax Software at Financer.com
Looking to file taxes online? Financer.com helps you compare the best tax software and get help from professional tax experts.
We look for software providers that offer a range of features, full transparency, and have a track record of success with satisfied customers. Use our free comparison to find the best online tax filing software to take the guesswork out of doing your tax returns.
Tax Software FAQs
What is the best free online tax filing software for simple returns?
Which software is easiest to use?
This depends on your needs; however, we've found that TurboTax is one of the easiest online tax filing software options available.
How do I get help with my tax return?
Most of these top tax filing software platforms offer expert help from tax professionals at a small additional fee. This is a very convenient way of getting the help you need from a tax pro while filing online.
What is the IRS Free File program?
The IRS Free File program allows you to file your tax return for free if you have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of less than $73,000.
What is the best tax software for 2023?
This depends on your specific needs; some of our recommendations include TaxSlayer, TurboTax, and TaxAct.
Which tax software is best for tax preparers?
One of the best options for tax preparers is H&R Block and TaxAct.
