We test and rate the top online tax services to help you find the best one for filing quickly and accurately—and for getting the largest possible refund.
Online tax preparation services can save you a lot of time and frustration compared with filing your taxes on paper. They reflect any tax code modifications from the IRS and help you maximize your refund by finding deductions you might have missed. We’ve been reviewing tax services for several decades, so you can trust our advice on choosing the best one for your needs, no matter your level of experience. We’ve already tested the early versions of most of the services below, and we plan to publish full reviews shortly after the IRS opens filing on January 26.Why We Picked It
TurboTax has topped our list of the best tax prep software for many years because it makes doing your taxes more understandable and accessible than any competitor, increasing your chances of getting a bigger refund. Its explanations of both simple and complex tax topics are conversational and comprehensible, and it provides multiple layers of help as it takes you through IRS Form 1040. TurboTax also offers the most state-of-the-art user experience across its apps of any tax service we’ve tested.Who It’s For
TurboTax offers a version for every kind of taxpayer, from younger filers who do everything on their phones to people whose financial profiles are complex enough that they need an online tax specialist. TurboTax also has a version for self-employed people that’s good for both longtime sole proprietors and new gig workers who don’t understand Schedule C. Why We Picked It
H&R Block is a respected household name for in-person tax preparation, and its DIY tax prep software lives up to that reputation. Its numerous products and services feature user-friendly interfaces, extensive topic coverage, and context-sensitive help. The company excels at explaining tax issues in ways you can easily understand.Who It’s For
H&R Block’s family of tax preparation websites offers something for almost everyone, from its free version for simple returns to its top-tier edition that tackles the intricacies of Schedule C (for self-employment). Its help resources are excellent and often contextual, which can benefit both novice taxpayers and longtime filers.Why We Picked It
FreeTaxUSA is the best free federal tax prep website (state returns cost $14.99). It has a clean, professional interface and an understandable navigation system. Its help system and associated tools are unexpected and unusually good for a free product. The service allows you to connect directly with a tax professional for just $39.99, and its mobile site is excellent.Who It’s For
Since the self-employed versions of competitors’ tax prep websites can be expensive (eating into any refund you might get), FreeTaxUSA is an excellent choice for gig workers who must file Schedule C and who don’t anticipate needing an exceptional amount of help. It’s also good for more complex returns if you’re on a budget because of its usability, thorough coverage of tax topics, and better-than-expected guidance.Why We Picked It
TaxAct is another DIY personal tax prep solution that’s been around for decades. It excels at simplicity, featuring a user interface, navigation system, and contextual support content that helps you through the complexities of the IRS tax code. TaxAct digs deep, asking questions about your finances that help it find all the deductions and credits that you should get. It doesn’t have a dedicated phone app, but the mobile site version works well.Who It’s For
Although it’s capable of preparing complicated tax returns, TaxAct is best if your financial scenario is on the simpler side. It does a great job for W-2 employees who want to itemize in hopes of getting a refund and who don’t necessarily need the targeted support of H&R Block and TurboTax. It also provides a detailed walk-through of Schedule C, so sole proprietors might consider it.Why We Picked It
TaxSlayer started as a tool for accountants and professional tax preparers more than 50 years ago. It’s been in the online DIY tax prep business since the 1990s. The site provides walk-throughs of Form 1040-related topics, a searchable database of help files, and guidance sprinkled throughout.Who It’s For
TaxSlayer’s Classic level, which includes all major IRS forms and schedules, costs less than competitors‘ equivalents. It supports the preparation and filing of both complicated and simple financial returns. The service’s target market is individuals and very small business owners who need to fill out Schedule C and require help finding all the deductions and credits they can claim to maximize their refunds.Why We Picked It
Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) is the only service we tested that doesn’t cost a dime for comprehensive federal and state preparation and filing. It supports all major and most minor tax forms and schedules. The site is fast, with an excellent interface and navigation system, while its mobile apps work great. It offers almost everything you need to prepare the most difficult returns—except for a robust help system and access to professionals.Who It’s For
If you’re determined to file your taxes for free, Cash App Taxes is the way to go. It’s best for individuals and sole proprietors who know their way around the 1040. The company improved its guidance for self-employed taxpayers this year, so gig workers might want to consider it. But it doesn’t offer a great deal of in-depth help in areas like investment sales and other complex topics. Be sure to also check the list of what it doesn’t support; you can’t file in multiple states or have foreign-earned income, for instance. Why We Picked It
Jackson Hewitt has an online DIY tax prep service, though it’s best known for its physical offices.
