Overview
Choosing the tax software seems simple. Most platforms promise an easy experience and accurate calculations. Some even offer the option to file for free. But once you start answering questions and uploading documents, the costs, guidance, and level of support you actually receive when you file your return get complicated.
In 2026, tax software can import forms, walk you through claiming common tax deductions and credits, and even connect you with a tax professional without leaving your browser. At the same time, pricing, features, and support options vary widely. And those details can have a big impact on your experience and your final bill.
Understanding these differences ahead of time makes it easier to choose a tool that fits how you file, how much help you want, and how comfortable you feel handling your return on your own.
Keep in mind that while we’ve provided some pricing information here, promotional pricing may apply early in the tax filing season.
Key Takeaways:
Tax software is a good fit if your return is simple to moderately complex and you’re comfortable entering your own information.
Free filing options are available, but you may have to upgrade to a paid version if you have investment income, self-employment income, or claim certain deductions and credits.
State returns and optional add-ons increase the total cost of filing.
Top Tax Software Options for 2026
There are several well-known and reputable tax software options on the market. It helps to look beyond brand names and focus on how each one actually works. The options below are some of the most commonly used tools, and each takes a slightly different approach.
- Best for: Maximum guidance
4.6
- Offers free filing
- Best for: Maximum guidance and a highly polished experience (even if it costs more)
TurboTax
TurboTax is one of the most recognizable names in tax filing software. It uses an interview-style format that asks plain-English questions and fills in the right forms behind the scenes. The platform emphasizes ease of use and explains tax concepts as you go.
Our quick take
Easy to use and very thorough, but it’s often the most expensive option once you add upgrades and state returns.
Key features
Guided question-and-answer user experience
W-2 and 1099 import from many employers and banks
Optional live help from tax professionals
Detailed explanations for tax credits and deductions
Pricing and plans
Pricing depends on the complexity of your tax situation and the level of assistance you want from a tax professional. For individual returns, the basic filing options are:
Do It Yourself: $0-$149 (plus $0-$64 per state)
Expert Assist: $69-$229 (plus $59-$69 per state)
Expert Full Service: $150 for federal and state
Business returns, including those for self-employed people and sole proprietors, cost extra.
- Best for: Flexibility to DIY
4.2
- Offers free filing
- Best for: Flexibility to DIY now and get professional help later without switching platforms.
HR Block
H&R Block combines online tax software with access to human help. You can prepare your return yourself, get virtual assistance, or even work with someone in a physical office if you prefer.
Our quick take
H&R Block is a solid middle-ground option. It’s more affordable than TurboTax for many filers and offers more human support options than most competitors.
Key features
Key features
Interview-style tax preparation
Document upload and import tools
Optional virtual or in-person tax pro help
Clear upgrade prompts when your return gets more complex
Pricing and plans
H&R Block offers tiered pricing based on complexity and add-on options for expert review or full preparation.
File taxes on your own: $0-$85 + plus $37 per state
File with a pro: Starting at $89 + additional state fee
File business taxes with a pro: Starting at $240 + $75 per state filed
Free filing applies to simple tax situations that include only Form 1040, with no schedules except for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit, student loan interest, and retirement plan distributions.
- Best for: Confident filers
4.75
- Offers free filing
- Best for: Confident filers who want to keep costs low and don’t need extensive hand-holding
Tax Slayer
TaxSlayer focuses on efficiency and affordability. It allows you to move quickly through the return and jump directly to sections you need, rather than forcing you to go through every interview screen. That’s a benefit for people who know what they’re doing, but if you’re not sure which income items, tax deductions, and credits apply to your situation, you could miss something important.
Our quick take
TaxSlayer is fast and budget-friendly, but it assumes you already understand your tax situation. It’s less helpful if you need detailed explanations or reassurance you’re doing things right.
Key features
Straightforward navigation
Lower base price than many competitors
All major IRS forms available in paid versions
Optional audit-support add-ons
Pricing and plans
TaxSlayer offers four pricing tiers based on complexity.
Simply Free: $0 for federal and state
Classic: $22.99 + $39.99 per state
Premium: $42.99 + $39.99 per state
Self-employed: $52.99 + $39.99 per state
Free filing applies to simple tax situations, including W-2s, unemployment, taxable interest income, single or married filing jointly, the standard deduction, and education credits.
- Best for: Filers who want professional support
3.8
- Offers free filing
- Best for: Filers who want professional support, even if they use a lower-cost version
TaxAct
TaxAct combines a streamlined interface with access to credentialed tax professionals. Unlike many platforms, it includes expert tax help without requiring a premium upgrade. No matter which pricing tier you choose, you can get questions answered by a US-based CPA, EA, or tax attorney for an additional $25 (plus an additional fee per state).
Our quick take
TaxAct’s affordable, flat-fee professional support is a great bonus, but state filing fees can add up quickly.
Key features
Jump-to-section navigation
Access to CPAs and enrolled agents
W-2 and 1099 import tools
Built-in tax planning prompts
Pricing and plans
TaxAct offers three pricing tiers, based on return complexity and the level of service you want:
DIY: $0 for federal, $39.99 per state
DIY with Expert Help: Starting at $25 + $39.99 per state
Expert Full Service: Starting at $99 + $39.99 per state
Self-employed: $52.99 + $39.99 per state
Free filing applies to simple tax situations, including W-2, unemployment, and retirement income, student loan interest, the EITC, the Child Tax Credit, education credits, and dependents.
Do I Need Tax Software?
You technically don’t need tax software to file a return. You can complete your taxes by hand using IRS paper forms or by filling out the free fillable forms available at IRS.gov. However, you need to know which forms apply to your situation, follow detailed instructions line by line, and calculate everything yourself.
For most people, this process is too time-consuming, and it’s easy to get things wrong. It generally only makes sense if you have a very simple return—W-2 income, no dependents, claiming the standard deduction—and feel comfortable navigating IRS forms and instructions without guidance.
Tax software is a better option if you:
Earn income from a variety of sources, such as a job, freelancing, and investments
Itemize deductions
Deduct tip or overtime income
Have dependents
Claim tax credits like the EITC, Child Tax Credit, or education credits
On the other hand, the do-it-yourself approach might not be enough if you own a business or rental properties, have international income, or ongoing IRS issues. In those cases, you might be better off working with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA) who can offer advice throughout the year to ensure you’re not paying too much.
What Should I Consider Before Choosing?
Before you pick a platform, it helps to think through your situation and what you really need from your tax filing software.
Here are a few questions to help you identify the right option for you:
How complex is your return? You’ll likely have to upgrade to a premium version of any platform if you have self-employment income, rental income, or investment activity.
Do you need state returns? Most platforms charge an additional fee for each state return. If you have to file in multiple states, those fees can add up quickly.
How much guidance do you want? Some platforms offer heavier hand-holding, while others assume you know where you’re going.
Do you want access to a tax pro? It’s nice to have the option to get assistance from a tax pro if you get stuck, but make sure you know what kind of tax pro the platform offers. Some connect you with CPAs and EAs, while others are less transparent about their tax preparers’ credentials.
How transparent is pricing? Some tools make costs clear early. Others make it seem as though free tax prep is available, only to force you to upgrade late in the process.
Keeping these factors in mind helps you avoid paying for features you don’t need or missing ones you do.
Choosing Tax Software that Fits How You File
The best tax software for you depends on how you prefer to work. If you want guidance at every step or the option to have a tax pro handle all the details, TurboTax or H&R Block could be ideal. If you value flexibility and low fees, TaxSlayer and TaxAct deserve a closer look.
No matter which tool you choose, take time to review your return carefully before you file. Software can help you file a return, but accuracy still depends on the information you provide.
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by your friends at The Daily Navigator
