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5 Results

TurboTax logo

TurboTax

Most popular tax software. Step-by-step guidance and maximum refund guarantee.

Guided filingMax refundLive helpAudit support
Free - $129
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H&R Block logo

H&R Block

Tax prep with in-person option. DIY or work with a pro.

In-person optionDIYTax proAudit support
Free - $109.99
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TaxAct logo

TaxAct

Affordable tax filing. Good value for straightforward returns.

AffordablePrice lockImportAccuracy guarantee
Free - $64.99
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FreeTaxUSA logo

FreeTaxUSA

Free federal tax filing. Low cost state returns.

Free federal$15.99 stateAudit supportPrior year
$0 federal / $15.99 per state
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Cash App Taxes logo

Cash App Taxes

Tax filing for federal and state returns.

100% freeFederal + stateRefund advanceSimple
Free
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By Misha Catalano, Founder & Lead Software AnalystLast reviewed 9 Aug 2026
Data verified 29 Jul 2026

What is Tax Software?

Tax software helps individuals and businesses prepare, file, and manage federal, state, and local tax returns. For individuals, these platforms guide users through income reporting, deduction optimization, credit eligibility, and electronic filing with step-by-step interview formats. Business tax software handles more complex requirements including corporate returns, partnership K-1s, payroll tax filings, sales tax compliance, and estimated quarterly payments. Tax preparation features import W-2s, 1099s, and financial data from employers, banks, and investment accounts to minimize manual entry. Deduction finders scan for overlooked tax breaks based on life circumstances, occupation, and financial activities. Audit support provides documentation organization and professional assistance if the IRS questions a return. Multi-state filing handles returns for taxpayers with income in multiple jurisdictions. Integration with accounting software pulls financial data directly for seamless business tax preparation.

Key Features to Look For

Guided Tax Preparation

Walks users through tax filing with interview-style questions and real-time calculations.

Document Import

Imports W-2s, 1099s, and financial data from employers, banks, and brokerages.

Deduction Optimization

Identifies overlooked deductions and credits based on financial and life circumstances.

E-Filing & Direct Deposit

Files returns electronically with the IRS and state agencies for fastest refund delivery.

Audit Support

Provides documentation tools and professional assistance for IRS inquiries.

Multi-State Filing

Handles returns for taxpayers with income across multiple state jurisdictions.

How Much Does Tax Software Cost?

Individual tax software: TurboTax Free to $129+ (federal) plus $59/state. H&R Block Free to $110+ (federal) plus $49/state. TaxAct at $0–$70 (federal) plus $40–$50/state. FreeTaxUSA at $0 federal, $15.99/state. Cash App Taxes is completely free for federal and state. IRS Free File for AGI under $84,000. Business tax: TurboTax Business at $130–$220, H&R Block Business at $110–$150. Professional tax prep software: Drake Tax at $1,795–$2,495/year, Lacerte at $400–$5,000/year, ProSeries at $500–$2,500/year. UltraTax CS at $3,000–$10,000/year for large firms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How We Evaluate Tax Software

VendorPick rankings are based on verified vendor pricing, transparent criteria, and feature analysis — never pay-to-play placements. Vendors cannot pay to influence their ranking or placement on our platform.

Every published price is read on the vendor's own pricing page and stored with its source URL and the date we verified it — no aggregator data, no estimates. When a vendor doesn't publish pricing, we say so; when we find a figure we can't source, we delete it rather than hedge it.

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