Best Tax Software

You don’t want to worry about errors or incomplete forms when you file your taxes. Filing as a military family is particularly complicated, as there are so many additional rules and exceptions.

We’re outlining several top tax-preparation software products to make things a little easier. Review their key features and limitations to help you decide on the right one for your situation.

Best Tax Software

Looking for a quick list? These are our picks for the top tax software options. H&R Block has been our go-to online tax preparation service for several years now. This year, we worked with H&R Block to provide a discount of $25 off in-person tax prep at your local H&R Block office and 20% off online tax filing at hrblock.com. Learn more about these discounts here.

To learn more about these and other software programs to help you file your taxes, read below or click here to jump straight to the reviews.

H&R Block

H&R Block offers do-it-yourself tax preparation software. Like TurboTax, they have a free online version for simple returns and several paid products. These have similar features to TurboTax but at a lower cost. Our full H&R Block review goes into more detail here.

This software also gives you W-2 Early Access. With this free service, you can have an electronic copy of your W-2 sent to any H&R Block office as soon as it’s available. Then, bring two pieces of ID to pick it up.

If you’re unsure what information and forms you’ll need to prepare your tax return, you can use the checklist in H&R Block’s software. You can view the complete list or answer a few questions, and the software will create a custom list just for you.

TurboTax

Many individuals and businesses consider TurboTax the best available tax software. The software is user-friendly and offers several key features.

If you’ve used TurboTax in the past, it will let you import your previous returns and will autofill your information. It also allows you to import your W-2 (if your employer is a TurboTax import partner), or you can snap a photo of it, and it will fill in your information for you.

You can choose from several TurboTax packages, depending on your needs and the complexity of your tax return. There is a free edition for those with simple returns (not all taxpayers qualify) and a TurboTax military discount.

The Deluxe package is their most popular, as it will search hundreds of deductions and credits to ensure you receive the maximum available. More advanced packages cover investments, including cryptocurrency and industry-specific deductions.

TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer offers four tax preparation and filing services. Simply Free is a basic option that, as the name implies, is free for both federal and state tax returns. The Classic service works for all tax situations and includes all the forms and deductions.

You may want to pay more for the Premium service for the additional support and live chat. Those who are self-employed, whether freelance or small business owners, may benefit from the Self-Employed service, which includes audit defense and tax payment reminders.

The military tax-preparation service allows active-duty service members to file their federal returns for free. It covers all tax situations, all forms, and all deductions. You can auto-fill portions of your return by importing your W-2 and last year’s taxes. You can also rest easy with their 100% accuracy guarantee and their IRS inquiry assistance for up to one year after you file your return.

TaxAct

TaxAct frequently offers discounts for early filers, so you can pick up a real bargain if you don’t wait until the end of tax season (right now you can save up to 40% on tax filing with their early bird pricing). Features include the ability to upload previous years’ returns and a deduction maximizer so you won’t miss any available credits. You’ll also find pro tips and a personalized tax plan to help you maximize your refund.

A free version is available for simple federal tax returns (state returns are extra) and three additional professional TaxAct products: Deluxe, Premier and Self-Employed to fit your tax needs. The Deluxe package is their most popular and is designed with homeowners in mind.

You can also check the status of your return or track your refund.

E-file

E-file is a budget-friendly online tax software option. Plans start with a free version for federal tax return filing. Their Deluxe version is available for those with dependents, a mortgage, or retirement income, and the Premium plan can help those with business income.

E-file promises to make the tax preparation process as painless as possible. Electronic filing also means you can receive your tax refund sooner. You can even pay E-file fees with your refund.

If you owe the IRS, you can authorize a funds withdrawal or pay by credit card, debit card, or check.

FreeTaxUSA

FreeTaxUSA offers free federal tax filing and charges a fee only for state tax returns. Besides the state returns, you can choose from various other add-ons for a fee, including a mailed printed return or unlimited amended returns.

They also have a deluxe package, which includes priority support, unlimited amended returns, and assistance with audits.

You can use FreeTaxUSA for all tax situations, including home ownership, investments, rental income, and small businesses. They guarantee the accuracy of your return and that you will receive the maximum refund. You can even import your prior year’s return to simplify the tax preparation process.

Liberty Tax

Liberty Tax offers three tax preparation software solutions, depending on your individual needs. Unlike many of the other popular software options, there is no free package. The Basic package is intended for those with simple tax needs. Homeowners or those with dependents, college expenses, or investments will benefit from the Deluxe package. The Premium package is for those who are self-employed.

Liberty Tax software has many features, including audit assistance and free double-checking at participating locations. You can also upload a prior year’s return and your W-2 to auto-fill some of the information.

You also have several choices for receiving your refund, including by check, direct deposit, refund transfer, or through a prepaid Mastercard. If you choose to receive a refund transfer, you can have the filing fees deducted from your refund.

CashApp Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax)

In November 2020, CashApp acquired Credit Karma Tax and is moving to a new online platform starting in January 2022. CashApp Taxes include free federal and state returns. It supports itemized deductions, capital gains and losses, and even self-employment income.

You will need to download CashApp and create a free account in order to take advantage of their tax software.

CashApp Taxes promises to keep the same features and guarantees as Credit Karma. These include free audit defense and a maximum refund guarantee.

eSmart Tax

eSmart Tax is backed by Liberty Tax and also offers three software packages: Basic, Deluxe, and Premium. Like Liberty Tax’s online offerings, there is no free option available.

If you have a simple tax situation, the Basic software may fit your needs, especially since it does allow for itemized deductions. However, if you have dependents or investments or if you own your own home, you will need the Deluxe version. The Premium software is for those who are self-employed.

You can import your last year’s return and your W-2 form to get started. eSmart Tax also offers several support options, including chat and email support. You can even access in-person support at some locations.

ezTaxReturn

ezTaxReturn’s key feature is in the name. They promise a streamlined and easy online tax filing service. Federal returns are free for simple returns from qualifying taxpayers. The fee for everyone else is the same.

Filing your taxes involves three steps. First, create an account. Next, answer a series of questions. They complete all the forms based on your answers and guarantee their accuracy. Last, e-file your return and wait for your refund.

You can also purchase add-ons, such as receiving a printed copy of your return by mail, audit defense protection, and amended returns. Consider that some of these services may be included in the price of other tax software options.

Jackson Hewitt

Jackson Hewitt promises accurate returns and a maximum refund guarantee for your tax return. They offer step-by-step guidance in preparing your taxes, online customer support, and free online storage of your returns for three years.

They have one fee for online tax filing for federal returns and unlimited state returns, regardless of your tax situation.

1040.com

For one low, flat fee, regardless of your tax situation or required forms, you can use 1040.com’s tax preparation and filing program for both your state and federal taxes.

You can go directly to the forms you need or answer their questions and let them figure out the forms and deductions that apply.

You can import your W-2 to auto-fill some of the information, and they’ll store your completed return for three years. They guarantee that the program is easy to use and accurate, and will net you the maximum refund.

1040.com also promises that filing your taxes can feel good. They use some of their revenue to fund clean water projects.

OLT.com

OLT.com offers both a free and a premium edition of their software. All tax situations are covered by either edition, including homeowners, dependents, investments, and self-employment.

The free version includes free federal tax filing and a low fee for state returns. You can use it with all forms and schedules, including customer support by email and the ability to import your previous year’s return.

The premium edition includes customer support by live chat or phone audit support and a reduced rate for state returns.

Bottom Line

You can use any of these tax preparation and filing programs to help you file your taxes with less stress. Tax situations are individual, so consider your needs and the complexity of your personal situation and find a solution that best fits.

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