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TaxACT Pricing, Features, Reviews & Comparison of Alternatives

TaxACT

Tax Preparation Software, File Taxes Online, Free E-filing

4.67/5 (21 reviews)
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TaxACT overview

What is TaxACT?

TaxACT Software and Over-the-Web Services:

TaxACT is available in both software and Web-based versions and offers users two ways to enter data: the interview format, or the forms-based entry method. TaxACT also provides its users a highly reliable and robust alerts system to prevent costly mistakes generally caused by omissions or missed opportunities to maximize deductions. Regardless of the TaxACT version and / or platform, all forms are IRS and State approved.

TaxACT Online Free Federal Edition and Free Federal Edition software for Windows contain the most common forms, schedules and worksheets that enable everyone to prepare, print, and e-file their federal tax return for free. No gimmicks, no stipulations and no surprises. TaxACT State Editions are available for all income-taxing states for just $14.99 each — one of the lowest priced state returns.

For the do-it-yourself tax preparer who wants extra advice and additional tax tools, TaxACT is available in a Deluxe Edition (download) for just $12.99 and includes ONE (1) free federal e-file - a $7.95 value in itself. TaxACT Online Deluxe is $12.99 and includes ONE (1) free federal e-file. Plus, TaxACT State Editions are available for all income-taxing states.

Pricing

Pricing options
Free
Free trial
Value for money
View Pricing Plans

Devices

Business size

S
M
L

Markets

United States

Supported languages

English
TaxACT screenshotAbout TaxACTTaxACT screenshotTaxACT screenshotTaxACT screenshotTaxACT screenshot

TaxACT reviews

Overall rating
4.7
/5
Excellent
16
Very good
3
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Value for money
Features
Ease of use
Customer support
  4.6
  4.6
  4.6
  4.4
Read all reviews
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Shilleah Slaiter

Easy Way of Doing Our Small Business Taxes on Our Own!

Used occasionally for less than 6 months
Reviewed 2019-06-17
Review Source: Capterra

I loved TaxAct when we did use it! It is very affordable for small business owners, and guides you through all the questions in order to autofill our taxes.

Pros
It walked me through all the uploading and importing of our business tax information, and pretty much held my hand the whole way through our business taxes.

Cons
We ended up switching our Payroll to Intuit, so was easier for us to use Turbotax this year instead of TaxAct, since it is directly linked with our payroll

Rating breakdown

Value for money
Ease of use
Features

Likelihood to recommend: 10/10

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Earlie Rook

What's Your Business without TaxAct Business

Used occasionally for 2+ years
Reviewed 2020-01-28
Review Source: Capterra

I love TaxAct Business and will use it forever!

Pros
This is definitely the tool for your business if you're a sole proprietor. The navigation of this software is phenomenal resulting in me not missing any of my deductions and expenses that I can write off! The customer/technical support is always available to answer any questions.

Cons
Sometimes, the wording can be a bit confusing, but customer service comes in to save the day for me!

Rating breakdown

Value for money
Ease of use
Features
Customer support

Likelihood to recommend: 10/10

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Neha Tewari

Affordable but doesn’t offer as many extra features as its competitors

Used monthly for 1-2 years
Reviewed 2018-04-19
Review Source: GetApp

Pros
TaxAct software is comparatively easy to use, with pricing that compares well with most of the other available software. Unlike Turbo Tax and H&R Block, it can’t import W-2 automatically due to which it takes time to file the return. Tax Act is relatively less expensive. The interface is simple and navigation is relatively easy. Tax Act allows you to import a previous year’s return, which saves some time as individual do not have to enter all your personal information. It also allows you to pay your filing fee with your refund. Review and alerts are also available in this software before finalizing of returns.

Cons
The lack of a W-2 import is disappointing. Being able to upload your income information saves time and prevents errors from manual entry. It also lacks good customer support.

Rating breakdown

Value for money
Ease of use
Features
Customer support

Likelihood to recommend: 6/10

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Hailey Carlson

So easy to use

Used occasionally for free trial
Reviewed 2019-06-19
Review Source: Capterra

I will use this again and again. If you have any experience doing your own taxes you will breeze through this. If you have never done your own taxes, you may find yourself asking a few questions or needing clarifications but the application has planned for this and you will easily find the answers you need.

Pros
Taxact provides everything you need in order to do taxes. If there are any confusions or questions, there is usually a button that will clarify what it is asking. Everything is stated clearly.

Cons
Some things are listed only by their "technical title" and I would have to figure out which is which myself. Minor inconvenience for those not familiar with tax forms.

Rating breakdown

Value for money
Ease of use
Features
Customer support

Likelihood to recommend: 9/10

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Tanya Bergstrom

Good tax software

Used occasionally for 2+ years
Reviewed 2019-09-24
Review Source: Capterra

I use this for my personal businesses and have been very happy. Switched a few years ago and wouldn't go back.

Pros
I like the cost compared to Turbo Tax and the results come out exactly the same when comparing the two options.

Cons
Customer support could be better and sometimes finding information on the tax items is hard to find.

Rating breakdown

Value for money
Ease of use
Features
Customer support

Likelihood to recommend: 9/10

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User recommendation
8.8/10
Based on 21 user reviews
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TaxACT pricing

Pricing options
Free
Free trial
View Pricing Plans

Free Federal Edition

Deluxe for $12.99
Start for Free

Free Edition + State for $17.99

Deluxe + State for $17.99

Ultimate Bundle Deluxe (Federal) + State:

$17.99 Over the web
$21.99 Download or CD
$28.99 Download or CD

Home and Business Bundles:

1065 Bundle for $59.99
1120S Bundle for $59.99
1120 Bundle for $59.99

Value for money
4.6/5
Based on 18 user ratings
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TaxACT features

API (293 other apps)
Accounting Integration (177 other apps)
Accounting Management (198 other apps)
Activity Dashboard (250 other apps)
Audit Trail (147 other apps)
Automatic Notifications (177 other apps)
Billing & Invoicing (199 other apps)
Compliance Management (205 other apps)
Customizable Reporting (177 other apps)
Data Import/Export (199 other apps)
Electronic Payments (182 other apps)
Expense Tracking (169 other apps)
Financial Analysis (143 other apps)
Invoice Management (245 other apps)
Invoice Processing (160 other apps)
Multi-Currency (175 other apps)
Real Time Data (157 other apps)
Reporting & Statistics (287 other apps)
Third Party Integration (229 other apps)
Workflow Management (164 other apps)

Features
4.6/5
Based on 21 user ratings
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Videos and tutorials

About TaxACT

About TaxACT

Additional information for TaxACT

Key features of TaxACT

  • TaxACT Bookmarks
  • PayPower™ for direct deposit of refunds
  • Interactive Dependents Tax Assistant
  • TaxACT DocVault™ for saving images
  • FAFSA Assistance
  • On-the-go status of e-filed returns, IRS refund, and more
  • Tax Glossary of 300 tax terms
  • Create a LegalACT last will and testament
  • Stock Assistant for quick summaries
  • Multiple refund options
  • PDF import
  • Personalized form view
  • Loan & Savings Calculators
  • Data Archive Service
View All Features

Benefits

- Free Version

It's true! FREE to prepare, FREE to print, FREE to e-file - no income or age restrictions. Get the fastest tax refund possible with free e-file. Handles simple AND complex tax returns — supports 1040, 1040A, & 1040EZ, and includes all e-fileable IRS forms to handle all filing statuses & life situations.

Finds all credits & deductions for the biggest refund

Boost your tax savings with Credit, Deduction, and Income Examiners. Get the biggest refund guaranteed with TaxACT's Maximum Refund Pledge. See how changes affect your refund after every step of TaxACT's easy interview process.

All the free help & support you need, when you need it

Never get stumped by a tax question. The enhanced TaxACT Answer Center gives you personalized, free help. Search for the fastest answers and video tutorials, or contact technical and TaxPayer Support specialists by email for free. Receive help via phone for a one-time fee of $7.99 for the entire 2013 tax year.

- Deluxe for $12.99

Turn 1,300+ commonly donated items into huge savings

Put more cash in your wallet! Donation Assistant® tracks your charitable donations and provides audit-backed values - eliminating guess work. View Donation Assistant in action.

ENHANCED! Learn how life changes impact your taxes

Redesigned to be even easier to understand major tax implications, New content in TaxACT Life Events will help you get the biggest income tax deductions possible with personalized life tips that appear as you complete your return.

Multiple import options save time & reduce errors

TaxACT Import transfers vital personal data from last year's tax return, including AGI/PIN and others required to match IRS records in order to e-file. Other imports include Stock Import, W-2 Import and Schedule K-1 Import.

- Free Edition + State for $17.99

Finish your state tax return fast and easy

All of your federal tax information automatically transfers to your state tax return. Simply start your federal return with either TaxACT Online Free Edition or TaxACT Online Deluxe, answer a few state specific questions, and you'll have your state taxes done in minutes.

All the free help & support you need, when you need it

Never get stumped by a tax question. The TaxACT Answer Center gives you personalized, free help. Search for the fastest answers and video tutorials, or contact technical and TaxPayer Support specialists by email for free. Receive help via phone for a one-time fee of $7.99 for the entire 2013 tax year.

Free state e-file for a faster refund

The fastest way to get your state refund is included at no additional cost. Available for all 42 income-taxing states that accept e-filed returns. When you e-file, you'll get an acknowledgement from the state as proof that your return has been filed.