Compare online tax programs

TurboTax by Intuit is the clear front-runner for good reason. The software combines tax expertise and an easy user experience with an accessible interface.

The technical setup is easy: Enter your information, import your tax documents and access your past TurboTax returns when needed. If your employer uses QuickBooks -- or if you're self-employed and manage your finances with QuickBooks -- your tax forms may already be available in Intuit, saving you a step. TurboTax guides you through the process by asking straightforward questions, and never asks for information you've already given or that doesn't relate to your particular situation.

If a question is confusing or you need clarification, you can easily access additional information. You can also exit the process at any time and pick back up where you left off if you log onto your account from any device. Plus the Deluxe fee is less than you might pay for an accountant. If you know you won't qualify for deductions or credits, stick with the free version. TurboTax Premier is specifically designed for taxpayers with real estate, while TurboTax Self-Employed will help sole proprietors, freelancers and gig workers maximize their deductions.

You can even enlist the help of a tax professional or CPA with TurboTax Live, which can supplement any of the company's software offerings. TurboTax Audit Defense is available to offer audit protection and assistance, via a partnership with TaxAudit.

The comprehensive benefits that come with TurboTax may cost more than other tax software, but the peace of mind you'll receive could be worth the price tag. That makes it a perfect fit for filers without complicated tax situations who don't want to pay, including students and recent grads. The overall process is not as smooth as TurboTax, but it's still a well-designed, interview-style system that guides you and sidesteps potential mistakes.

The Help screens and extra information are useful, though not always as easy to access as with TurboTax. You can even import the prior year's income tax returns from other platforms by uploading a PDF of your previous year's return or importing your TurboTax data file.

One drawback with virtual filing is that you won't receive in-person support from a tax professional if you end up getting audited unless you pay for a higher tier of service. If you're worried about something going wrong in the tax-filing process, Jackson Hewitt Online is your best option.

You can opt for the Basic, Deluxe or Platinum tier of the Worry-Free Guarantee plan, which promises to reimburse you if you end up receiving a reduced refund or face additional tax liabilities. Both the Deluxe and Platinum tiers also offer restoration assistance that help if your identity is stolen and a tax return is filed on your behalf.

The Platinum tier includes Audit Security support with a dedicated specialist who will manage and represent your case. Check out our FAQ below for more information on the likelihood of being audited and the factors that could increase your risk.

Otherwise, Jackson Hewitt's tax preparation service is in line with what you'll find elsewhere: You can use the Basic free tier for simple returns, import older tax returns prepared on other platforms, receive tech support via live chat and auto-complete state returns.

If you are in a high tax bracket or have a particularly complicated tax situation where errors may be more likely, TaxAct could be for you. You can access tax-filing guidance from a tax specialist that ranges from in-app chat support with screen-share capabilities to unlimited one-on-one advice over the phone.

It's simple to import previous tax returns, navigate the platform and browse through the knowledge database as you input your itemized deductions. TaxSlayer is an inexpensive tax preparation service and provides all of the tax forms you'll need.

While the free version comes with some degree of access to personalized tax advice, you'll need to pay for a higher level package, such as TaxSlayer Premium, to get comprehensive assistance from a tax professional, including live phone and chat support, as well as audit protection.

FreeTaxUSA is mostly free, except you'll need to pay to file state taxes. It offers options for importing previous tax returns and filing an amended tax return.

The Deluxe version includes priority live chat, customer support and access to its tax specialists and audit service. These tax professionals should be able to address all your specific income tax return questions -- from what paperwork you need to how to understand an audit notice and write a response to the IRS.

There are two main ways to file your taxes for free. These private services offer free products for those with simple filing situations, and as long as you don't have complications like investment income or rental property income, you can stick with the free products all the way through filing. Note, however, that Intuit and other companies will often try to upsell you on other products throughout the process. Before signing up for a higher-tier product you hadn't planned on, make sure you really need it.

When you file only a single W-2 from an employer, it's considered a simple tax return. With a simple return, you won't be itemizing deductions, claiming investment income or rental property, reporting freelance income or claiming business expenses like a home office.

Where TurboTax shines is with customers with more complex tax returns. The Deluxe Edition helps maximize tax deductions and credits, while the Premier Edition includes investments and rental properties. Cryptocurrency and robo-investing are even covered with its Premier offering. Plus, you can easily import your investment income automatically with TurboTax. Both premium versions and the Self-Employed version come with on-demand one-on-one support from tax specialists.

Customers also get personalized tax tips based on how they answer questions through the filing process. Before you file, TurboTax always runs a comprehensive review of your return, ensuring nothing gets missed.

For complete and quality service, TurboTax has you covered. Free features: Import of past tax returns from competitors, free double-check service in person.

Liberty Tax is another tax preparation service known for its in-person tax help, with over 3, locations across the U. Liberty Tax has three online offerings— Basic , Deluxe and Premium. Plus, you always have the option to hand off your tax return to your local Liberty Tax branch if you get in a bind. TaxAct has you covered, no matter your tax situation. Most online tax software services have guarantees, but not to this extent.

You can file taxes with confidence, knowing that TaxAct has your back. Read our in-depth TaxAct review. On top of free and Premium tax filing services, customers can receive online support from a tax specialist through Online Assist.

This could be help from a tax expert, enrolled agent, or a CPA. Online Assist is available as an add-on to every filing option.

Online Assist provides unlimited expert one-on-one help, simplifying the process. You can confidently file your tax return, knowing everything is accurate, and every possible deduction was included. With the help of online tax software preparation services, like those mentioned above, you can file your own taxes like a pro.

Many services allow you free account access to start, only paying once you actually file. Why not take advantage of the convenience and support found with online tax software? Outside of Liberty Tax, all of the tax services listed above offer free e-filing services for at least simple federal tax returns.

Credit Karma Tax offers free audit support services for members who have their tax returns audited. Services are provided through a partnership with audit specialists Tax Protection Plus. The program offers free support like consultations, document review and collection, written correspondence with taxing authorities and representation at any conferences or hearings with taxing authorities.

The best free tax filing service depends on your tax situation and specific needs. Almost all of the tax services on our list offering some form of free tax filing. Credit Karma Tax is the only option listed that includes free audit support.

Many online tax services have created filing processes that are easy to understand and use no matter your level of experience. Some even incorporate mobile-friendly technology as an extra perk. Our editors selected these deals and items because we think you will enjoy them at these prices. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn a commission. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time. The IRS pushed the tax deadline back for the second year in a row — from April 15 to May 17 — due to the ongoing Covid crisis.

But not everyone has an extra month to file: Self employed workers or those who make estimated payments still need to make their quarterly payment by April Even if you have some added time to do your taxes, you should still consider filing as soon as possible. For one, the sooner you file, the sooner you may get a refund. The IRS says most refunds are issued within 21 days of filing, but some taxpayers are already reporting delays , which means you should file ASAP if you want your return sooner rather than later.

Not to mention the longer you wait to file your taxes, the more time you're potentially giving scammers to file a fraudulent return in your name. Tax scams are surging during the pandemic , so filing as soon as possible can limit the time window thieves have. But letting tax software do the heavy lifting for you can make it more manageable. Tax filing software online can be an affordable alternative to hiring your own accountant.

But where do you start? What are the online tax software options available to you? And how do you find the best tax software for your situation?

No matter what software you use to file, the IRS encourages taxpayers to choose to receive their refund by direct deposit, or sign up for electronic tax payments before the deadline. Doing so will speed up the process of receiving your refund or processing your payment.

Electronic options also support social distancing over mailed checks. Online tax software is cloud-based and often much faster than desktop versions that are installed on your computer. Once you purchase access to the software, all you need is an internet connection and a browser.

It only takes a couple of minutes to set up an account in most cases. They then file your return automatically to the IRS. In some cases, users can simply upload all the forms and any additional information needed into the software, and the software will fill out and submit their return for them.

Some companies offer a live tax adviser if you need one. These services provide that.