TaxAct
tax-filing-software · USTaxAct is a cost-focused tax preparation platform that competes primarily on price while still offering professional-grade features. Its paid tiers are the most affordable among major competitors, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious filers who need more than a free edition. TaxAct offers a $100,000 accuracy guarantee if a software error causes a larger tax liability, along with a Maximum Refund Guarantee. Xpert Assist provides tax pro help as an add-on. While TaxAct handles complex returns including S-Corp, partnership, and small business filings, its interface is less intuitive than TurboTax or H&R Block, and it provides fewer educational explanations throughout the filing process. Notably, TaxAct always charges for state filing, even on its free tier — an important consideration for multi-state filers.
Is TaxAct the right tax filing software for your situation?
TaxAct is a budget-friendly tax preparation platform for personal and smb filers in the United States. Paid tiers start at $24.99 federal (most affordable among major competitors) plus $39.99/state. Budget-friendly tax filing software with the most affordable paid tiers, $100,000 accuracy guarantee, and strong support for S-Corp and small business returns.
⚠ Not Tax Advice
Finatune provides informational software comparisons only and is not a licensed tax advisor. Tax situations vary by individual, state, and country. Always consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your circumstances. Pricing shown reflects publicly available list prices as of mid-2026 and may change without notice — always verify current pricing directly on the provider's website before filing.
Pricing
// verify pricing before launch — prices shown may not reflect current vendor rates
Key Features
- •Most affordable paid tiers among major competitors
- •$100,000 accuracy guarantee — covered if software error causes larger tax liability
- •Maximum Refund Guarantee
- •Xpert Assist — tax pro help available as add-on
- •S-Corp, partnership, and small business return support
- •Prior-year return import
- •Multi-state return support
- •Audit support and guidance
Pros
- +Most affordable paid tier among major competitors — Deluxe at $24.99 vs TurboTax Deluxe at $59
- +$100,000 accuracy guarantee if software error causes larger tax liability
- +Maximum Refund Guarantee included
- +Strong S-Corp and small business return support alongside TurboTax at a lower price point
- +Xpert Assist tax pro help available as add-on for those who want professional review
Cons
- −Always charges for state filing even on Free tier — $39.99/state is a hidden cost for multi-state filers
- −Interface less intuitive than TurboTax or H&R Block — fewer guided explanations and less educational content
- −Live help not bundled into higher tiers — Xpert Assist is an add-on cost
- −Less brand recognition than TurboTax or H&R Block, which may reduce trust for first-time users
- −Fewer integrations and third-party data imports than TurboTax
Platforms
Integrations
Compare TaxAct with other tools
See how TaxAct stacks up against TurboTax side by side.
Related Resources
Reviewed by Finatune · Last updated 2026-07-03