Online Tax Preparation and Filing Reviews & Prices

Preparing your taxes online is easy, secure, and much cheaper than using an accountant. We've reviewed a number of services that will help you prepare your state and federal tax returns online and e-file them with the IRS. Each service offers web-based preparation tools that will walk you through each step of the process. Our comparison chart is designed to help you determine which online tax service is best suited to your individual needs, whether you have a complex return with many specialized deductions, or if you simply need a cheap and easy way to file your 1040EZ form. To learn more about online tax preparation services, visit our FAQ.

Online Tax Preparation and Filing Reviews & Prices

Updated 04-03-2013

Service Name & Rating: Online Federal Tax Products: Federal Only Fees: State Only Fees: Support Options: Audit Protection: Bottom Line:
H&R BlockFree Federal: Free
Basic: $16.96
Deluxe: $25.46
Premium: $42.46
Free for everyone, upgraded services $16.96 - $42.46$27.95 - $34.95Unlimited access to online help center; Single consultation with tax professional with purchase of Premium editionYes; 'Worry Free Audit Support' guarantees assistance from an H&R Block tax professional in the case of an auditBest overall service provider due to Free Federal Return, good support and audit protection; 15% discount on all plans
TurboTaxFree Federal: Free
Basic: $19.99
Deluxe: $29.99
Premier: $49.99
Home & Business: $74.99
Free if filing simple returns, otherwise $19.99 - $74.99$36.99Phone, online chat or email plus access to live community Q&AYesEasiest to use service with best online deduction finder tools
TaxACTFree Federal: Free
Deluxe: $9.95
Free for everyone
$9.95 for Deluxe
$14.95 with Free Federal; $8.00 with DeluxeUnlimited email support; unlimited access to Answer CenterNoneGreat value for online tax preparation and filing but lacks audit protection
eSmart TaxBasic: Free
Deluxe: $19.95
Premium: $39.95
Free for everyone, upgraded services $19.95-$39.95$19.95 if you file with your federal returnEmail and chat optionsNoneStandard service with a few cool extras including a Maximum Refund Guarantee
Service Name & Rating: Online Federal Tax Products: Federal Only Fees: State Only Fees: Support Options: Audit Protection: Bottom Line:
TaxBrainFederal E-file: $14.95
Basic: $19.95
Deluxe: $39.95
Premium: $69.95
$14.95 - $69.95$29.95Unlimited access to tech support. Live chat, email, phoneSmart Coverage Audit Defense: $34.95Solid, streamlined service but interface and pricing are a bit confusing
TaxSimpleFree Federal: Free;
Deluxe: $24.95
Premier: $49.95
Free if filing 1040EZ, otherwise $24.95-$49.95$24.95Email onlyNoneVery limited support and spotty service availability; not recommended


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