On this page16 sections
- Ratings and complaints
- TaxAct vs. competitors
- Pricing
- Step by step
- TaxAct legitimacy and licensing
- How much TaxAct costs
- TaxAct guarantees
- Key Takeaway: TaxAct Review
- How TaxAct Works
- Stand Out Features
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Complaints and how to avoid problems
- Free filing options to check first
- Who should skip TaxAct
- What customers say
- Alternatives
TaxAct suits people who want guided DIY filing for less than TurboTax, including self-employed filers, and are fine paying extra for state returns and live help. It is legitimate tax software from TaxAct, LLC, part of Taxwell with Drake Software, and it has been filing returns since 1998. Watch the add-ons, since reviewers often say the final price grew at checkout. TaxAct paid Connecticut $275,000 in August 2026 and settled a class action in 2024 over sharing filer data with Meta and Google from 2018 to 2022.
Your options
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FileTax.com Alternative People who want an inexpensive, quick extension or a flat-price return and value phone and expert support over the lowest possible price.
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E-file.com Alternative Do-it-yourself filers who want lower prices than TurboTax or H&R Block and don't need live expert help.
- Company
- TaxAct, LLC, a Taxwell company (with Drake Software); founded 1998; private equity firm Cinven agreed to buy it in 20222
- Online federal prices
- Free $0; Deluxe $59.99; Premier $99.99; Self-Employed $109.99; state additional, as listed October 20261
- Free Edition
- Form 1040 only with no attached forms or schedules; about 40% of TaxAct filers qualified last year, per TaxAct1
- Expert help
- Xpert Assist add-on $45 for live help while you file; Xpert Full Service from $99, state additional1
- Accuracy guarantee
- Up to $100,000 for software calculation errors, covering added tax, penalties, interest and documented costs; individual self-prepared 1040 products only1
- Extension filer offer
- New customers who start on or after September 17, 2026 and file by October 15, 2026 pay one flat $70 for federal and state (offer as listed October 2026)1
- Trustpilot
- 4.0 out of 5 from 8,456 reviews; 56% five star, 11% one star3
- Privacy settlements
- $14.5 million class action settlement (December 2024) and $275,000 to Connecticut (August 2026) over sharing data with Meta and Google4
Pros
- Free tier for simple Form 1040 returns
- Paid tiers cost less than TurboTax at similar levels
- $100,000 accuracy guarantee on self-prepared returns
- Live expert help available as a $45 add-on
- Business returns for partnerships, S corps, C corps and nonprofits
Cons
- State returns cost extra on every tier
- Free Edition excludes anyone who needs a schedule
- Reviewers report upsells and higher prices at checkout
- Shared filer data with Meta and Google from 2018 to 2022
Best for: DIY filers, including freelancers and investors, who want guided software and a strong accuracy guarantee for less than TurboTax.
Skip it if: You qualify for IRS Free File or VITA, or you want free federal filing for a complex return, where FreeTaxUSA costs less.
TaxAct vs. competitors
| Company | Federal online price | State | Live help | Next step |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TaxAct | $0 simple; $59.99 to $109.99 paid tiers | Extra | Xpert Assist $45; Full Service from $99 | |
| TurboTax | $0 for simple returns; paid tiers up to $139 (federal and state) | Extra on paid tiers | Expert Assist $59 to $209 | Read review |
| H&R Block | $0 simple; $65 to $130 paid tiers | $0 on Free Online; $49 each on paid tiers | Unlimited expert help on paid tiers | Read review |
| FreeTaxUSA | $0 for all situations | $15.99 each | Chat $7.99; tax pro $64.99 | Read review |
Tax filing services we reviewed
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TaxAct This review BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: DIY filers, including freelancers and investors, who want guided software and a strong accuracy guarantee for less than TurboTax. -
FileTax.com BestGuide rating: 4.9 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: People who want an inexpensive, quick extension or a flat-price return and value phone and expert support over the lowest possible price. -
TurboTax BestGuide rating: 4.8 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Filers with complex returns who want polished software and the option of on-demand or full-service expert help. -
TaxSlayer BestGuide rating: 4.7 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Budget DIY filers, including freelancers and landlords, who want all forms in an inexpensive tier and don't need much live help. -
E-file.com BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Do-it-yourself filers who want lower prices than TurboTax or H&R Block and don't need live expert help. -
Tax1099 BestGuide rating: 4.6 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Small businesses, bookkeepers and CPAs who file more than a few 1099s or W-2s and want e-filing, recipient delivery and TIN checks in one tool. -
FreeTaxUSA BestGuide rating: 4.2 out of 5. Set by our editorial team from published factors such as cost, credentials, reputation, customer experience, services and guarantees. Verified partners are scored on our partner verification program and can be listed first; they are always labeled BestGuide Partner. Best for: Confident do-it-yourself filers, including freelancers, landlords and investors, who want to pay little more than the state fee.
TaxAct pricing at a glance
TaxAct online prices for 2025 returns, as listed October 20261
| Tier | Federal | State | Who it's for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | Extra | Form 1040 only, no forms or schedules attached |
| Deluxe | $59.99 | Extra | Homeowners, families, itemized deductions |
| Premier | $99.99 | Extra | Investments, sale of property, rental income |
| Self-Employed | $109.99 | Extra | Contract, freelance and rideshare income |
| Xpert Assist add-on | $45 | Not applicable | Live expert help while you file yourself |
| Xpert Full Service | From $99 | Extra | A tax pro prepares and files for you |
TaxAct's pages we checked don't list the state fee; you see it before you pay. Under an offer listed through October 15, 2026 when we checked, new customers who started on or after September 17 can file federal and state for one flat $70.
TaxAct, step by step
Create an account and pick a tier
Start free; TaxAct moves you to a paid tier if you add forms the Free Edition doesn't cover.
Import or enter your documents
Enter W-2s, 1099s and other forms, or snap photos in the app. Returning users carry over last year's data.
Answer the interview questions
The software asks about income, deductions and credits and fills in the forms for you.
Review and pay
Run the error check, choose add-ons such as Xpert Assist, and pay before you file. Paying fees from your refund usually costs extra.
E-file and track
File federal and state returns, then watch the acceptance email and use the IRS Where's My Refund tool.
TaxAct legitimacy and licensing
Yes. TaxAct has offered tax software since 1998 and says more than 113 million federal returns have been e-filed through its consumer and professional software since 2000. It is now TaxAct, LLC, a Taxwell company, sharing a parent with Drake Software after private equity firm Cinven agreed to buy TaxAct in November 2022.
The main mark against it is privacy. From January 2018 to December 2022, TaxAct used Meta and Google tracking tools that sent filers’ rounded income, refund amounts and some deduction details to those companies, according to the Connecticut Attorney General. TaxAct settled a class action for $14.5 million in December 2024 and agreed in August 2026 to pay Connecticut $275,000 and adopt new rules for third-party tracking.
How much TaxAct costs
For 2025 returns, TaxAct lists Free at $0, Deluxe at $59.99, Premier at $99.99 and Self-Employed at $109.99 for federal, with state returns additional on every tier. Live help through Xpert Assist adds $45, and Xpert Full Service, where a pro prepares the return, starts at $99 plus state.
Under an offer listed through October 15, 2026 when we checked, new customers who started on or after September 17 can file a 2025 federal and state return for a flat $70. The Free Edition is limited to Form 1040 with no attached forms or schedules; TaxAct says about 40% of its filers qualified last year.
TaxAct guarantees
TaxAct’s $100,000 accuracy guarantee applies when a software error gives you a smaller refund or higher tax than another product would with the same data. It refunds the software fees and covers the difference, penalties, interest and documented legal and audit costs, up to $100,000 per customer, on individual self-prepared 1040 products. The Maximum Refund Guarantee refunds the software price if another product gets you a larger refund with the same information.
Neither guarantee covers mistakes in what you enter. The satisfaction guarantee lets you request a refund if you paid but didn’t print or E-file. Filing your return electronically with the IRS and states. Compare tax filing services, within the calendar year of purchase.
Key Takeaway: TaxAct Review
TaxAct offers a highly competitive, budget-friendly alternative to premium tax software. While its interface may feel slightly dated, it provides robust deduction maximizers, reliable expert assistance, and an excellent balance of affordability and comprehensive features for freelancers and small business owners.
Welcome to our comprehensive TaxAct Review. Navigating the complexities of tax season can be daunting, but choosing the right software can make all the difference. In this TaxAct Review, we dive deep into the platform’s features, usability, and overall value.
How TaxAct Works
Understanding how the platform operates is a crucial part of our TaxAct Review. The process begins with the TaxAct login portal, which is secure and straightforward. Once you create an account or log in, you are greeted by an intuitive dashboard that tracks your filing progress.
The taxact software is designed to guide you through a series of easily digestible questions. Instead of overwhelming you with complex tax jargon, it translates IRS requirements into plain English, ensuring you never miss a deduction while accurately reporting your income.
Are Your Tips and Overtime Tax-Free?
Recent policy shifts could significantly impact your take-home pay. If you work extra hours or rely on gratuities, make sure you understand how the latest tax exemptions affect your return this year. Read our in-depth guides:
Stand Out Features
One of the highlights of this TaxAct Review is exploring the platform’s unique offerings. For individuals with straightforward tax situations, the TaxAct free edition features are quite generous, covering W-2 income and unemployment income, though you will need to upgrade if you have retirement distributions.
On the other end of the spectrum, tax preparers can utilize the TaxAct professional tax software, which provides a comprehensive suite of tools designed for managing multiple client returns efficiently, maximizing deductions, and ensuring strict compliance with the latest tax laws. The seamless integration of these tools makes it a standout choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TaxAct actually free?
Yes, but with limitations. The Free tier is genuinely free for federal filing, but it is strictly limited to simple returns (like W-2 income and standard deductions). If your tax situation requires additional forms, such as reporting retirement distributions, you will need to upgrade to a paid tier.
What is TaxAct Xpert Assist?
TaxAct Xpert Assist is a premium feature that connects you with live tax experts, CPAs, or Enrolled Agents. They can answer your tax questions, provide guidance on specific forms, and even review your return before you file to ensure complete accuracy.
Does TaxAct have a mobile app for filing?
Absolutely. TaxAct offers a fully functional mobile app available for both iOS and Android devices, allowing you to start, pause, and seamlessly finish filing your taxes directly from your smartphone or tablet anywhere you go.
What customers say about TaxAct
Recurring themes across the review sites and complaint records listed above, not individual quotes.
Common praise
- Clear step-by-step interview that is easy for repeat filers
- Prior-year data carries over
- Lower prices than TurboTax at similar tiers
- Handles self-employment and less common situations
Common complaints
- Prices rising year to year and upsells at checkout
- Extra charges for state returns and add-ons
- Hard to go back and fix earlier answers
- Fees for paying from a card or refund
Complaints and how to avoid problems
On Trustpilot, TaxAct scores 4.0 from 8,456 reviews. The most common complaints are about the final price: add-ons, state fees and upgrades that appear as the return gets more complex. Others say it is hard to go back and edit earlier answers, or that card and refund-transfer fees surprised them.
To keep costs down, check whether you qualify for IRS Free File. A partnership between the IRS and private companies offering free guided software to eligible taxpayers. Compare tax filing services first, note the tier your forms require before you start, decline add-ons you don’t need, and pay the fee with a card instead of from your refund if that is cheaper.
Free filing options to check first
If your 2025 adjusted gross income was $89,000 or less, IRS Free File offers guided software from partner companies with no upselling allowed, but you must start at IRS.gov to get the free version. Free File Fillable Forms work at any income if you are comfortable with the forms. VITA and TCE sites offer free preparation by IRS-certified volunteers for qualifying taxpayers.
Who should skip TaxAct
If you need schedules for self-employment, investments or rentals and want to pay as little as possible, FreeTaxUSA charges $0 federal and $15.99 per state. If you want an expert to prepare everything and meet in person, H&R Block or a local preparer may fit better. And if data sharing with ad platforms is a deal breaker, read TaxAct’s current privacy notice before you start.
Alternatives to TaxAct
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IRS Free File
Free guided software through IRS partners if your 2025 AGI was $89,000 or less, with no upselling allowed; start at IRS.gov.
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FreeTaxUSA
Cheaper if you have self-employment, investments or rental income, since federal is free and state is $15.99.
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TaxSlayer
A similar budget option with a Simply Free tier and a self-employed tier that includes expert help.
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VITA
Free in-person preparation by IRS-certified volunteers for qualifying taxpayers, generally people with low to moderate income.
Next steps
TaxAct reviews
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Sources (6)
Facts on this page come from company websites, government agencies and regulators, checked on the dates shown. Editorial standards
- TaxAct: Home, pricing and guarantees (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Drake Software: Cinven to acquire TaxAct (November 1, 2022) (accessed October 13, 2026)
- Trustpilot: TaxAct reviews (accessed October 13, 2026)
- WFSB: $275K settlement with TaxAct over sharing taxpayer data with Meta and Google (August 19, 2026) (accessed October 13, 2026)
- IRS: Do your taxes for free (Free File) (accessed October 13, 2026)
- CFPB Consumer Complaint Database: TaxAct search (accessed October 13, 2026)
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