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TaxAct

Rating: 4.2
User Satisfaction: 85%
TaxAct is a tax filing tool that prepares and files federal and state tax returns for individuals and businesses so they can stay compliant, maximize deductions, and file on time.

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Overview

TaxAct is an online tax preparation and filing platform that lets you prepare, review, and submit federal and state tax returns through a guided, step-by-step workflow. It competes directly with TurboTax and H&R Block, with a strong focus on affordability.

Filing taxes can get expensive fast, especially if you have itemized deductions, investments, or small business income. TaxAct is popular with cost-conscious filers who want solid coverage without paying premium prices. It works well for individuals, freelancers, and small business owners who are comfortable filing without hand-holding from a live tax pro.

You answer interview-style questions about your income, deductions, and credits. TaxAct calculates your return in real time and flags potential errors. You can import prior-year returns, upload tax forms (like W-2s), and e-file directly with the IRS and state agencies.

Details

Tool Launch / Founded Date

1998-01-01 (approx.)

Best for

Budget-conscious individuals, freelancers, small business owners, repeat DIY filers

Access Type

Freemium + Paid annual subscription (per tax year)

Licensing Model

Proprietary software; users retain ownership of their tax data and filings

Feature

  • Guided Q&A tax interview with built-in error checks
  • Supports W-2, 1099, investment, and rental income
  • Strong coverage for deductions and tax credits
  • Free federal filing for simple returns
  • Import prior-year returns and tax forms
  • E-file federal and state returns
  • Small business and self-employed tax support

Pricing Tables

Free Edition
$0 (federal)
  • Simple tax returns only
  • Includes W-2 income and basic credits
  • State filing not included
Deluxe
$39.99 per year
  • Itemized deductions
  • Child and education credits
  • Federal filing included; state costs extra
Self-Employed
$64.99 per year
  • Business income and expenses (Schedule C)
  • Deduction guidance for freelancers
  • Federal filing included; state costs extra

Analytics

Traffic Analysis

Domain Rating
75
Organic Traffic
954.6K
Majority Users
United States

Visits Over Time

No visit data found.

Traffic Sources

No traffic data found.

Last Update Date: 2025-12-23

FAQ

Can I use TaxAct for free?
Yes, simple federal returns qualify for the Free Edition. More complex returns require a paid plan, and state filing usually costs extra.
Can I file self-employed or small business taxes?
Yes. The Self-Employed plan supports Schedule C, business deductions, and contractor income.
Does TaxAct include audit support?
TaxAct offers accuracy guarantees, but full audit defense and representation are limited compared to premium competitors.
Can I import my previous tax return?
Yes. You can import prior-year returns from TaxAct or other tax software.
Is my tax data secure?
Yes. TaxAct uses encryption and secure servers to protect sensitive financial information.
Do I get live help from a tax professional?
Limited help is available, but TaxAct focuses more on self-service than live expert guidance.

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