Filing your taxes doesn’t have to be expensive or confusing. We compared the top online tax software options so you can find the best fit for your situation — whether you’re a W-2 employee, freelancer, or small business owner.
⚡ Quick Comparison
| Software | Free Filing? | Best For | Federal Cost | Our Rating | Get Started |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 TurboTax | ✅ Limited | Most situations | $0–$129 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Try TurboTax → |
| 📊 TaxAct | ✅ Yes | Investors & self-employed | $0–$99 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | Try TaxAct → |
| 💚 FreeTaxUSA | ✅ Federal Free | Budget filers | $0 federal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ | Try FreeTaxUSA → |
| 📁 E-file.com | ✅ Yes | Simple returns | $0–$25 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Try E-file.com → |
| ⚡ 97tax | N/A | IRS payment plans | One-time fee | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Try 97tax → |
| 📋 United Tax | N/A | Professional prep | Varies | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Try United Tax → |
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📝 DIY Tax Software Reviews
🏆 TurboTax — Best Overall Tax Software
Best for: W-2 employees, homeowners, investors, small business owners, and complex returns.
TurboTax is the most widely used tax software in the U.S. for a reason — its interview-style approach walks you through every step, its deduction finder is the best in the industry, and it integrates directly with thousands of financial institutions to import your data automatically.
- Most user-friendly interface
- Automatic import from W-2s, 1099s, and investment accounts
- Best-in-class deduction maximizer
- Live CPA review option available
- Strong audit support
- Most expensive option at higher tiers
- Free version is limited in scope
Pricing: Free (simple returns) | Deluxe $69 | Premier $99 | Self-Employed $129
Start with TurboTax — Free to Try →📊 TaxAct — Best for Value & Investors
Best for: Investors, rental property owners, and self-employed individuals who want solid features at a lower price.
TaxAct offers a strong set of features at a significantly lower price than TurboTax. It handles complex returns well — including Schedule D (capital gains), Schedule E (rental income), and Schedule C (self-employment). It’s our pick for cost-conscious filers who don’t want to sacrifice capability.
- Cheaper than TurboTax for equivalent tiers
- Handles investments and rental property well
- Price lock guarantee
- Includes one free state return at lower tiers
- Interface less polished than TurboTax
- Customer support can be slow
Pricing: Free | Deluxe $29.99 | Premier $49.99 | Self-Employed $79.99
Start with TaxAct — Free to Try →💚 FreeTaxUSA — Best Free Federal Filing
Best for: Anyone who wants to file their federal taxes completely free — including self-employed filers.
FreeTaxUSA is a hidden gem. Unlike TurboTax and TaxAct, which charge for self-employment or investment returns, FreeTaxUSA files all federal returns — including Schedule C and Schedule D — for free. You only pay $14.99 for state filing. For frugal filers, this is a no-brainer.
- Federal filing is 100% free for all return types
- Supports self-employment, investments, rental income
- Clean, easy-to-use interface
- State filing only $14.99
- Less hand-holding than TurboTax
- No live CPA option
- Import features more limited
Pricing: Federal FREE | State $14.99 | Deluxe upgrade $7.99
File Federal Taxes Free with FreeTaxUSA →📁 E-file.com — Best for Simple, Fast Returns
Best for: W-2 employees with straightforward returns who want the fastest possible filing experience.
E-file.com is streamlined and no-frills — it does exactly what it promises: get your taxes filed quickly and correctly. It’s an IRS-authorized e-file provider and great for people with simple tax situations who don’t need a lot of guidance.
- Very fast filing process
- IRS-authorized e-file provider
- Free federal filing for simple returns
- Low-cost for paid tiers
- Limited support for complex situations
- Basic interface — minimal guidance
Pricing: Free (simple) | Premium $25
File Fast with E-file.com →🔧 Tax Resolution & Professional Services
Owe the IRS or need a professional to handle your return? These two services go beyond DIY software.
⚡ 97tax — IRS Payment Plan Setup
Best for: Taxpayers who owe the IRS and need to set up a payment plan quickly.
97tax is an IRS-authorized e-file provider that helps taxpayers set up an IRS installment agreement entirely online — in under 10 minutes. They’re BBB accredited and handle everything so you don’t have to navigate the IRS process yourself.
- Setup in under 10 minutes
- IRS-authorized e-file provider
- BBB accredited
- No phone calls or IRS visits required
- One-time service fee applies
- Focused on payment plans only
Best for: Anyone who owes up to $100,000 to the IRS and wants a fast, professional resolution.
Set Up Your IRS Payment Plan with 97tax →📋 United Tax — Professional Online Tax Preparation
Best for: Individuals and small business owners who want a real tax professional to prepare their return.
United Tax provides professional online tax preparation for individuals and small businesses across the United States. Real tax professionals handle your return — entirely online, no office visit needed.
- Real professionals prepare your return
- Handles individuals and small businesses
- Fully online — no office visit
- Personalized service
- Higher cost than DIY software
- Turnaround time varies
Best for: Small business owners or anyone who wants hands-on professional tax prep.
Get Professional Tax Help with United Tax →🤔 Not sure which deductions you qualify for?
Before you file, use our free Tax Deduction Finder to discover write-offs you might be missing — from home office expenses to vehicle mileage to medical costs.
Find My Deductions →