Tax season is often dreaded, but filing your taxes doesn’t have to be a stressful ordeal. The right online tax filing service can simplify the process, save you time, and even ensure you get the maximum refund you deserve. With numerous options available, choosing the Best Tax Filing Service can feel overwhelming.
CNBC Select has rigorously tested and reviewed various tax software programs to identify the top performers across different categories. This guide highlights the best tax filing services to help you navigate tax season with ease and confidence.
Top Tax Filing Services at a Glance
Here’s a quick look at some of the best tax filing services mentioned in this guide:
Best Tax Filing Services for Different Needs
Choosing the best tax filing service depends on your individual needs and tax situation. Here’s a breakdown of top recommendations based on different priorities:
Best for Ease of Use: TurboTax
TurboTax consistently ranks high for its user-friendly interface and intuitive design.
- Free Version: TurboTax Free Edition caters to simple Form 1040 returns, covering basic credits like Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and student loan interest. TurboTax estimates that around 37% of filers qualify for this free edition.
- Guarantee: 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantee for peace of mind.
- Live Support: Offers various live support options, including “Live Assisted” for unlimited assistance and final review, and “Live Full Service” where a dedicated expert manages your entire return.
- Tax Refund Advance Loan: Yes, TurboTax provides tax refund advance loans.
Pros:
- Step-by-step guidance with a clear Q&A format makes tax filing straightforward.
- On-demand expert advice and final review options enhance confidence.
- “Live Full Service” plan offers complete tax return preparation by a professional.
- Tax refund advance loans provide quick access to funds.
Cons:
- Generally pricier than other tax filing services.
- Aggressive upselling to more expensive plans can be a drawback.
Who is it for? TurboTax is ideal for users who value a seamless, guided experience with readily available support. Its step-by-step approach and extensive resources are beneficial for those who prefer a user-friendly platform.
Standout Features: TurboTax stands out with its 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantees, audit support, and tax refund advance loans.
Online Plans: Free, Live Assisted Basic, Business, Deluxe, Premium.
Jump to more details on TurboTax
Best for Live Support: H&R Block
H&R Block excels in providing robust live support options.
- Free Version: Yes, H&R Block offers a free version.
- Guarantee: 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantee are standard.
- Customer Support: All paid plans include AI Tax Assist and unlimited live chat.
- Tax Refund Advance Loan: Not available with H&R Block Online.
Pros:
- Simple, guided step-by-step process.
- Free plan covers both federal and state returns.
- 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantees provide assurance.
- Extensive network of physical branches offers in-person support.
Cons:
- Can be more expensive than competitors.
- Live tax expert access requires a paid plan.
- Refund advance loans are not available for online users.
Who is it for? H&R Block is excellent for those who anticipate needing assistance during tax filing. The AI Tax Assist, live chat, and in-person support options cater to users seeking readily available help.
Standout Benefits: H&R Block’s free tier is generous, supporting both federal and state simple returns without income restrictions and covering unemployment insurance and education deductions.
Online Plans: Free, Deluxe, Premium, Self-Employed.
Jump to more details on H&R Block
Best Accuracy Guarantee: TaxAct
TaxAct is recognized for its strong accuracy guarantee.
- Free Version: Yes, TaxAct has a free version.
- Guarantee: 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantee.
- Live Support: “Xpert Assist” is available for a flat fee with any plan.
- Tax Refund Advance Loan: No.
TaxAct Logo for Best Accuracy Guarantee Tax Filing Service
Pros:
- More affordable than many paid tax filing service options.
- Accuracy guarantee covers legal fees up to $100,000, offering significant protection.
- Live support from tax experts is available with all plans.
- Free tier supports both federal and state returns.
Cons:
- Free plan excludes returns with freelance or investment income.
- No tax refund advance loan option.
Who is it for? TaxAct is ideal for users highly concerned about accuracy and seeking robust guarantees. The extensive accuracy coverage and affordable pricing make it a compelling choice.
Standout Features: TaxAct’s “Deduction Maximizer” tool assists users in identifying potential deductions.
Online Plans: Free, Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed.
Jump to more details on TaxAct
Best for Affordability: TaxSlayer
TaxSlayer stands out as a budget-friendly tax filing service.
- Free Version: Yes, TaxSlayer offers a free version.
- Guarantee: 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantee.
- Live Support: Varies by plan; Simply Free and Classic offer phone and email support, Premium offers priority phone and live chat, and Self-Employed includes access to a tax pro.
- Tax Refund Advance Loan: No.
TaxAct Logo for Best Accuracy Guarantee Tax Filing Service
Pros:
- Free plan covers both federal and state returns.
- Paid tiers are generally cheaper than competitors.
- Accuracy and maximum refund guarantees are included.
- IRS inquiry and audit support in select plans.
Cons:
- Free edition has income limits ($100,000) and does not allow dependent claims.
- Expert support is limited to Premium and Self-Employed plans.
Who is it for? TaxSlayer is best for cost-conscious filers who are comfortable with a less feature-rich platform or those with straightforward tax situations.
Standout Features: TaxSlayer offers strong features for self-employed individuals, including FAQs and access to self-employment tax professionals.
Online Plans: Simply Free, Classic, Premium, Self-Employed, Military.
Jump to more details on TaxSlayer
Best for Free Filing: Cash App Taxes
Cash App Taxes is completely free for most filers.
Learn More About Cash App Taxes
- Free Version: Yes, entirely free.
- Guarantee: 100% accuracy and maximum refund guarantee.
- Live Support: No live support.
- Tax Refund Advance Loan: No.
Pros:
- Completely free for federal and state filing.
- Includes audit defense in case of IRS audit.
- Option for faster refunds (up to five days earlier) when deposited into a Cash App account.
Cons:
- No professional tax support.
- Requires manual data input for most information.
- Does not support filing returns for multiple states.
Learn More About Cash App Taxes
Who is it for? Cash App Taxes is perfect for confident DIY filers with simple tax situations who prioritize cost savings and don’t require professional assistance.
Standout Features: Free audit defense is a significant benefit.
Online Plans: Free.
Jump to more details on Cash App Taxes
More Details on Top Tax Filing Software
TurboTax
TurboTax, from Intuit, provides a range of plans from DIY to full-service, including options for small businesses. You can opt to pay service fees from your refund for an additional $40 processing fee.
- Free version: Federal and state returns (Form 1040 + limited credits).
- Live support: “Live Assisted” for unlimited help and review; “Live Full Service” for expert completion and filing.
- Guarantees: Maximum refund and 100% accuracy.
- Tax refund advance loan: Available.
H&R Block
H&R Block offers online, phone, and in-person tax services nationwide. Refunds direct deposited to Spruce mobile app accounts may arrive up to five days early.
- Free version: Federal and state returns (Form 1040 and limited credits).
- Live support: AI Tax Assist and unlimited live chat with all paid plans; professional review available for a fee.
- Guarantee: Maximum refund and 100% accuracy.
- Tax refund advance loan: Up to $4,000.
TaxAct
TaxAct, based in Iowa, is part of the Free File Alliance, offering free returns to eligible taxpayers. Service fees can be deducted from your tax refund for a $54 processing fee.
- Free version: Federal returns (Form 1040 and limited credits).
- Live support: TaxAct Xpert Assist is available for a flat $60 fee with any plan.
- Guarantee: Maximum refund guarantee and $100,000 accuracy guarantee.
- Tax refund advance loan: Not available.
TaxSlayer
TaxSlayer provides cloud-based tax preparation via website and mobile app. Also a Free File Alliance member, offering free services to qualifying individuals. Service fees can be deducted from refunds for $39.99.
- Free version: Simply Free for federal and state returns (Form 1040 + limited credits).
- Live support: Simply Free and Classic include phone/email support; Premium adds priority phone/chat; Self-Employed includes tax pro access.
- Guarantee: Maximum refund and 100% accuracy.
- Tax refund advance loan: Not available.
Cash App Taxes
Cash App Taxes, integrated with the Cash App financial platform, allows users to invest, send, and receive money. Refunds may arrive up to six days earlier with Cash App direct deposit. Federal filing is required before state e-filing.
- Free version: Federal and state returns, simple or with multiple 1099s (Montana e-filing excluded).
- Live support: Not available.
- Guarantee: Maximum refund and 100% accuracy.
- Tax refund advance loan: Not available.
Return to Cash App Taxes Summary
Understanding Tax Software
There are three primary methods for filing tax returns: mail-in paper returns, professional tax preparers, and tax filing software.
Tax software is favored by 44% of tax filers for its convenience, step-by-step guidance, and access to support, all at your own pace online. The IRS’s Direct File, a free web platform, is available in 24 states for simple returns, but has limitations in support and complexity.
Most tax filing service companies offer tiered packages to suit different needs, impacting available forms and pricing.
The process generally involves selecting a plan, answering financial questions, uploading tax forms, and then the software typically offers to file with the IRS and state departments. Early filers may need to wait until the official tax season begins for submission.
Refund options and fee payment methods, sometimes directly from the refund (for a fee), are also usually available.
Defining a Simple Tax Return
A simple tax return, while definitions vary, generally uses IRS Form 1040 and includes:
- W-2 income
- Limited interest and dividend income
- Standard deduction
- Unemployment income
Some tax filing services include certain credits within the simple return category, such as Earned Income Tax Credit, child tax credits, and student loan/education deductions.
Choosing the Right Tax Software
With numerous cloud-based and desktop tax filing software options, here’s what to consider:
Ease of Use
Beyond affordability, a user-friendly platform is essential. Look for intuitive interfaces, prior-year data upload, and clear Q&A guidance. Check for walkthroughs, free trials, and customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot.
Supported Tax Forms
Ensure the software supports your required forms without pushing you to a more expensive tier. Basic offerings handle simple Form 1040 returns, but complex situations like gig work, multi-state income, or investment properties need advanced plans.
Price
Beware of deceptively low prices. Some services may advertise free filing but disqualify you later in the process. Even simple returns might incur extra state filing fees. Assess your needs before comparing prices:
- Itemizing vs. standard deduction?
- Self-employment or multiple income sources?
- Multi-state filing needs?
- Live expert assistance requirements?
These answers will guide you to the appropriate tier for accurate price comparisons. Remember, listed prices may not include all fees, and costs can increase closer to Tax Day.
User Support
Quality tax filing software should provide DIY resources like calculators, explainers, and video tutorials. Evaluate the availability and cost of live support, from phone access to expert reviews or professional guidance. Audit support is also a valuable feature offered by some services.
Guarantees
Most reputable tax filing services offer accuracy guarantees, covering IRS penalties due to software errors. Maximum refund guarantees are also common, refunding software costs if you find a larger refund or lower tax liability with another method.
The Value of Tax Software
For nearly half of American taxpayers, using tax filing software, paid or free, is a worthwhile choice.
If you have a relatively straightforward tax situation—primarily W-2 income and standard deductions—tax software is likely sufficient. For business owners, itemizers, investors, or those with side gig income, a CPA might offer better accuracy and deduction optimization.
Pros and Cons of Tax Software
Pros:
- More affordable than a tax professional.
- Often autofills prior-year data.
- File at your own pace.
- Payment options from your refund may be available.
Cons:
- Less personalized than a CPA.
- Free tiers are usually limited to simple returns.
- Upselling and misrepresented plan needs can occur.
- Financial data may be sold to third parties.
FAQs
Tax Deadline?
The federal tax filing deadline is April 15, 2025. Extensions are available for FEMA disaster area residents.
Missed Deadline Consequences?
Penalties apply for owing taxes after the deadline, increasing over time. Refunds are not penalized for late filing.
Standard Deduction?
The standard deduction is a fixed deduction, simplifying tax filing by eliminating the need to itemize for many. For 2024, it’s $14,600 for single and married filing separately, $29,200 for married filing jointly, and $21,900 for head of household.
Tax Refund Timing?
The IRS typically issues refunds within 21 days for online filings without errors. Paper returns can take up to eight weeks. The IRS is expanding its free Direct File system to nearly double the number of states in 2025.
Why Trust CNBC Select?
CNBC Select aims to provide high-quality service journalism and consumer advice for informed financial decisions. Tax software reviews are based on rigorous reporting by expert writers and editors with deep product knowledge. CNBC Select earns commissions from affiliate partnerships, but maintains editorial independence, journalistic standards, and ethics.
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Our Methodology
CNBC Select analyzed over a dozen tax filing service programs, evaluating cost, ease of use, live support, and guarantees.
- Cost: Free tiers were essential, but paid tier value (deduction/credit maximization) was also assessed.
- Ease of use: Intuitive interfaces with simple Q&A prompts were prioritized.
- Live support: Availability of expert assistance was a key factor.
- Guarantees: Accuracy and maximum refund guarantees were considered essential.
Audience data, demographics, and content engagement were also considered. Recommendations were categorized by “best for” attributes like affordability, ease of use, freelancers, free filing, and accuracy.
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Further Reading
Should You Pay Taxes with a Credit Card?
How to File Taxes for Free
Best Tax Software for Small Businesses
What to Do if You Can’t Pay Your Taxes
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations in this article are solely those of CNBC Select editorial staff and are not endorsed by any third party.
