Us tax preparation software

If you have a more complicated return, there are three paid tax-filing software tiers: Deluxe, Premium and Self-Employed. There is also a hybrid service for those who prefer the DIY approach, the Tax Pro Review, which provides filers the assurance of an extra and professional set of eyes on their returns. However, this service is only available through the company's paid tiers. It offers comprehensive explanations on all tax forms and a clear step-by-step guide to help you file taxes on your own.

You can always upgrade your package at an additional cost to get instant access to a tax professional. The offer will be applied once you enter your eligible Employer ID Number during filing. TaxAct offers a fairly robust calculator you can access under the Tax Tools tab.

TaxAct is worth considering if you have different income streams, are an entrepreneur, contractor or self-employed. The Self-employed tier covers freelance income including NEC , farm and business income, and depreciation calculations, plus circumstances covered in the Premier tier.

Jackson Hewitt is better known for its pop-up shops and kiosks that sprout up in strip malls and big-box stores during tax season, but the tax preparer also has online software for people who want to file their taxes from home.

Jackson Hewitt offers one option for online DIY filers, in addition to three more expensive tiers for people who want the help of virtual tax pros. The Deluxe package covers homeowners and those with dependents and itemized deductions, while the Premier tier supports self-employed individuals. Jackson Hewitt is a safe bet if you prefer to file your tax returns with the assistance of a tax professional.

Apart from having in-person options at your local mall during tax season, its customer support is comprehensive and even includes IRS audit assistance. That being said, Jackson Hewitt is one of the pricier tax software companies on our list.

For small-business owners or self-employed independent contractors with a modicum of confidence in their tax knowledge, TaxSlayer can offer a decent product at an affordable price. E-file emphasizes speed on its homepage , boasting that many users can file their taxes electronically with its online software in less than 15 minutes. It's not only fast, but it's also generally less expensive than other tax preparers.

It accepts promo codes, too. E-file will automatically save your progress as you complete your tax forms. Though the platform is entirely online and promotes electronic filing, it will still let you print out your tax forms to mail in yourself. If you encounter a question before that point, you can pay for phone or email assistance.

Its filing process is simple: once you create an account, enter your taxpayer information and E-file will prepare your return. The standard interface features prior-year import and a help support sidebar that guides you every step. Whether your tax situation is simple, basic or advanced, you can file your federal tax return for free.

According to FreeTaxUSA, email responses from customer support will typically take around half an hour. FreeTaxUSA offers free filing for people in all tax situations such as filing jointly, homeownership, dependents, itemized deductions, self-employed, investments, rental property, retirement and tuition program distributions.

Once you file your return, it will be automatically stored as a PDF for up to seven years. If you want to file your taxes for free, most of the leading tax preparation software providers out there have strict income limits for you to qualify. Free offerings are also often limited to people with super-simple returns, forcing filers with complex returns to dip into their bank accounts to prepare and file their taxes.

This is not the case with Credit Karma ; the company offers comprehensive filing for federal and state returns for free. Credit Karma, primarily known as an online platform that aims to help its users achieve personal finance and credit score goals, has developed an e-file product: Credit Karma Tax.

To facilitate your tax preparation process, Credit Karma is equipped with easy-to-use navigation tools to guide you every step of the way. You can also easily import your using their Smart File feature on the Credit Karma Tax mobile app or your computer. Credit Karma Tax is available in 40 states. However, its services are not available in states that offer free online tax filing services.

Credit Karma Tax is the only tax software provider that offers a completely free tax filing service for federal and state returns. The provider offers support for most tax situations and forms, including Schedule C. Drake Tax has provided tax software services to preparers since and has offered electronic filing since it became available. Drake Tax has helped a wide range of offices produce accurate and compliant tax returns.

Most notably, Drake Tax offers multiple professional tax software options that can service small offices that work with lower-income taxpayers to large CPA firms that support the more complex end of the market.

Drake Tax offers multiple tax preparation software package tiers designed to meet the needs of any professional — from a single CPA working from a home office to a large corporation.

Its user interface is easy to navigate, and it allows you to create a tax organizer for your clients. Another outstanding feature is the ability to link to CCH IntelliConnect without leaving the tax preparation program. When evaluating the best tax software for tax preparers, we considered the needs of tax professionals who prepare individual and business tax returns.

The price of the software is a primary concern as are features, such as importing data, integrating with client portals, and sending out returns and invoices for e-signature and e-payment. Based on the needs of bookkeepers, accountants, and tax professionals, the criteria we used to evaluate the best tax software for professionals include:. You should choose software that provides a pricing option that fits the number and types of tax returns you prepare.

However, you must also consider your need to prepare complex returns and the time you could save with bookkeeping software and practice management integrations. Find Timothy On LinkedIn.

Tim Yoder is a subject matter expert at Fit Small Business focusing on small business bookkeeping, accounting, and tax content. He received his Ph. He most recently spent two years as the accountant at a commercial roofing company utilizing QuickBooks Desktop to compile financials, job cost, and run payroll. She has owned a bookkeeping and payroll service that specializes in small business for over twenty years. She also regularly writes about travel, food, and books for various lifestyle publications.

Sign up to receive more well-researched small business articles and topics in your inbox, personalized for you. Fit Small Business content and reviews are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More. Published December 2, Intuit - ProSeries. ProConnect Tax Online. TaxAct Professional. Drake Tax. CCH Axcess Tax. Walk through a set of simple steps to tell us more about you, your life, and what might affect your taxes.

Watch as we update your results as you go. Doing taxes always means preparing one federal return. Need audit support? Download your software and get started. Reinstall if you need to. You trust us with some of your most important information and documents and we take that responsibility very seriously.

Wondering if everything is right? Find a bigger refund somewhere else? Your tax prep is free. Go to disclaimer for more details 6. Faye Faye Florida. Great tax system "Jean, my one-on-one CPA, was amazing!!

Kevmac New Jersey. So easy to use. I love TurboTax "TurboTax is super simple to use. SAB27 Washington, D. Photos are illustrative only. Your satisfaction, guaranteed.

Every detail reviewed Get a comprehensive review of your online tax return before you file so you can be confident nothing gets missed.