TaxAct has been part of the online tax filing landscape for more than two decades, positioning itself as a lower-cost alternative to larger competitors such as TurboTax and H&R Block. While it may not offer the same level of visual polish or built-in guidance as some rivals, it provides the core tools many filers need to prepare and submit a return.
Founded in 1998, TaxAct has supported the filing of more than 105 million tax returns. Over the years, the platform has focused on straightforward pricing and tiered plans that allow users to choose a version based on the complexity of their finances.
From basic W-2 income to freelance work, homeownership or investment income, TaxAct offers several filing options designed to handle a range of tax scenarios. Here’s a closer look at how it's pricing works, what features are included and who may want to consider using it this tax season.
How much does TaxAct cost?
TaxAct stands out with competitive pricing that undercuts popular tax software providers like TurboTax and H&R Block. TaxAct offers five filing tiers, each tailored to different tax situations.
Here’s a breakdown of TaxAct’s 2026 plans:
Plan |
Federal Filing |
Best For |
Includes |
Free Federal |
$0 (State filing costs $39.99) |
W-2 employees, students, unemployment filers |
Basic returns with qualifying income and deductions. Includes Child Tax Credit, education credits and unemployment income. |
Deluxe Home & Family |
$29.99 (State filing costs $39.99) |
Homeowners, families |
All Free features, plus deductions for mortgage interest, childcare expenses and health savings account (HSA). |
Premier Investments |
$49.99 (State filing costs $39.99) |
Investors, landlords, home sellers |
All Deluxe features, plus support for investment income, crypto transactions, rental property and real estate transactions. |
Self-Employed Entrepreneur |
$74.99 (State filing costs $39.99) |
Freelancers, contractors, small business owners |
All Premier features, plus tools for reporting 1099 income, managing business deductions and support for sole proprietors or LLCs. |
TaxAct does run promotions throughout tax season. For example, AAA members can receive 25% off both federal and state tax filings for consumer and business tax products.
TaxAct's features and benefits
TaxAct offers several helpful features designed to make the tax filing process smoother. If you need additional time to file, you can submit a tax extension directly through the platform — no extra forms or third-party tools are required.
TaxAct also backs its software with a 100% Accuracy Guarantee, promising to cover any difference in your tax liability, up to $100,000, if an error results from using their system.
Additionally, the Maximum Refund Guarantee ensures that if you find a larger refund using a different provider with the same information, TaxAct will refund the cost of your software.
While TaxAct has fewer upsells than larger competitors, it does offer live assistance. Xpert Assist gives you access to live help from a tax expert for an additional $25. This feature includes unlimited questions and the option to request a quick review of your return before filing. This type of support is good for those filers who want a second set of eyes without committing to full-service tax preparation.
How to file your taxes with TaxAct
You can choose between two main filing methods: TaxAct Online or TaxAct Download.
With the online version, you create an account and complete your return directly in a web browser. Your data is saved securely in the cloud, and you can access your return from any internet-connected device. Each online account supports one return.
For those who prefer to work offline or need to file for multiple people, the TaxAct Desktop software is a better fit. It allows you to save returns locally to your computer or flash drive and supports preparing and printing multiple tax returns, making it ideal for households with more than one taxpayer.
Filing with TaxAct follows a familiar step-by-step process, much like other tax software. The platform guides you through a series of questions about your income, deductions, and life events to help populate the correct tax forms and identify potential credits.
As you enter information, a real-time tracker updates your estimated refund or balance due, giving you immediate insight into how your input affect your return.
What to know before filing with TaxAct
TaxAct is a solid choice for those seeking a no-frills, cost-effective filing experience. One of its advantages is transparent pricing with minimal upselling.
While other platforms often nudge users toward more expensive tiers or add-ons, TaxAct largely avoids that, keeping things straightforward for users who know what they need.
Compared to TurboTax, TaxAct remains a more budget-friendly solution, particularly for those with more complex filing needs like freelancers, gig workers, and investors.
Is TaxAct worth it?
TaxAct is a good option for filers who want reliable tax prep tools without paying premium prices. While it may not offer all the bells and whistles of more expensive platforms, it delivers a user-friendly experience, essential features and flexible plan options.
The platform’s clear pricing, minimal upselling and support for complex tax situations make it a smart pick for those who prioritize value over flashy extras. Just keep in mind that state filing costs can add up, and live expert help comes at an additional charge. If you’re comfortable navigating your taxes with a bit of guidance, TaxAct is worth a closer look this tax season.
