Efile tax software reviews

The software combines tax expertise and an easy user experience with an accessible interface. The technical setup is easy: Enter your information, import your tax documents and access your past TurboTax returns when needed. If your employer uses QuickBooks -- or if you're self-employed and manage your finances with QuickBooks -- your tax forms may already be available in Intuit, saving you a step. TurboTax guides you through the process by asking straightforward questions, and never asks for information you've already given or that doesn't relate to your particular situation.

If a question is confusing or you need clarification, you can easily access additional information. You can also exit the process at any time and pick back up where you left off if you log onto your account from any device. Plus the Deluxe fee is less than you might pay for an accountant. If you know you won't qualify for deductions or credits, stick with the free version. TurboTax Premier is specifically designed for taxpayers with real estate, while TurboTax Self-Employed will help sole proprietors, freelancers and gig workers maximize their deductions.

You can even enlist the help of a tax professional or CPA with TurboTax Live, which can supplement any of the company's software offerings. TurboTax Audit Defense is available to offer audit protection and assistance, via a partnership with TaxAudit. The comprehensive benefits that come with TurboTax may cost more than other tax software, but the peace of mind you'll receive could be worth the price tag.

That makes it a perfect fit for filers without complicated tax situations who don't want to pay, including students and recent grads. The overall process is not as smooth as TurboTax, but it's still a well-designed, interview-style system that guides you and sidesteps potential mistakes. The Help screens and extra information are useful, though not always as easy to access as with TurboTax.

You can even import the prior year's income tax returns from other platforms by uploading a PDF of your previous year's return or importing your TurboTax data file. One drawback with virtual filing is that you won't receive in-person support from a tax professional if you end up getting audited unless you pay for a higher tier of service.

If you're worried about something going wrong in the tax-filing process, Jackson Hewitt Online is your best option.

You can opt for the Basic, Deluxe or Platinum tier of the Worry-Free Guarantee plan, which promises to reimburse you if you end up receiving a reduced refund or face additional tax liabilities. Both the Deluxe and Platinum tiers also offer restoration assistance that help if your identity is stolen and a tax return is filed on your behalf.

The Platinum tier includes Audit Security support with a dedicated specialist who will manage and represent your case. Check out our FAQ below for more information on the likelihood of being audited and the factors that could increase your risk. Otherwise, Jackson Hewitt's tax preparation service is in line with what you'll find elsewhere: You can use the Basic free tier for simple returns, import older tax returns prepared on other platforms, receive tech support via live chat and auto-complete state returns.

If you are in a high tax bracket or have a particularly complicated tax situation where errors may be more likely, TaxAct could be for you. You can access tax-filing guidance from a tax specialist that ranges from in-app chat support with screen-share capabilities to unlimited one-on-one advice over the phone. It's simple to import previous tax returns, navigate the platform and browse through the knowledge database as you input your itemized deductions.

TaxSlayer is an inexpensive tax preparation service and provides all of the tax forms you'll need. While the free version comes with some degree of access to personalized tax advice, you'll need to pay for a higher level package, such as TaxSlayer Premium, to get comprehensive assistance from a tax professional, including live phone and chat support, as well as audit protection.

FreeTaxUSA is mostly free, except you'll need to pay to file state taxes. Keep in mind that you may have to pay extra: both for the software for your state and for electronically filing a return. You can usually opt to file your federal return electronically often included at no extra charge and your state return by mail. How much does tax preparation software cost?

For the most basic tax returns those that only have W2 income, no investments, no mortgage interest to deduct , many tax prep software programs are completely free. What if I have a question or I need help? You'll often find answers built right into the tax preparation software: look for a button on the page where you're having trouble to click for explanations and additional info.

If you'd like to get help from a tax professional, you might be able to connect with someone by phone or online though that may incur extra charges. A few tax prep software providers have in-person options if you get stuck and want a tax preparer to take over or just want to go over your return face-to-face. What if I make a mistake on my return? The good news is that your tax preparation software will likely have a robust detection method for uncovering any errors you may have made.

Of course, it can't tell if you entered the wrong number for your income, but if it spots anything obviously wrong you'll get a notification and a prompt to review that part of your return. If you file your taxes and later realize there was an error, you can file an amended return. What happens if I get audited?

Getting an audit notification can be scary! Depending on which tax preparation software you use, you might have audit support and guidance built into your package. Some providers also offer full audit representation for an additional fee. Continued from above Tax Software Articles. Trending Tax Software News. You probably won't qualify for the home office tax Thu, 13 Jan Wed, 12 Jan FinanceBuzz on Here's what to know about filing your tax Related Tax Software Reviews Since you're interested in Tax Preparation Software, here are some other reviews you might find interesting.

Newest Reviews. Chocolate Stores Where can you find the best chocolate? Cookie Clubs Where can you find the best cookie clubs? Whether you're new to filing taxes or a seasoned pro, user experience is crucial to filling out and submitting your return quickly and with little frustration.

The services we chose had to be relatively user friendly. The ability to speak with a tax expert or support representative was a big plus. Four out of five of the best tax software offered some form of support. And if a service supported consumers with a generous accuracy and maximum refund guarantee, it was ranked higher. We also considered the Better Business Bureau rating associated with the software.

BBB ratings help determine whether a business is operating responsibly and if it helps to resolve customer complaints in a timely manner. Customer reviews were also taken into consideration. After reviewing the above features, we sorted our recommendations by best for overall tax filing, runner-up, free tax software, most affordable and best accuracy guarantee.

The federal and state filing fees for the software programs mentioned above are subject to change without notice. Many programs don't charge you until you file, so there's a chance the fees can change from the time you start your return until you submit it. Skip Navigation. Select Logo. Follow Select. If you have some experience with filing your tax return with software and know which forms you need, you can skip the questions to save time.

The interface has fewer features than you can expect to find with some of the higher end products. Some people may prefer this simplified design as it navigates you through the return preparation and filing process without providing you with too many options, which reduces the risk of overwhelming and information overload. If you are eligible for EZ filing, you will be able to go through the entire tax filing process within fifteen minutes. An accuracy guarantee is a feature that E-file and most of its competitors have to offer.

If you filed your previous tax return with E-file, you would be able to import the tax return of the prior year directly to the return you are preparing for the current year, which can save time and eliminate the risk for mistakes.

If you use E-file to prepare and file your tax return, you can pay for their services with your tax refund without having to provide your credit card information. The sidebar provides information on the specific tax topic that you are working on, and it directs you to the next step. E-File has three plans that you can choose from, namely:. Federal and state filing is possible with all versions, and the one you should choose depends on your tax situation and not, as is the case with some other software, the level of support you prefer.

The Free Basic version is suitable for single and joint federal and state tax filers who have no dependents and who are eligible for Form EZ filing. If you only have to file federal taxes, you will be able to prepare and file your return without having to pay a cent. The Deluxe plan offers the same benefits as the Basic Free plan for single or joint tax filers who have dependents and who are eligible for filing Form A. The cost for filing state taxes is the same as for the Basic Free plan, but federal tax filing comes at a nominal fee per return.

If your tax situation is complicated, the Premium plan may be suitable for you. The Premium plan accommodates filing for income from investments, small businesses, and rental properties. If you opted for one of the other plans and the software detects that your tax situation requires the Premium plan, it will give you the opportunity to upgrade your account.

On the other hand, if you selected the Premium plan but you are eligible for Form A or EZ filing, the software will automatically downgrade your account, and you will not have to pay for the Premium edition. The cost of filing for taxes is the same for all three programs, regardless of how many state returns you are submitting.