Best Tax Software of 2026
File your taxes with confidence using the best tax software. Compare online tax prep services for simple returns, self-employment, and small business taxes.
Some products are sponsored. Rankings reflect our honest assessment. See our affiliate disclosure
At a Glance
Quick Answer
TurboTax is the best tax software for most users in 2026. It scored 9.4/10 in our testing and starts at $69.00/mo. Most user-friendly interface. H&R Block is better if you need better free tier than turbotax.
Tax season doesn't have to be painful. I've been testing tax software for years, and the good news is that most of it works. The bad news? The pricing is confusing, the upsells are aggressive, and "free" rarely means free.
What I've learned: start with the simplest (cheapest) option that handles your situation. If you just have a W-2 and standard deduction, you don't need to pay $100+ for TurboTax.
These rankings reflect actual filing experiences - not feature checklists or vendor claims.
Our Top Pick
Editor's Choice
TurboTax
Editor's Choice#1 tax software with expert guidance included
Pros
- Most user-friendly interface
- Excellent step-by-step guidance
- TurboTax Live expert help available
- Maximum refund guarantee
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Features locked behind tiers
- Upsells can be aggressive
Free tier • Paid from
$69
All Tax Software Ranked
Filter and sort to find your perfect match
- Most user-friendly interface
- Excellent step-by-step guidance
- TurboTax Live expert help available
- Most expensive option
- Features locked behind tiers
- Upsells can be aggressive
Free tier • Paid from
$69
- Better free tier than TurboTax
- In-person office option
- Competitive pricing
- Interface less polished than TurboTax
- Upsells during filing
- State returns cost extra
Free tier • Paid from
$55
- Free federal for ALL situations
- State returns only $14.99
- Covers complex returns
- Basic interface
- Less guidance than premium options
- Limited live support
Free tier • Paid from
$7.99
- Significantly cheaper than competitors
- Covers complex tax situations
- Xpert Assist help available
- Interface feels dated
- Slower than TurboTax
- Less hand-holding
Free tier • Paid from
$34.99
- Competitive pricing
- Fast filing process
- Good self-employment support
- Free tier very limited
- Interface could be better
- Less name recognition
Free tier • Paid from
$22.95
- Completely free - federal AND state
- No upsells or hidden fees
- Fast refunds via Cash App
- Must use Cash App for fastest refunds
- Limited customer support
- Doesn't support all forms
Free tier • Paid from
Free
Best For Your Needs
Find the perfect tax software for your specific use case
Best Tax Software for Simple Returns
Easy filing for W-2 employees with standard deductions
View recommendationsBest Tax Software for Self-Employed
Handle 1099 income, business expenses, and quarterly taxes
View recommendationsBest Tax Software for Investors
Stock sales, crypto, and capital gains reporting
View recommendationsBest Tax Software for Rental Income
Depreciation, expenses, and rental property reporting
View recommendationsBest Tax Software for Beginners
Step-by-step guidance for first-time filers
View recommendationsBest Tax Software for Small Business
Business returns and Schedule C filing
View recommendationsBest Free Tax Software
File federal and state returns at no cost
View recommendationsBest Cheap Tax Software
Affordable filing under $50
View recommendationsBest Tax Software with Expert Help
Get help from real CPAs and tax professionals
View recommendationsBest Tax Software with Audit Protection
Peace of mind with audit defense included
View recommendationsCompare Tax Software
Select 2-3 products to compare side by side
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tax software in 2025?
TurboTax is our top pick for best tax software in 2025. It scored 9.4/10 in our testing, offering #1 tax software with expert guidance included.
What is the cheapest tax software?
TurboTax is the most affordable option at $0.00/mo. It scores 9.4/10 in our testing.
Which tax software has the highest rating?
TurboTax has the highest rating at 9.4/10. Most user-friendly interface.
How many tax softwares did you test?
We tested 6 tax softwares for this comparison. Our testing methodology includes real-world usage, feature analysis, and price-to-value assessment.
Are these tax software reviews honest?
Yes, we independently test all tax softwares using our own accounts. Some links are affiliate links, but this doesn't affect our ratings. See our disclosure policy for details.
How We Test
Our team tests every product thoroughly before making recommendations. We evaluate performance, features, ease of use, customer support, and value for money. Each product goes through real-world testing scenarios to ensure our ratings reflect actual user experience.