I've been filing taxes for 20 years, and I've used every major tax software at least once. Some years I've even filed the same return on multiple platforms just to compare. I've dealt with simple W-2s, complex self-employment income, investment gains, rental properties, and everything in between.
Here's the uncomfortable truth about tax software: they all do the same basic thing - help you fill out IRS forms. The differences are in the user experience, the upsells, and how well they handle your specific situation.
TurboTax is the most popular for a reason: it's genuinely the easiest to use. But it's also the most expensive, and they're aggressive about upselling. Free filing? Good luck actually getting that unless your return is dead simple.
Let me break down what I've actually experienced with each platform.
How I Tested These Tax Software
How I Evaluated These Platforms
Same Return Test: I filed an identical return on multiple platforms to compare the experience and results. The bottom line should be the same - if it's not, that's a red flag.
Free Tier Testing: I tested what "free" actually means. Most platforms have restrictions that push you to paid tiers quickly.
State Filing: State returns are where the money adds up. I tracked the true cost including state filing.
Upsell Tracking: I counted how many times each platform tried to upsell me during the filing process.
Support Testing: I contacted support with actual questions to test responsiveness and quality.
Accuracy Guarantee: I reviewed what happens if there's an error - who pays the penalty?
TurboTax
#1 tax software with expert guidance included
TurboTax is the #1 best-selling tax software in America, known for its intuitive interface and comprehensive guidance. From simple returns to complex self-employment taxes, TurboTax walks you through every step with expert help available.
- Most user-friendly interface
- Excellent step-by-step guidance
- TurboTax Live expert help available
- Maximum refund guarantee
- Imports W-2s automatically
- Audit support included
- Easy prior year import
- Most expensive option
- Features locked behind tiers
- Upsells can be aggressive
Pricing
Free Edition
$0/once
Deluxe
$69/once
Most PopularPremier
$99/once
Self-Employed
$129/once
H&R Block
Online + in-person tax help at competitive prices
H&R Block combines powerful online tax software with the option for in-person help at thousands of locations. Known for competitive pricing and a robust free tier that covers more situations than competitors.
- Better free tier than TurboTax
- In-person office option
- Competitive pricing
- Tax Pro review available
- Covers most tax situations
- Good mobile experience
- Interface less polished than TurboTax
- Upsells during filing
- State returns cost extra
Pricing
Free Online
$0/once
Deluxe
$55/once
Most PopularPremium
$85/once
Premium & Business
$110/once
FreeTaxUSA
Truly free federal filing, $14.99 state
FreeTaxUSA offers truly free federal filing for all tax situations, with state returns costing just $14.99. A no-frills option that's perfect for experienced filers who don't need hand-holding.
- Free federal for ALL situations
- State returns only $14.99
- Covers complex returns
- No upsells for federal
- Audit assist available
- Import prior year data
- Basic interface
- Less guidance than premium options
- Limited live support
Pricing
Free
$0/once
Most PopularDeluxe
$7.99/once
TaxAct
Budget-friendly tax filing with expert support
TaxAct offers straightforward tax preparation at significantly lower prices than the big names. While not as polished, it covers all the same tax situations and includes Xpert Assist for professional help.
- Significantly cheaper than competitors
- Covers complex tax situations
- Xpert Assist help available
- $100k accuracy guarantee
- Price lock guarantee
- Good for prior year returns
- Interface feels dated
- Slower than TurboTax
- Less hand-holding
Pricing
Free
$0/once
Deluxe
$34.99/once
Most PopularPremier
$54.99/once
Self-Employed
$74.99/once
TaxSlayer
Fast, affordable tax filing for all situations
TaxSlayer offers solid tax preparation at competitive prices with good coverage for self-employed filers. Known for fast filing and responsive customer support.
- Competitive pricing
- Fast filing process
- Good self-employment support
- Phone support available
- Military discount
- IRS-authorized e-file
- Free tier very limited
- Interface could be better
- Less name recognition
Pricing
Simply Free
$0/once
Classic
$22.95/once
Most PopularPremium
$42.95/once
Self-Employed
$52.95/once
Cash App Taxes
100% free federal and state filing
Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) offers 100% free federal and state filing with no hidden fees. Owned by Cash App, it's integrated with the Cash App ecosystem for fast refunds.
- Completely free - federal AND state
- No upsells or hidden fees
- Fast refunds via Cash App
- Covers most tax situations
- Clean mobile interface
- Audit defense included
- Must use Cash App for fastest refunds
- Limited customer support
- Doesn't support all forms
- No live expert help
Pricing
Free
$0/once
Most PopularFinal Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
After years of tax season testing:
TurboTax is the best overall if you value your time and don't mind paying for it. The interface is the most intuitive, and it catches deductions others miss. But prepare for the upsells.
H&R Block is the best balance of quality and price. Solid software, good support, and more affordable than TurboTax.
TaxAct is my pick for value. It handles everything most people need at a lower price point.
FreeTaxUSA lives up to its name - genuinely free federal filing, and $14.99 for state. No hidden upsells. The interface is basic but functional.
Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) is 100% free, including state. If you have a simple return, there's literally no reason to pay for anything else.
The right choice depends on how complex your taxes are and how much hand-holding you need. Don't pay $150 for TurboTax if FreeTaxUSA will do the job.
Our Top Recommendation
TurboTax
#1 tax software with expert guidance included. Starting at $69.
Get TurboTaxA Note From the Author
Tax software pricing and features change every year, usually around January. I update this review annually during tax season. Last update: December 2025.