TaxAct vs TurboTax
TaxAct and TurboTax are both popular options in this category. After extensive testing, TurboTax leads with a 9.4/10 rating, though the best choice depends on your specific needs.
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Quick Answer
TurboTax beats TaxAct for most users. It scores 9.4/10 vs 8.4/10 and most user-friendly interface. Choose TaxAct if you need significantly cheaper than competitors.
TaxAct
Budget-friendly tax filing with expert support
Starting from
$34.99
TurboTax
Winner#1 tax software with expert guidance included
Starting from
$69
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 8.4/10 | 9.4/10 |
| Starting Price | $34.99 | $69 |
| User Reviews | ||
| Filing Options | ||
| Free Filing | Federal only | Simple returns only |
| State Returns | $39.99 each | $39-59 each |
| W-2 Import | ||
| Prior Year Import | ||
| Tax Types | ||
| Self-Employment | ||
| Investments | ||
| Rental Income | ||
| Support | ||
| Audit Support | ||
| Live Expert Help | ||
| Mobile App | ||
Pros & Cons Breakdown
TaxAct
- 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
TurboTax
- 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
Key Difference
The core difference lies in approach: TaxAct focuses on significantly cheaper than competitors, while TurboTax emphasizes most user-friendly interface. Both philosophies have merit depending on your priorities.
Which Should You Choose?
TaxAct
Choose TaxAct if you prioritize significantly cheaper than competitors, want to start with a free tier, or value covers complex tax situations.
TurboTax
Choose TurboTax if you prioritize most user-friendly interface, want to start with a free tier, or value excellent step-by-step guidance.
Our Verdict
After thorough testing, TurboTax is our winner with a rating of 9.4/10 compared to TaxAct's 8.4/10. TurboTax stands out for its most user-friendly interface and excellent step-by-step guidance. TurboTax also offers better value at its price point. However, TaxAct remains an excellent choice if significantly cheaper than competitors is your priority. There's no universally "wrong" choice here - both are quality options that serve their target audiences well.
Thinking of Switching?
Consider the migration effort before switching. Most services offer data export, but rebuilding workflows and configurations takes time. Evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the switching costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TaxAct better than TurboTax?
TurboTax scores higher in our testing (9.4/10 vs 8.4/10). TurboTax excels at most user-friendly interface, while TaxAct is better for significantly cheaper than competitors.
Which is cheaper, TaxAct or TurboTax?
TurboTax is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $0.00/mo. TurboTax offers NaN% savings.
TaxAct vs TurboTax: which should I choose?
Choose TaxAct if you prioritize significantly cheaper than competitors. Choose TurboTax if you need most user-friendly interface. Both are solid tax software options.
What's the main difference between TaxAct and TurboTax?
The main difference is TaxAct offers budget-friendly tax filing with expert support, while TurboTax focuses on #1 tax software with expert guidance included.