TurboTax vs TaxAct
TurboTax and TaxAct 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.
TurboTax
Winner#1 tax software with expert guidance included
Starting from
$69
TaxAct
Budget-friendly tax filing with expert support
Starting from
$34.99
Feature Comparison
| Feature | ||
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.4/10 | 8.4/10 |
| Starting Price | $69 | $34.99 |
| User Reviews | ||
| Filing Options | ||
| Free Filing | Simple returns only | Federal only |
| State Returns | $39-59 each | $39.99 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
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
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
Key Difference
The core difference lies in approach: TurboTax focuses on most user-friendly interface, while TaxAct emphasizes significantly cheaper than competitors. Both philosophies have merit depending on your priorities.
Which Should You Choose?
TurboTax
Choose TurboTax if you prioritize most user-friendly interface, want to start with a free tier, or value excellent step-by-step guidance.
TaxAct
Choose TaxAct if you prioritize significantly cheaper than competitors, want to start with a free tier, or value covers complex tax situations.
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. While TaxAct is more affordable, TurboTax's advantages justify the price difference for most users. 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 TurboTax better than TaxAct?
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, TurboTax or TaxAct?
TaxAct is more affordable at $0.00/mo vs $0.00/mo. TaxAct offers NaN% savings.
TurboTax vs TaxAct: which should I choose?
Choose TurboTax if you prioritize most user-friendly interface. Choose TaxAct if you need significantly cheaper than competitors. Both are solid tax software options.
What's the main difference between TurboTax and TaxAct?
The main difference is TurboTax offers #1 tax software with expert guidance included, while TaxAct focuses on budget-friendly tax filing with expert support.