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Best Tax Software of 2025
We've rated and reviewed four of the most popular providers — TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxSlayer and TaxAct — to help you choose the best tax software for you.
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NerdWallet's content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure the information is as clear and complete as possible.
Sabrina Parys is an assistant assigning editor on the taxes and investing team at NerdWallet, where she manages and writes content on personal income taxes. Her previous experience includes five years as a copy editor and associate editor in academic and educational publishing. She is based in Brooklyn, New York.
Arielle O’Shea leads the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. She has covered personal finance and investing for over 15 years, and was a senior writer and spokesperson at NerdWallet before becoming an assigning editor. Previously, she was a researcher and reporter for leading personal finance journalist and author Jean Chatzky, a role that included developing financial education programs, interviewing subject matter experts and helping to produce television and radio segments. Arielle has appeared on the "Today" show, NBC News and ABC's "World News Tonight," and has been quoted in national publications including The New York Times, MarketWatch and Bloomberg News. She is based in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Bella Avila is a content management specialist on the investing and taxes team at NerdWallet. Previously, she was a copy editing intern at NerdWallet through the Dow Jones News Fund internship program. Bella graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Taxes are confusing enough without the added stress of figuring out which tax software to use. While you should get the same refund or bill no matter which provider you choose, tax filing programs typically come at a cost — so there’s a crucial difference between paying for what you'll use and paying extra for what you don’t need.
We did the research by testing and evaluating four well-known, widely used online tax providers. Our review process includes first-hand testing and information collection, focusing on factors that are important to filers: price, ease of use, tools, tax pro help and customer support.
If you're new to filing or just need a little more guidance, you can also check out our tax software guide on the ins and outs of picking tax software further down on the page. Prices are updated monthly and are accurate as of January 2025.
🤓 Nerdy Tip: If your adjusted gross income for 2024 was $84,000 or less, you might be able to get free tax software from some of these providers through the IRS' Free File program. Plus, there are a few more options for free tax filing.
TurboTax: Best overall tax software package
TurboTax stands out across the board, scoring high marks for categories such as ease of use, features and tools. Working with the software feels like an interview with a tax preparer who knows just what to ask and how best to guide you.
Similar to other providers we review, the free DIY package covers only simple tax situations. This package might only make sense for you if you have W-2 income and need help with claiming basic tax breaks such as the child tax credit and the student loan interest deduction.
The paid packages — the Deluxe and Premium tiers — come at a higher cost relative to other tax-prep software we reviewed, but many filers might find the stellar user experience and innovative features justify the price. The Deluxe tier can help filers who itemize or are homeowners, while the Premium is better suited for investors or people with freelance or self-employment income.
🔎 Product details
FREE
$0 + $0 per state filed.
It allows you to file a 1040 for free, but you can’t itemize or file full Schedules 1, 2 or 3.
Roughly 37% of taxpayers are eligible. TurboTax Free Edition supports a simple Form 1040 and no schedules except for the earned income tax credit, child tax credit and student loan interest.
PAID PACKAGES
Deluxe
$39 + $39 per state.
Itemize and claim several tax deductions and credits. Works well for business income but no expenses.
Premium
$89 + $39 per state.
Investment reporting and rental income (Schedules D and E, and K-1s), plus business income, expenses on a Schedule C, home office deductions and features for freelancers.
Access to tax pro support requires upgrading to TurboTax's Live Assisted packages, which range from $49 to $169, plus state fees of $39 to $49.
Promotion: NerdWallet users can save up to an additional 10% on TurboTax.
Ease of use: TurboTax has an interview-style Q&A experience that makes filing feel intuitive. The program also boasts an impressive number of import partners, which makes uploading and integrating data a breeze. Help is easy to access, and explanations are clear and authoritative. The contextual help is outstanding — and all users have access to the company's AI chatbot, Intuit Assist, which can help to field basic technical and tax questions.
Tax pro support: For an additional cost, filers who need more assistance can also upgrade to the company's Live Assisted tiers. This gets you access to screen-sharing, chat or phone support from a tax pro, plus a final review of your return before you file. You might be able to get this kind of support at a lower price point with other providers, such as H&R Block. But what's notable about TurboTax is that access to a pro is generous, and you’ll also get a final review of your return.
❌ Where TurboTax falls short
Price: TurboTax remains one of the more expensive tax products on the market, and the basic paid packages don't come with human tax pro support. If you want extra tax help, you'll need to upgrade to Live Assisted.
Customer support: For filers using the TurboTax Free Edition, human customer support options are light. Getting phone, video or chat support from a technical specialist is only included with an upgrade to an add-on called PLUS for free users or with an upgrade to a paid tier.
H&R Block is our top pick for tax pro support in 2025. The company offers users a number of human support options. Its paid packages — the Deluxe, Premium and Self-Employed tiers — include access to unlimited screen sharing and chat support with a pro at no additional cost. This is often something that requires another upgrade with competitor services such as TurboTax. However, it's worth mentioning that this support doesn't come with a final review of your tax return (if you want to tack that on, it'll cost you extra).
Like many other providers, H&R Block's free version has no income restrictions and can handle Form 1040, income from wages, limited bank interest, student loan interest (1098-E), and limited Schedules 1, 2 and 3 (but you may need to upgrade if you need other forms to complete the schedules).
If you need help with itemized deductions, investing income, freelance or self-employed work, or HSA distributions, you'll need to upgrade to the Deluxe, Premium or Self-Employed editions.
🔎 Product details
FREE
$0 + $0 per state filed.
Allows you to file a 1040 plus limited Schedules 1, 2 and 3, which makes it usable by a lot more people than most other free software packages.
PAID PACKAGES
Deluxe
$35 + $37 per state.
Itemize and claim several tax deductions and credits. Works well for business income but no expenses.
Premium
$65 + $37 per state.
For investors or rental property owners (Schedules D and E, and K-1s).
Self-Employed
$85 + $37 per state.
For small-business owners, freelancers and independent contractors.
All paid packages come with access to Tax Pro Chat and AI Tax Assist.
Tax pro support: All of H&R Block's paid packages come with tax pro help included. This means if you have questions about your return, there's no need to upgrade. You can chat or screen share with the pro to get help as you need it. One caveat here is that this service doesn't include a final review. To do that, you'll need to upgrade to Tax Pro Review. Notably, H&R Block also has an enormous physical presence throughout the U.S. If you feel like DIY or assisted online help isn't cutting it, you can make an in-person appointment to work in a tax pro face-to-face.
User experience: In our analysis, no one quite beats TurboTax when it comes to user experience, but H&R Block is a close runner-up. The interface is clean and seamless, and manual entry is eliminated as much as possible throughout when it comes to uploading forms like your W-2, some 1099s and other financial records. It's easy to add credits and deductions as you go, context-sensitive help is widely integrated and the help button is easily accessible wherever you are.
❌ Where H&R Block falls short
Downgrading: H&R Block makes downgrading package types tricky — currently, you'll need to call customer support or chat with the program’s bot. However, an FTC ruling is requiring H&R Block to allow customers to downgrade directly in the software by mid-February. Keep in mind that downgrading wipes your return info, so you’ll have to start fresh. We don't find this type of experience ideal.
Customer support: Just like its competitor TurboTax, H&R Block's customer support options for free users leave something to be desired. In order to get human help via phone or chat, customers need to complete a paid upgrade. While this may not be a dealbreaker for confident filers, it could be a sticking point for those who value knowing they can get hands-on technical assistance if needed.
TaxSlayer takes the cake for the most affordable tax software this filing season. Not only are its paid packages the least expensive of those we review, but TaxSlayer shakes up the norm by offering all forms, deductions and credits at its lowest-price tier. The only difference between the paid packages is how much support you get from a tax pro.
Similar to its big-name competitors, TaxSlayer's free version only supports simple tax situations. If you just need to file a simple 1040 and don't need to claim any dependents or common tax credits, you may be able to take advantage of the deal. However, TaxSlayer is a bit stricter than its peers in what it considers a "simple tax situation," with income limits and filing status restrictions in place.
If your tax situation falls outside of these limitations, more confident filers may consider upgrading to the Classic tier, and those who need some extra guidance from a tax pro may consider the Premium tier. TaxSlayer also offers a Self-Employed tier for business owners who need specialized tax help.
🔎 Product details
FREE
$0 + $0 for one state return.
Allows you to file a 1040 and a state return for free, but only if you have a very simple tax situation: your taxable income is $100,000 or less, you don’t claim dependents, you don’t itemize, you didn’t sell stock, have rental income or a business, and you don’t take the earned income tax credit.
PAID PACKAGES
Classic
$22.95 + $39.95 per state.
All forms, deductions and credits.
Premium
$42.95 + $39.95 per state.
All forms, deductions and credits. Includes Ask a Tax Pro.
Self-Employed
$52.95 + $39.95 per state.
Includes all forms, deductions and credits, and tax support from the Premium tier. Includes specialized support for self-employment needs and audit defense.
Affordability: TaxSlayer’s paid packages, on average, are the most affordable of all the providers we review. TaxSlayer's free version also includes a free state return. Some competitors make you pay for a state tax return, even at the free tier. TaxSlayer’s unique approach allows you to access most tax filing situations while keeping costs low.
Tax pro support: For those who need some extra help with filing — whether you're a first-time filer or have a complicated tax situation — TaxSlayer offers tax pro support at a reduced price. Both the Premium and Self-Employed tiers include one-on-one phone or email support with an enrolled agent or IRS-certified pro. With the Self-Employed package, business owners get access to pros who specialize in self-employment taxes.
❌ Where TaxSlayer falls short
Free version: TaxSlayer's free version has many restrictions that make it unusable for a large number of filers. Taxpayers who have a relatively high taxable income, don't fall into the single or filing jointly status, or want to claim common tax credits or dependents may find that other providers' free versions are a better option.
Donation calculator: A donation calculator is a common tax software feature that helps you calculate the deduction value of items you've donated. TaxSlayer's lack of a donation calculator may make the software less attractive to itemizers who plan to deduct charitable contributions.
Although TaxAct didn't win any "best" accolades this year, there's no denying it's a good deal. TaxAct is our runner-up for the best affordable tax software package. Its paid packages are less than those offered by big-name providers like H&R Block and TurboTax. Plus, no matter if you use the free version or paid version of the software, you can get tax pro help through Xpert Assist for an additional fee.
TaxAct's free version is similar to other providers: it's only for those with simple tax situations. It's reserved for filers who are taking the standard deduction and don't need to claim many deductions or credits. However, it's worth noting that most free tax software packages include a free state return, but TaxAct charges a $39.99 fee for each state filed.
Like most other providers, TaxAct's paid packages vary in which forms, deductions and credits they support. People with trickier tax situations — homeowners, investors, small-business owners — may opt for TaxAct's Deluxe, Premier or Self-Employed tier.
🔎 Product details
FREE
$0 + $39.99 per state filed.
For dependents and simple filers who need help with college expenses, unemployment or retirement income.
PAID PACKAGES
Deluxe
$29.99 + $39.99 per state filed.
This option is ideal for homeowners and those who need to consider child care expenses or certain deductions, credits and adjustments.
Premier
$49.99 + $39.99 per state filed.
Premier is good for investors who need to report capital gains and losses and those who have sold a home or own a rental property.
Self-Employed
$69.99 + $39.99 per state filed.
This tier is good for freelancers, contractors and small-business owners. Includes access to Schedule C and Schedule F.
Access to tax pro support requires upgrading to Xpert Assist for $60.
Promotion: NerdWallet users get 25% off federal and state filing costs.
Affordability: Across the board, TaxAct’s offerings are less expensive than similar products from competing providers. That’s a nice score — especially for filers who value function over form and want affordable human help if necessary.
Tax pro support: TaxAct offers a la carte tax pro help, which is a rare plus. Many tax software providers force you to upgrade to a higher tier to get the help you need. This can be especially costly for people using free tax software, since the cost of a state return often rises when you upgrade to a paid tier. With TaxAct, you get to avoid this hassle altogether.
❌ Where TaxAct falls short
Free version: Most providers let you file one state tax return — if not multiple — for free when using the free version of its software. TaxAct, however, charges $39.99 for each state return you file. If you're eligible to use TaxAct's free version, it's worth considering whether you might also qualify for TurboTax's or H&R Block's free version, which both let you file multiple state returns at no cost.
Mobile app: Of all the providers we reviewed, TaxAct is the only one that doesn't offer a mobile app after discontinuing it for tax year 2023. Users must visit TaxAct's website to file their returns this season.
Federal: $22.95 to $52.95. Free version available for simple tax returns only.
State: $0 to $39.95 per state.
On-demand tax help at Premium and Self-Employed tiers.
Promotion: NerdWallet users get 20% off federal filing costs on Classic, Premium and Self-Employed packages.
These star ratings are based on a tax provider's free tier score. For more detailed scoring, see the full product details drop-down menu above. Providers frequently change pricing. You can verify the latest price by clicking through to each provider's site.
What is tax software, and how does it work?
In the U.S., tax filers often have three options for completing their federal tax returns: (1) file manually by paper, (2) file online using tax software or (3) file through a tax pro, such as a CPA or an enrolled agent.
Tax software helps filers complete and submit their federal and state income tax returns using a DIY program. Due to its convenience and accessibility, it's by far one of the most popular filing methods.
You can sign up for tax software online via the provider's website. There may be multiple packages to choose from — but generally, the more complex your taxes are, the more you can expect to pay. The program will then guide you through your federal and/or state taxes by asking a series of interview-style questions that will help it populate tax forms on the backend.
The type of support you can expect will vary from provider to provider. Some packages and programs include access to a tax pro, such as a CPA, should you need it, but these services may require an upgrade or result in additional fees. Once your filing is complete, the program runs a final check and submits your return to the IRS and/or the state tax department.
Quality tax software should also facilitate the refund or payment process between you and the tax entity. This means you can pay your tax bill directly via the software or supply your banking info to the provider to initiate the refund process.
How to choose tax software
If you don't know what you need, it might help to examine online tax filing providers individually and what sort of services each one offers. Here are a few areas to dig into:
Pricing and fees
How much you pay for tax software is often a function of how complex your taxes are or how much help you need. People with fairly simple situations — such as W-2 income only and very few credits to claim — may be able to take advantage of the "free version" many commercial programs offer. However, state returns may not always be included in these offers. Outside of this, the IRS and other state tax departments also offer free tax filing services, such as Direct File and Free File.
If you need to itemize, have a lot of investment income, freelance or are self-employed, you'll need access to more complicated forms, which often means paying for higher-tiered tax prep packages that offer more support and tools. Some packages also come with paid upgrades or separate products that give you access to a tax pro — such as a CPA or an enrolled agent — who can collaborate with you on a return. These add-ons will typically up your total, but people who want to DIY with just a little support might find it worth the price.
User experience
Software that feels like an interview — asking questions about your income and any life events that might allow for deductions — offers more guidance than a basic fill-in-the-blank process. The ability to import forms such as W-2s is better than having to manually type in numbers.
Support options
Most tax software offers a searchable FAQ section or knowledge base, and some offer video tutorials or user forums to help answer questions. Audits are unlikely for most taxpayers, but if you think you’re at risk and want to purchase protection, you should understand what your software provides.
Tax pros for assisted help
One important offering in recent years has been one-on-one help from a human tax pro, live on your screen. Depending on the provider, these pros might be able to give you tax advice or review your whole tax return before you file. (This sort of help may come with an extra charge.)
Customer service
Even with the best tax software programs, there's a chance you might run into a technical issue or need some help as you move along the filing process. If this is important to you, make sure to take a close look at what customer help options are available to you — phone, email, chat or video call — and hours of availability.
Availability of tax forms
If you find a provider that excels in the areas above, you then want to choose the package that covers all of the tax forms and schedules you need. People with simple tax situations may not need anything but a package that covers your basic Form 1040. On the other hand, people with multiple jobs, itemizers, and those with business, investing or rental income will typically need access to additional schedules and forms, which can mean paying for a higher-tiered package.
Do I need tax software?
Most filers use either tax software or a tax professional, such as a CPA. Deciding which route makes the most sense for you often comes down to three factors: the complexity of your tax situation, how much help you need and your budget.
“Tax software tries to simplify the language of the tax code for taxpayers,” says Nayo Carter-Gray, CEO and founder of 1st Step Accounting. "But it can still be confusing or overwhelming since it asks a bunch of questions that the average taxpayer may not be familiar with.”
The best software should walk you through the filing process, can handle most tax forms and specialty income, and will tell you whether it’s better to take the standard deduction or itemize, for example.
Carter-Gray, an enrolled agent, says working with a tax pro may be the better option if you’re getting overwhelmed with questions, made a large transaction you’re unsure how to handle, had multiple income streams or various investments — or if you’re simply just seeking more tax planning.
If you already know you want to file on your own but are wondering if you should use software (whether free or paid) or paper forms, that answer is simple. The IRS says e-filing is the easiest, fastest and most efficient way to file. Filing digitally will also ensure your tax refund gets to you sooner
NerdWallet’s comprehensive review process evaluates and ranks the largest online tax software providers. Our aim is to provide an independent assessment of available software to help arm you with information to make sound, informed judgements on which ones will best meet your needs. We adhere to strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
We collect data directly from providers, do first-hand testing and observe provider demonstrations. Our process starts by sending detailed questions to providers. The questions are structured to equally elicit both favorable and unfavorable responses. They are not designed or prepared to produce any predetermined results. The provider’s answers, combined with our specialists’ hands-on research, make up our proprietary assessment process that scores each provider’s performance.
The final output produces star ratings from poor (1 star) to excellent (5 stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star. For more details about the categories considered when rating tax software and our process, read our full methodology.
