For a smooth and simple process, we recommend researching and figuring out which tax service to use early in the tax season. This guide will go over what to look for, the best tax services for this year, and current bonuses as well. Pick the ideal solution for your tax situation below.
What to Look for In a Tax Service
Usually, tax services online and in-person will guide you through the tax filing process, which gives all the necessary forms like step-by-step instructions. With this in mind, there are tons of tax services on the market with a large range of perks. This is what you need to consider before settling for a service:
Pricing
Most people look at this first when picking a tax service. Generally, tax preparation software ranges from free to more than $200 for a complicated return. It’s also very important to note that prices fluctuate throughout the year. You’ll see that it’s more expensive right before the tax deadline. So be sure to file early and take advantage of the best deals.
Relevance
Another detail is if the tax service works for your particular tax situation. For people with simple returns, a free service might be a better option. If you have significant investments or are self-employed, you’ll want to go for a comprehensive plan that’s made for your tax situation.
Customer Support
If your tax situation is simple, customer support might not be that important to you. If you have a complicated return, you’ll most likely want a strong support system. Some tax software comes with assistance by tax professionals. Those plans give all the advantages of a tax software, with expert assistance if needed.
The Neat Company Tax Preparation BookKeeping
The Neat Company now offers a 15-day free trial of its bookkeeping and document management software. It will help you track, manage, and centralize your business’s financial data, so you can stay on top of the health of your enterprise. You can prepare for tax time much better.
Best Tax Services Summary
| Free Version | Other Plans | Customer Support | |
| H&R Block (best overall) | Yes | Deluxe – $49.99 Premium – $69.99 Self-Employed – $104.99 |
Live Chat Phone |
| TurboTax (best for complex returns) | Yes | Deluxe – $59.99 Premier – $79.99 Self-Employed – $119.99 Live – $179.99 |
24/7 Live Support |
| TaxAct (best for less confident filers) | Yes | Deluxe – $29.95 Premier – $39.95 Self-Employed – $74.95 |
Email Phone |
| TaxSlayer (best for confident filers) | Yes | Classic – $17 Premium – $37 Self-Employed – $47 |
Email Phone |
| Liberty Tax (best for optional in-person support) | No | Basic – $44.95 Deluxe – $64.95 Premium – $89.95 |
Live Chat In Person |
| FreeTaxUSA (best for budget filers) | Yes | Deluxe – $6.99 | Email Live Chat |
| E-File (best for simple returns) | Yes | Deluxe – $25.99 Premium – $45.99 |
|
| Jackson Hewitt (best for in-person filers) | Yes | Deluxe – $49.95 Premier – $69.95 |
Live Chat Phone In Person |
H&R Block
You might have seen a local H&R Block in your area, however, they also have a great online tax filing system as well. The software has a host of features, which includes: import tools for previous tax information, on-demand tech support, etc. Additionally, you’ll have access to tax representatives who can review your tax return for an extra fee. It ensures your return is void of errors and that you covered all your tax breaks.
| Promotions | 4% Amazon refund bonus |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit H&R Block Emerald prepaid debit Mastercard Paper check Next year’s taxes U.S. Savings Bonds Amazon gift card (4% bonus) |
| Audit Support | Worry-Free Audit Support ($19.99) includes audit preparation, IRS correspondence management and in-person audit representation. |
(Visit for more information)
Check out our H&R Block offers here.
TurboTax
If you have lots of investments, get income from rent or are self-employed, you probably have a lot of additional tax forms to finish and lots of tax rules to follow. Even though TurboTax is pricier than most of their competition, those with complex tax situations will find that it’s worth the money you’ve spent.
TurboTax Premier and Self-Employed integrate with ItsDeductible, a mobile app that finds the deduction value of donated clothes, household items, etc. TurboTax Self-Employed also comes with a one-year subscription to QuickBooks Self-Employed with a handy expense-tracking feature that has pictures of your receipts and tracks mileage from your phone.
Support comes in the form of TurboTax Live (one-on-one review with a CPA or enrolled agent), unlimited year-round tax advice and live video chats.
| Promotions | Up to $20 annual discount offer Up to $20 Fidelity discount Military discount |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit Paper check Next year’s taxes U.S. Savings Bonds |
| Audit Support | TurboTax Audit Support Guarantee with free audit guidance from a trained tax professional to help you understand your IRS notice and answer any questions relating to your audit. Max Defend and Restore ($45-$60) will give you access to a professional who will represent you in front of the IRS. |
(Visit for more information)
TaxAct
TaxAct isn’t as roust as H&R Block and TurboTax, however, it’s lower in cost. The software offers standard features, like the ability to import your W-2, 1099s, and last year’s returns. The TaxTutor Guidance knowledge base is a great source to get all the information you need to understand the prcoess and complete your taxes. Tax support is available via phone and in-app email for paid customers. Premier and Self-Employed users also have access to an option that lets you and the support agent see each other’s screens.
| Promotions | 20% off online federal tax filing $20 Amazon gift card referrals |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit American Express Serve prepaid debit card Paper check Next year’s taxes U.S. Savings Bonds |
| Audit Support | Audit defense from a partner company ($49.95) for three years of audit services, such as guidance, handling IRS and state correspondence on your behalf, help with denied tax credits and tax debt, and tax fraud assistance. |
(Visit for more information)
Check out our TaxAct offers page.
TaxSlayer
Not like other tax services, TaxSlayer will determine their prices based off of the level of support you need rather than what their products can do for you. In other words, the cheapest paid package can handle all types of tax forms and situations: itemizing, investments, renal income, self-employment, but comes with little support.
Phone and email tech support are free to use. Only the Premium and Self-Employed versions include tax help from a tax professional.
| Promotions | Rakuten coupons |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit Debit card Paper check File & Go/Bank refund transfer |
| Audit Support | Audit Assistance for federal returns comes with the Premium and Self-Employed packages ($29 for other users), helping your prepare for and resolve inquiries in case of an audit for up to three years. |
(Visit for more information)
Check out our TaxSlayer page.
Liberty Tax
Similar to H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax gives you the option to file your taxes online or in-person at one of their 4,000+ locations. Additionally, you can start by purchasing the online tax preparation plan, then complete the process face-to-face if you reach a point where you are in need of assistance.
| Promotions | All plans for the same price 15% off coupon code $50 Send-A-Friend referrals |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit Netspend Liberty Tax Prepaid Mastercard Paper check |
| Audit Support | Professionals will advise you on any potential audits or inquiries coming from the IRS or your state department of revenue. |
(Visit for more information)
Check out our Liberty Tax offers page.
FreeTaxUSA
Using FreeTaxUSA, it will file your taxes for free. That is, only on the federal level. You need to pay a low-cost fee to file your state taxes as well. Some of their features include: an intuitive interface with simple navigation, tax calculator, ability to import last year’s information, and the standard accuracy and maximum refund guarantees.
| Promotions | No promotions |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit Prepaid debit card Paper check |
| Audit Support | Audit Assist is included with the Deluxe version ($6.99). This gives you access to audit specialists who can answer any audit-related questions you might have and unlocks the Audit Center knowledge base. |
(Visit for more information)
Check out our FreeTaxUSA offers webpage.
E-File.com
This is an affordable tax preparation service that’s fast and easy to use. But, it’s a lot like a DIY process, without the level of customer support or features you would get with H&R Block and TurboTax. With that in mind, it does come with all the standards such as: prior-year return importing, a help sidebar, and an accuracy guarantee.
| Promotions | Up to 50% off coupon codes |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit Paper check |
| Audit Support | Free audit defense tools, but it doesn’t come with actual representation. Audit assistance is available for an additional fee. |
(Visit for more information)
Check out our E-file.com offers page.
Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt has been in business since 1982, so you can definitely trust them. You will be able to choose to file online or in-person at one of their 6,000+ locations nationwide. We recommend the face-to-face service with a trusted Tax Pro to get every credit and deduction that you are eligible for. Additionally, their offices are open late and on weekends as well.
| Promotions | $20 referral bonuses |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit Paper check Next year’s taxes U.S. Savings Bonds |
| Audit Support | No audit assistance included |
(Visit for more information)
Check out our Jackson Hewitt offers page.
 |
 |
