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TaxAct vs Turbotax Comparison FAQs
Software questions,
answered
The biggest differences lie in pricing (TaxAct is cheaper), user experience (TurboTax is more polished), support level (TurboTax offers more live help), and how state filings and free tiers are handled.
Better depends on your priorities. For low cost and basic value: TaxAct. For premium experience and robust support: TurboTax.
TaxAct offers a free federal tier for simple returns, paid tiers for more complex filings, and state returns usually cost $35-119. In contrast, TurboTax offers free federal filing for the simplest returns, but paid tiers (Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed) are more expensive, and state fees also apply. However, its Assisted plan starts from $79, and the Full-service plan starts from $129.
For individual users with simpler returns, TaxAct offers better pricing. TurboTax tends to cost more across most tiers.
Even for more complex situations, TaxAct often has lower listing prices. But TurboTax’s higher price may come with more convenience and support that some users value.
TurboTax offers more extensive support, including live tax pros, video meetings, and full-service options. TaxAct offers expert upgrades but less built-in high-touch support.
Gauge your complexity of tax situation, your comfort level with filing yourself, your budget, and whether you’ll likely need live support. Use the tables above to choose accordingly.
They are two of the major online tax-preparation software platforms targeting the DIY market, and many consumers choose between them when filing taxes.
Yes, for many users, TaxAct can serve as a replacement if cost is a priority and you’re comfortable with fewer frills. But if you value the full suite of support and interface that TurboTax provides, then TurboTax may still be preferred.
You could theoretically start your return in one and move to the other (though practicality may vary). But typically, you’ll pick one platform for the full filing to avoid duplicating effort or conflicting data.
TurboTax offers a more advanced mobile app, deeper integrations, full-service tax-pro review/video help, more polished UI, and possibly more seamless handling of extremely complex situations.
User ratings vary. TurboTax generally gets high marks for ease of use, though some complaints about cost and upselling. TaxAct is well regarded as a value but may have fewer bells and whistles.
TurboTax arguably is more beginner-friendly due to its guided questions, polished interface, and mobile support. TaxAct is also quite usable, but may require a little more comfort from the user.
