TaxAct Reviews & Ratings

4.7/5

“Budget-friendly yet full-featured tax software”

I switched to TaxAct this year because I wanted a tax filing tool that gave me solid functionality (imports, step-by-step guidance, support) without the high cost. It delivered: I imported my previous return, answered questions, e-filed – all straight-forward.

Pros : TaxAct is noted for being less expensive than its major competitors while offering comparable features like an import of last year’s return and a guided interview process.

Cons : The support and interface less polished than some premium tools.

Switched from : Turbotax

Reason to switch : I switched because TurboTax’s price kept increasing and many of the features I didn’t need; TaxAct gave me the features I used at a lower cost.

4.6/5

“Transparent pricing appealed to me”

Price transparency was important for me. I didn’t want surprises. TaxAct’s pricing tiers and disclosures felt clearer than some other tools.

Pros : Affordable pricing with transparent rates.

Cons : The additional cost for state returns and some support features means you still watch the total cost.

Switched from : TaxWise®

Reason to switch : I switched because my previous provider increased costs and had hidden fee components; TaxAct’s clearer structure reassured me.

4.6/5

“Good for medium complexity but check state costs”

I had W-2 income, some investment sales and a home sale. TaxAct handled my forms fine. I just paid attention to the state filing fee. For my situation it was a strong fit.

Pros : It balances with essential functionality for basic to moderately complex filings.

Cons : Some mention state filing fees can be higher than ideal.

Switched from : 1099 Pro Enterprise

Reason to switch : I switched because I didn’t require full-service help; I wanted self-filing with support, and TaxAct’s tier offered that.

4.5/5

“The free version is good for simple returns”

My filing was very straightforward this year (just W-2, no investments) so I used TaxAct’s free tier and got the job done at no federal cost. For my needs it was ideal.

Pros : TaxAct’s free plan supports basic filing (W-2 income, standard deduction) and includes import options.

Cons : The free version excludes many common forms like investment income or itemized deductions.

Switched from : FreeTaxUSA

Reason to switch : I switched because I found myself paying for premium software I didn’t need; TaxAct’s free tier matched my simple return.

4.5/5

“Great for self-employed and modest complexity”

As a freelancer this past year, I needed something better than a basic free tool. TaxAct’s Self-Employed tier included forms I needed (Schedule C, etc), and priced lower than many alternatives. It hit the sweet spot.

Pros : Offers quality online software that generally costs less than TurboTax or H&R Block.

Cons : It may lack some advanced features for very complex returns.

Switched from : Taxslayer Pro

Reason to switch : I switched because TaxSlayer’s support and features for freelancers were limited; TaxAct gave me more for a similar price.

4.5/5

“Solid support when I had questions”

I had a weird form this year and used TaxAct’s live chat for help. They answered reasonably quickly and walked me through the issue. That comfort mattered.

Pros : It offers prompt customer service.

Cons : Others on Trustpilot report inconsistent support and some glitches.

Switched from : TaxTools Pro

Reason to switch : I switched because my old software had weak support when I hit a curve; TaxAct’s support was more reassuring.

4.5/5

“Reliable year after year, minimal surprises”

I’ve used TaxAct for a few seasons now. Each year it feels familiar, stable and doesn’t surprise me. That consistency is a big plus.

Pros : Been using TaxAct for many years and I am totally satisfied.

Cons : Prices gradually goes up.

Switched from : TaxWise®

Reason to switch : I switched because I got tired of changing software each year; TaxAct’s reliability made it my go-to.

4.3/5

“Importing last year’s return saved me time”

I used TaxAct and uploaded my previous year’s return – the system pulled many of my data points and made filling this year much smoother. That convenience was a big win.

Pros : TaxAct supports import of last year’s return from competitors so you don’t start from scratch.

Cons : State filing costs creep up.

Switched from : Drake Software

Reason to switch : I switched because my previous software forced me to re-enter everything; TaxAct reduced entry time.

4.3/5

“Good value, but not perfect for very complex filers”

For my moderate tax situation (investments + rental income), TaxAct served well. I recognise if I had multiple states, business entities or complex schedules I might use something else. For now, it’s a good fit.

Pros : Budget-friendly and straightforward.

Cons : Lack some of the bells and whistles of more expensive competitors.

Switched from : Turbotax

Reason to switch : I switched because the expensive provider had features I didn’t use; I didn’t need dozens of forms and extras, and TaxAct gave me what I needed for less.

4.3/5

“Simple interface made filing painless”

I’m not highly tax-savvy and was a little nervous about filing myself. TaxAct’s interview style and clear questions made me feel comfortable. I finished in under an hour and felt confident.

Pros : Literally walks you through the entire process.

Cons : I wish the interface could be more modern.

Switched from : H&R Block

Reason to switch : I switched because H&R Block’s platform had more upsells and extra steps for me; TaxAct kept things simple.