CompareFairlyBest Tax Software 2026
Our pick : TurboTax (100/100) · Cheapest : TurboTax
In short
This comparison evaluates 11 tax software based on 9 criteria, including price, availability of a free version, features, import capabilities, state filing availability, and user reviews. TurboTax ranks first with a perfect score, largely due to its high marks in audit support and ease of use, and it is also the most affordable option. The facts in this summary are computed from the table below; only the wording is generated.
Comparison table
| Criterion | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct | TaxSlayer | Jackson Hewitt | Liberty Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Free Version Available | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | Advanced | Advanced | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Import Capabilities | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| State Filing Availability | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| User Reviews | Excellent | Good | Good | Average | Average | Average |
| Ease of Use | Easy | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Support Options | Comprehensive | Comprehensive | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
| Audit Support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tax software to use in 2026?
Based on our comprehensive comparison, TurboTax is currently the top-rated tax software, excelling across key criteria like price, features, and user reviews.
How do TurboTax and H&R Block compare for tax filing?
TurboTax leads our ranking with a perfect score, while H&R Block is a strong contender, offering a robust set of features and good user reviews.
Are there free versions of top tax software available?
Yes, several of the best tax software options, including TurboTax and H&R Block, offer free versions with varying feature sets to help you file your taxes.
How is your tax software ranking determined?
Our rankings are based on a neutral, data-driven approach, evaluating each software on criteria such as price, features, and user reviews, without any paid placements.
Methodology and transparency
Ranking: options are sorted on measured, sourced criteria. No position is ever sold, and no advertiser pays to appear here.
Scope: this comparison is not exhaustive. It presents the options our sources document, not every offer on the market.
Earnings: some outbound links may be affiliate links that earn us a commission. This never affects the ranking, the scores or the data.
Data: every value is linked to its source and refreshed automatically; the collection date is shown.