# Best Tax Software

_CompareFairly · en/US · neutral comparison, cited sources, no paid placement_

**Category:** finance › taxes › tax software

**Our pick**: TurboTax (100/100) · **Cheapest**: TurboTax

## 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 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |

## 1. TurboTax

A comprehensive tax software with multiple versions for different needs.

_Source (estimate): [https://turbotax.intuit.com/](https://turbotax.intuit.com/)_

## 2. H&R Block

Offers a user-friendly interface and robust features for tax preparation.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.hrblock.com/](https://www.hrblock.com/)_

## 3. TaxAct

Provides a range of tax filing options with a focus on affordability.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.taxact.com/](https://www.taxact.com/)_

## 4. TaxSlayer

Known for its straightforward interface and competitive pricing.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.taxslayer.com/](https://www.taxslayer.com/)_

## 5. Jackson Hewitt

Offers both online and in-person tax preparation services.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.jacksonhewitt.com/](https://www.jacksonhewitt.com/)_

## 6. Liberty Tax

Provides online tax software and in-office assistance.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.libertytax.com/](https://www.libertytax.com/)_

## 7. QuickBooks

## 8. Optima Tax Relief

## 9. eSmart Tax

A simple and affordable online tax filing solution.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.esmarttax.com/](https://www.esmarttax.com/)_

## 10. FreeTaxUSA

Offers free federal tax filing with affordable state filing options.

_Source (estimate): [https://www.freetaxusa.com/](https://www.freetaxusa.com/)_

## 11. Drake Software

## 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.

## 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.


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_Generated by CompareFairly - neutral universal comparator. Ranking not for sale, data sourced._


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_CompareFairly · https://comparefairly.com/en/US/best-tax-software — citation with a link is allowed; bulk extraction/redistribution is prohibited._
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