Page Text: Best comprehensive tax software: TurboTax
Editor's rating: 4.2/5
Cost of DIY online filing: $0 - $119 + state return fee
Free version covers: W-2 income; unemployment income; retirement distributions; interest and dividend income; earned income tax credit; child tax credit
The pros of TurboTax:
You'll find anything you need if you're willing to pay top dollar
Best for itemizing deductions
Interface is easy to navigate and provides helpful graphic explainers
Ability to save your spot and return later
Quick data entry when you upload tax documents
Seamless data import from QuickBooks, Square, and Uber and Lyft
The cons of TurboTax:
Free version does not include itemized deductions
Free version does not include deductions for students or student-loan borrowers
Frequent offers to upgrade
The bottom line: TurboTax is ideal for filers who want to itemize personal or business deductions, or have gig economy income. You'll find everything you need, but it won't be cheap. The platform offers unique features, including seamless data import from QuickBooks, Square, and various rideshare platforms.
Free from Turbotax
Other tax software we considered
FreeTaxUSA : Despite its name, state returns cost extra at FreeTaxUSA. To get quicker responses from the customer support team and audit help, it's an additional $6.99. If you're looking to spend the least amount of money possible filing your taxes, this is your best bet — just know that the user interface is lacking.
1040.com : Easy to navigate and provides live customer support via chat, but a flat rate of $25 means even people who qualify for free federal filing elsewhere must pay. Worth considering, though, if you only qualify for the highest tier packages at H&R Block or TurboTax.
Cash App Taxes : Formerly known as Credit Karma Tax, this service's strongest selling point is that it's completely free. However, there are no tax experts on call and you can only file through a mobile app.
Jackson Hewitt: This platform is simple and easy to use, but offers no access to tax experts. And there's no free version, even for simple tax situations. But if you file with Jackson Hewitt this year, you'll lock in the low $25 federal and state tax prep fee for two more years.
Efile.com : A good budget option, but it doesn't offer on-demand access to experts or quick customer support, and the interface is rudimentary and too busy.