TaxAct review

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What it is

Online tax filing software

Best for

Lower-cost guided filing

Price

Next-season prices not posted yet, checked October 26, 2026

Prices checked

October 26, 2026

We researched TaxAct's official pricing, plan terms, product pages and help documentation. We haven't used TaxAct ourselves, so this is a research-based review, not a hands-on test.

Who it’s best for

• People who want to file online at lower cost.
• Self-employed people with more forms.
• People comfortable doing their own taxes.

Who should skip it

• Probably not the best fit if you want in-person help.

How it works day to day

This part draws on TaxAct’s own product pages, help center and documentation, read October 26, 2026 (listed under Sources). We haven’t used TaxAct ourselves.

During tax season, you answer questions, import documents and file your federal and state returns.

Key features in use

• Online filing.
• Document import.
• Free Edition for those who qualify.
• Accuracy guarantee.
• Expert help options.

Setup and learning curve

You create an account, choose a tier and start your return.

Integrations

TaxAct can import W-2s and prior-year returns.

Support

TaxAct offers help articles and support.

Real-world use cases

• A worker files a simple return.
• A freelancer reports self-employment income.
• A family files federal and state.

What it costs

Prices checked October 26, 2026, from TaxAct’s own pricing page unless noted. Prices change often, so check the official page before you buy.

• TaxAct had not posted prices for the next tax season when we checked on October 26, 2026.
• It offers a Free Edition for those who qualify and paid tiers for more forms.
• TaxAct lists a $100,000 accuracy guarantee.

What we like

• Free Edition for those who qualify.
• Paid tiers for more forms.
• $100,000 accuracy guarantee.
• Import options.
• Expert help options.

What to watch for

• Prices not posted yet for next season.
• State returns may cost extra.
• Interface is plainer than some rivals.

The fine print

• Check which forms each tier supports.
• Read guarantee terms.
• State returns may cost extra.

The main alternative: FreeTaxUSA

FreeTaxUSA is the alternative with free federal filing and low-cost state returns.

What it costs: $0 federal; $15.99 per state (2026 season, 2025 returns), checked October 25, 2026

Read our full FreeTaxUSA review

Pick TaxAct if you…

• want lower-cost online filing.
• are comfortable filing yourself.
• want an accuracy guarantee.

Pick FreeTaxUSA if you…

• want free federal filing.
• want low state costs.

Our take

TaxAct is a lower-cost way to file online, with a Free Edition for those who qualify and a strong accuracy guarantee. Prices for next season were not posted yet. Compare FreeTaxUSA.

Side by side

From our company records. Check the official pages for current prices.

What we checked

• TaxAct's pricing page and plan terms, read October 26, 2026
• FreeTaxUSA's details: from our existing company record and review, not re-checked on October 26, 2026
• TaxAct's feature, help and integration pages listed below (links checked October 26, 2026)

Sources

• TaxAct (official site)
• TaxAct support

Visit TaxAct’s official site →

How we review

We read the company's own terms, test the sign-up or booking steps where we can, and compare it with alternatives. A commission never changes what we write. Read our disclosure.