TaxAct Online Review: A Solid Choice for DIY Tax Preparation

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In this TaxAct review, we’ll explain how the program works, explore what it offers, and determine which option may be a good fit for you. Enjoy!

Are you looking for ways to easily prepare and file your own tax returns? Look no further than TaxAct.

With TaxAct, individuals and couples can file their tax returns without having to take them to a tax professional. Like with many of the best tax software options, this program’s easy-to-use interface makes filing your taxes a breeze. It walks you through preparing both your Federal and State tax returns, making it simple for anybody who wants to do their own taxes.

Sound good? Let’s take a closer look at TaxAct’s top features and determine which version is best for you!

What is TaxAct?

TaxAct is an online tax preparation software that allows you to prepare and file your Federal and State income taxes. The company has been around since 1998, originally offered as desktop software. Since then, TaxAct has become one of the most popular tax programs on the market, available online and as a downloadable program.

From its free version all the way to the Premier version (online and desktop), TaxAct has helped millions of people file their own taxes. Using an interview-style process, this program takes the pain out of tax preparation. There is also a Self-Employed version for both online and desktop specifically designed for freelancers, sole proprietors, and independent contractors.

TaxAct Online Products

TaxAct offers four online variations of their tax software. Costs and features vary between each version. The right version for you will depend on your needs and the complexity of your tax situation.

All options are backed by TaxAct’s $100K Accuracy Guarantee and Maximum Refund Guarantee. With backing like that, you can prepare your own taxes, feeling confident that TaxAct has your back. Let’s take a closer look at each version.

TaxAct Online Free Edition

Like other popular tax prep companies, TaxAct offers a free version of their product. The free edition is meant for individuals and couples filing jointly, including dependents and students, that have simple Federal tax returns. Currently, filing simple State tax returns is free as well.

The Free Edition uses the same interview-style tax preparation as the paid versions. It also comes with TaxAct’s $100K Accuracy Guarantee and Maximum Refund Guarantee. Because it is a free version of the software, you can’t use it if you need to itemize or file any of the new Schedules 1-3. Thus, TaxAct Online Free Edition is best for people who only have standard deductions or the earned income tax credit.

>> Get Started with TaxAct Online Free Here <<

TaxAct Online Deluxe+

With TaxAct’s Deluxe+ Edition, you can start itemizing your deductions with a Schedule A. It also allows you to include additional income, adjustments, and credits with Schedules 1-3.

The Deluxe+ version includes everything from the Free Edition plus the following:

• Access to Donation Assistant to help you calculate and track charitable donations
• More than 100 available forms and schedules
• Multiple import options to save time

Federal tax returns with TaxAct Online Deluxe+ currently cost $29.95. State tax returns cost $39.95.

>> Get 20% Off TaxAct Online Deluxe+ Here <<

TaxAct Online Premier+

TaxAct Premier+ comes as the most highly recommended version of the product. Not only does it offer the same great features as the other versions, it also includes options for more complex Federal tax returns.

Additionally, TaxAct Premier+ offers prioritized support with a dedicated phone line, screen share capabilities, and limited in-app chat support. You can also report rental property income (with a Schedule E) and stock and investments (with a Schedule D).

TaxAct Online Premier+ currently costs $39.95 for Federal tax returns. There is an additional $39.95 charge for State income tax return preparation and filing.

>> Get 20% Off TaxAct Online Premier+ Here <<

TaxAct Online Self-Employed+

Are you a freelancer or independent contractor? If so, you already know it’s not easy to run your own business. Thankfully, TaxAct has you covered with their Self-Employed+ Edition.

Self-Employed+ users enjoy the same $100K Accuracy Guarantee and Maximum Refund Guarantee that other versions offer. Other helpful features include:

• TaxAct’s Deduction Maximizer
• Year-round tax support and planning, not just during tax season, which allows you to stay on top of your quarterly taxes
• Easily report income, expenses, depreciation, and more
• Access to more tax forms and tax schedules
• Prioritized phone, email, and chat support

The Online Self-Employed+ Edition currently costs $59.96 for Federal tax returns. There is an extra charge of $49.95 for State tax return preparation and filing.

>> Get 20% Off TaxAct Online Self-Employed+ Here <<

TaxAct Downloadable Programs

While TaxAct’s online versions offer convenient access to your tax return from anywhere and on any device, the company also offers downloadable software. Downloads are available for all versions of TaxAct except the Free Edition.

If you prefer this method of tax preparation, unfortunately, it will cost you significantly more than the online versions. Here’s how the pricing breaks down:

• Basic = $21.56
• Deluxe = $77.52
• Premier = $81.52
• Self-Employed+ = $99.92

TaxAct’s Tools

TaxAct has several tools to help users handle different aspects of tax preparation.

Tax Refund Calculator – Estimate your federal tax return by inputting some information about your income, withholdings, deductions, and credits.

Tax Bracket Calculator – Find out what tax bracket you’re in.

Self-Employment Tax Calculator – If you are self-employed, find out if you have to pay any tax related to your business income.

Other available tools include a tax dictionary, loan calculator, health care tax credit calculator, and tax reform updates.

Their website also features a tax date calendar so users can keep track of important upcoming tax dates. All of their tools are designed to save users time and educate them on every detail of the tax preparation process.

TaxAct Express Mobile App

TaxAct also offers TaxAct Express, their mobile app. Available on iOS and Android, TaxAct Express allows you to fill out your tax return from anywhere. Features include:

• W-2 capture
• Works with all online products
• Touch ID/Face ID support for quick and secure log-in experience
• Notifications and tracking of your tax returns
• Enhanced support with live chat

By using the mobile app, users can start the tax preparation process from anywhere. TaxAct’s software saves your progress so you can seamlessly switch between your mobile phone, tablet, and PC without losing information. This is perfect if you don’t have time to finish your tax return preparation all in one sitting.

Tax Refund Options

TaxAct allows users several ways to receive their tax refund. Regardless of how you choose to file, users always have the option to receive their refund via direct deposit to a bank account. This is typically the quickest way to receive your refund, although you can also receive a paper check through the mail.

Like other programs, this product allows you to apply your refund toward next year’s taxes. You can also buy U.S. Savings Bonds with your refund.

Additionally, the program offers a fairly unique way to receive your refund. Users have the choice to put their refund on an American Express Serve prepaid debit card that you can use to pay bills or even send money to family and friends.

People who purchased a paid version of TaxAct may also pay the TaxAct fee out of their return. With that said, you’ll be charged a processing fee for choosing this option.

TaxAct’s Guarantees

TaxAct, like other tax preparation software, offers guarantees related to your tax return.

The $100K Accuracy and Maximum Refund Guarantee comes with every TaxAct product. They guarantee their software is 100% accurate and will calculate your maximum refund or they will pay you the difference in the refund or liability (up to $100,000) plus your software cost. They’ll also reimburse you for penalties, interest, and audit costs.

The company also offers solid Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are not 100% satisfied with the product you purchase, you can discontinue use before the billing process and not face any fees related to software use. Because the billing process comes near the end, you have time to use the software before deciding if it’s right for you. TaxAct won’t issue a refund, however, if you have already printed or e-filed your tax return.

As with any guarantee, it is important to read the fine print and understand their implications for your situation.

Where Does TaxAct Shine?

TaxAct has many features users will love. Its interview-style process makes it easy to fill out tax forms. It is compatible with all devices and allows you to import your W-2. You can also import last year’s tax returns from other programs to save time filling out your personal information.

Compared to other tax preparation software, TaxAct offers lower prices while still providing enough tools to help most people effectively complete and file their Federal and State tax returns. They also offer 6 years of PDF access to your return.

Where Does TaxAct Fall Short?

Despite being a popular choice for tax preparation, TaxAct has some drawbacks.

TaxAct upgraded their design last year, but they are still behind other companies in terms of having a more user-friendly interface. TaxAct has support features for its users, but they pale in comparison to other programs like H&R Block and TurboTax.

The biggest complaint, however, is that the software isn’t as intuitive as it should be during the interview process. Because of that, users may have to answer the same question multiple times, or they are left answering questions that don’t apply to their situation.

Who Should Use TaxAct?

TaxAct is perfect for people who have done their own taxes before and don’t require as much support during the tax preparation process. Beginners and users with more complicated tax situations may be better off using other tax preparation software from competitors.

If you are confident in your tax preparation abilities and don’t care about the extra support and more robust tax tools, TaxAct is probably the right choice for you.

The Bottom Line: Is TaxAct Worth It?

Despite some of its shortcomings, TaxAct is a solid choice for DIY tax preparation. Beginners may want to steer clear, but if you’ve prepared your own taxes in the past, this program is more than sufficient and could save you some money in the process.

In the end, users will have to weigh their support needs against costs to determine which program is the right choice for their tax return situation.

Get 20% OFF TaxAct Online – Does TaxAct sound like a good fit for you? For a limited time, you can get 20% off both Federal and State filing options! Get started here.

Have you used TaxAct to file your returns? Let us know what you think in the comments!