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Accounting · head to head

TaxAct vs TurboTax

TaxAct logo

TaxAct

Accounting

Get your maximum refund, guaranteed

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
TurboTax logo

TurboTax

Accounting

File yourself with clear, step-by-step tools, or hand it to an expert

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: TaxAct free edition available only to approximately 40% of filers; TurboTax pricing varies significantly based on tax complexity and filing date
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 31 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which TaxAct and TurboTax actually diverge.

Attributes where TaxAct and TurboTax differ
AttributeTaxActTurboTax
Pricing modelone-timefreemium

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), platforms (Web), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Accounting).

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

TaxAct

  • Individual tax filingnot TurboTax
  • Self-employed tax preparationnot TurboTax

TurboTax

  • Individual tax filing for US residentsnot TaxAct
  • Complex tax scenarios requiring multiple schedules and formsnot TaxAct
  • Expert assistance or full tax preparation servicesnot TaxAct

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

TaxAct

  • Free edition available only to approximately 40% of filers
  • Pricing excludes separate state filing fees
  • Xpert Full Service pricing available on request only

TurboTax

  • Pricing varies significantly based on tax complexity and filing date
  • Final price determined at filing time, subject to change without notice
  • Additional state return fees apply beyond federal pricing

Pricing, plan by plan

TaxAct

Free
  • Free EditionFree
    • W-2 income
    • Unemployment
    • Basic credits and deductions
  • Deluxe$59.99/tax-year
    • All Free Edition features
    • Home ownership deductions
    • Childcare and dependent care
  • Premier$99.99/tax-year
    • All Deluxe features
    • Investment income and capital gains
    • Cryptocurrency reporting
  • Self-Employed$109.99/tax-year
    • Complete business support
    • For contractors, freelancers, and sole proprietors

TurboTax

Free
  • Free EditionFree
    • Simple Form 1040 returns only (~37% of taxpayers eligible)
  • Deluxe$59/one-time
    • Anticipated price, for more complex tax situations
  • Premium$79/one-time
    • Anticipated price, for complex tax scenarios with additional schedules
  • Expert Full Service$null/one-time
    • Custom pricing based on tax situation, forms required, and filing date

Which should you pick?

Choose TaxAct if

  • You want to start without paying.
TaxAct review

Choose TurboTax if

  • You want to start without paying.
TurboTax review

Questions people ask

Is TaxAct or TurboTax better?
Neither clearly leads. TaxAct starts at Free and TurboTax at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, TaxAct or TurboTax?
TaxAct starts at Free and TurboTax at Free.
Does TaxAct or TurboTax run on more platforms?
Both run on Web, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
Can I use TaxAct for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is TaxAct best used for?
TaxAct is most often used for individual tax filing, self-employed tax preparation. Of those, individual tax filing and self-employed tax preparation are not what TurboTax is typically brought in for.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

TaxAct: How much does TaxAct cost?

TaxAct offers a free edition for approximately 40% of filers, Deluxe at $59.99, Premier at $99.99, and Self-Employed at $109.99 per tax year.

Source
TurboTax: How much does TurboTax cost?

TurboTax offers a free option for simple returns (~37% of filers), Deluxe at $59, Premium at $79, and Expert Full Service with custom pricing determined at filing time. Actual prices are subject to change and vary based on tax situation complexity.

Source
TaxAct: Is TaxAct truly free for eligible filers?

Yes, TaxAct's Free Edition is available at no cost for W-2 employees, students, and filers meeting basic income and deduction requirements.

Source
TurboTax: Is there a free version of TurboTax?

Yes, TurboTax Free Edition is available at no cost for simple Form 1040 returns. Eligibility is limited to approximately 37% of taxpayers with straightforward tax situations.

Source
TaxAct: What is the difference between Premier and Deluxe plans?

Premier adds support for investment income, capital gains, cryptocurrency, rental properties, and home sale reporting compared to Deluxe.

Source
TurboTax: What extra fees apply when using TurboTax?

State return preparation requires additional fees beyond federal pricing. Price adjustments also apply based on the version selected and the date you file or e-file, as stated in TurboTax terms.

Source
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