If you are looking for tax software to help you file your taxes, it might be difficult to know where to start. There are a lot of different brands and each brand has multiple varieties that can range quite a bit in price. TurboTax, H & R Block, TaxAct, and Quickbooks are four of the most popular tax softwares out there. Here’s how they stack up!

TurboTax Compared to Competing Tax Software

Plan Options

TurboTax has a free version that supports 104EZ and 1040A. TurboTax also has four paid plans that range from $59.99 to $179.99. The most popular plan is the Deluxe version, which will lets you maximize tax deduction and credits. More expensive versions offer additional features like help with investments, rental properties, and business expenses.

Likewise, H & R Block and TaxAct both have a free version for basic tax returns. H & R Block has three paid versions that range from $49.99 to $94.99 that are better for homeowners and business owners. TaxAct has several paid versions directed towards investors, real estate owners, and people who are self-employed.

Quickbooks is different in that the plans are for subscriptions. The price ranges from $10.00 a month to $30.00 a month. Generally, TaxAct and Quickbooks are the cheapest options, however, TurboTax has a lot more bells and whistles. If your financial situation is more intricate, you are better off investing in a more comprehensive software, such as TurboTax.

Ease of Use

H & R Block has an uncomplicated interface, so if you are using a tax program for the first time, you should be able to figure out how to use it easily. The program is great for beginners because key terms are hyperlinked so you can learn more about terms you don’t know a lot about. 

TurboTax uses a Q and A interface. This makes the process simple and fast. Paid users have access to a feature called ItsDeductible, which lets you instantly figure out the deduction value of donations. 

TaxAct has a cut and dry interface. You do not get a lot of options, but you’ll find it easy to navigate. TaxAct is also is available on your smartphone, which adds to its usability. 

While Quickbooks has a tax calculation feature, it also has a lot of other financial tools that come with it. This makes it harder to use if you are just wanting a basic program to do taxes on. 

Overall, the sheer amount of features that TurboTax offers makes it the most useful of the bunch, but H & R Block is also really easy to use, bringing it in at 2nd overall in terms of ease of use.

Customer Service

Of all the tax software out there, TurboTax has the best reputation when it comes to customer service. A feature called SmartLook automatically hooks you up with a tax professional via video. SmartLook works on the desktop and the mobile version of the program. You can also receive help in a live chat. In higher versions of TurboTax, you have access to certified EAs and CPAs who will review your forms live. 

H & R Block doesn’t offer as much online help as TurboTax, but the company has over 10,000 offices across the US, so you can get in-person customer service as well. TaxAct and Quickbooks both offer support over the phone or in a chat box. TurboTax has the most comprehensive customer service base overall.

All of the major tax software have their pros and cons. Depending on your financial needs, anyone of them can work. If you’re looking for something inexpensive and straightforward, TaxAct could work for you. If you want something that can handle all of your tax concerns, is easy to use and has plenty of help along the way, TurboTax is your best bet. Pair a TurboTax tax deal with your purchase to save some extra cash.