Best tax software for 2020: TurboTax, H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt and more compared

Intuit

There’s something for all filers with TurboTax — the company offers a myriad of options for your tax return even if your tax situation is complicated. A bonus for tax filers who use Quickbooks software (hello sole proprietors!): You can connect it to TurboTax, useful for self-employed people or real estate investors. And if your tax situation isn’t complicated (requiring lots of itemized deductions or advice on taxes, for instance) the user-friendly interface makes it simple to breeze through tax preparation and file your taxes. TurboTax Deluxe, its most popular option, searches standard deductions and looks for a tax credit to get you your maximum refund. And TurboTax Premier is specifically designed for taxpayers that have investments or rental property. 

(It’s worth noting that in June 2020, Intuit announced a new free tool to help customers navigate the government’s CARES Act assistance programs — and you don’t need to be a TurboTax user to access it. The company’s new Aid Assist tool helps individuals and small business owners determine eligibility — and the tax impact — of the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, employee retention credits and other associated programs.)

TurboTax is hands-down the best tax software for live personal support — a must for many people when they’re filing taxes online. For an extra fee, you get TurboTax Live where filers can receive help from a certified tax professional through on-demand support via live video chat. A CPA or EA will also review your tax return before it’s sent off to the IRS, ensuring you’re making the proper deductions and just making sure your tax situation is under control. . Max, its audit defense option, offers a dedicated specialist to represent you. It also includes identity theft coverage services such as identity loss monitoring and insurance. Not too shabby for an e-file provider.

Read more: IRS stops TurboTax from hiding free tax-filing products in searches 

One caveat is that you will probably pay more compared to the others on our list. There is a free version, however, for those who only need basic requirements and it’s one of the few places where you can enlist the help of certified tax specialists without seeing one in person.

Pricing: Free to $120 for federal; $45 per state; additional $60 to $90 for TurboTax Live; additional $50 for Max  

H&R Block

It’s not as intuitive to use as TurboTax, but H&R Block is another heavy hitter that offers some decent features such as unlimited technical support to filers, plus phone and chat support for higher tiered customers who need a bit of help on their DIY tax adventure. You get to wade through simple questions, built-in calculators to help with many tax situations and detailed articles to sort through your individual situation — even if it appears complex. 

Read more: 12 of the best tax deductions

We like that you can file your taxes online, in-person, via its app or by downloading its software. You get a 60-day 100% satisfaction guarantee, import prior year’s income tax returns from other companies and a 4% refund bonus if you receive it via an Amazon gift card. For an additional fee, filers get a certified tax pro to review their tax return before filing it.

The downside is that filers don’t receive free in-person support for audits — only those who purchase H&R Block software or the Tax Pro Review service will get this benefit. 

Pricing: Free to $105 for federal; Tax Pro Review $145; $30 to $40 per state

Jackson Hewitt

Aside from its simple tax-filing interface and thorough knowledge articles, Jackson Hewitt Online has the best tax software with refund insurance. It offers built-in calculators to help filers figure out amortization and depreciation, plus free IRS audit assistance. If you prefer filing in person, you can opt into its Worry-Free Guarantee plan, where you could be reimbursed if you receive a reduced refund or face additional tax liabilities. The Worry-Free Guarantee Platinum tier includes Audit Security where a dedicated specialist manages and represents your case.

Read more: The best budgeting apps 

That being said, to filers looking to do their taxes online, you will not find much here that isn’t offered elsewhere — the ability to import taxes from competitors, tech support via live chat, a free option and auto completion of state returns.

Pricing: Free to $50 for federal tax return; $40 per state

Tax Slayer

If you’re looking for the best tax software for overall pricing, TaxSlayer supports all tax forms on its Classic level and above. Even if you use the free version, customers can access tax advice via its educational tools, phone and email support. Higher tiers, such as TaxSlayer Premium, get access to audit protections, assistance from tax professionals and live chat support. 

Read more: Manage, save and invest your money with these apps   

If you’re a real estate investor or own a rental property, be aware there aren’t calculators for amortization and depreciation, nor are there audit protections for self-employment income. The major perk is that TaxSlayer offers a no-interest advance on your tax refund — receive either $500 or $1,000 once the IRS accepts your filing and receive the funds on a Green Dot Prepaid Visa card in as little as 24 hours. Once you receive your refund, TaxSlayer will deposit the rest after deducting your advance and any applicable fees.

Pricing: Free to $47 for federal; $29 per state 

Credit Karma

While some other free tax filing software charges for state returns, Credit Karma Tax doesn’t. Instead it gives you a user-friendly interface, helpful guidance to explain tax-related terminology and live chat technical support. Credit Karma also claims to have more features compared to TurboTax’s free option, including filing for mortgage interest, property tax and student loan interest deductions. 

Read more: Where to file your taxes for free

Other features include audit defense, where customers can receive services such as a consultation from a representative who can also attend a hearing on your behalf and help with tax debt resolution options. If you end up receiving a larger tax refund or owe less in federal tax after filing with Credit Karma, you may be able to receive up to $100 in gift cards. 

Credit Karma’s tax software has its limitations — you can’t import a tax return from a competitor. To start filing, you need to grab the IRS transcript of last year’s tax return. 

TaxAct

On all paid tiers, TaxAct users can receive guidance from a tax specialist as an add-on option, much like TurboTax offers. Depending on the tier you could receive unlimited one-on-one phone or in-app chat support and screen-share capabilities. It’s simple to import last year’s taxes, navigate through its platform and browse through its knowledge database as you input your itemized deductions. 

Read more: Tax day frustration: Why can’t the pros keep up with financial tech?

Where TaxAct shines is its $100,000 Accuracy Guarantee — receive up to $100,000 for any difference in liability or refund, IRS penalties and interest, plus a refund for TaxAct software fees. This feature might make it the best tax software for you if you have a high taxable income or a complicated tax situation where you feel errors may be likely. 

Pricing: Free to $80 for federal; $15 to $80 tax specialist support; $40 state filing (except free tier)

FreeTaxUSA

Comparable to Credit Karma Tax, FreeTaxUSA is mostly free except you need to pay when filing state taxes. It’s a little more user-friendly since it offers options for importing previous tax returns from competitors and filing an amended tax return. Most tax forms are supported and the deluxe version gives you added perks such as priority live chat and customer support, filing unlimited amended returns and receiving access to its audit service, giving you access to tax specialists. These professionals will be able to address your specific questions, including how to understand an audit notice, paperwork you need for taxes and assistance in writing a response to the IRS.

Pricing: Free for federal; $15 per state; $6.99 deluxe version