Overview of E-Filing During Tax Season
Tax season requires deciding on filing methods, with traditional paper filing still available but electronic options preferred by many. Numerous companies provide e-filing services with tiers based on tax complexity and desired expert assistance. Fees vary accordingly, covering federal and often additional state returns.
TurboTax Pricing and Features
Produced by Intuit, TurboTax is a leading tax software with a free tier limited to simple returns using only IRS Form 1040, excluding itemized deductions, unemployment, business income, stock sales, or rental property income. The assisted option ranges from $0-$169 with expert help during filing. Full service starts at $89 plus fees, where a tax expert handles the return.
TaxSlayer Options
TaxSlayer's free version covers federal and state taxes for W-2 income, student loan interest, and education expenses, including phone and email support. TaxSlayer Classic costs $19.95 plus state fee for standard situations. Premium at $42.95 plus state fee offers priority support, IRS audit assistance, and tax pro access. Self-employed version is $52.95 plus state fee for business expenses.
Jackson Hewitt Flat Fee Structure
Jackson Hewitt applies a uniform $25 fee for all filers covering federal and state returns, without tiered packages but with add-ons like audit assurance and ID theft restoration. No free version exists, so simple returns incur the full fee.
H&R Block Tiers
H&R Block's free version suits simple returns with unemployment income, W-2 wages, and child tax credit. Deluxe at $35 plus state fee fits itemized deductions, children, and HSA contributions. Tax professional service starts at $89 plus state fee, available online or in-person.
Cash App Taxes and TaxAct
Cash App Taxes offers free federal and state filing through the app, supporting crypto trades, rental income, freelance, retirement distributions, HSAs, joint filing, and self-employment, though not all situations qualify. TaxAct provides free federal filing for W-2, unemployment, retirement income, child and earned income credits, and student deductions, but state requires extra fees. Deluxe at $29.99 covers more deductions like homeownership and childcare; premier at $49.99 for investments and rentals; self-employed at $69.99. Live advice incurs additional costs.
FreeTaxUSA for Federal and State
FreeTaxUSA supports free federal e-filing for simple and complex situations including self-employment, investments, and rentals, with $14.99 for state. Basic support is free via email or in-app. Live chat costs $7.99; pro support at $39.99 includes phone, chat, and screen-sharing with experts.
