TurboTax vs TaxAct
Compare TurboTax and TaxAct pricing, features, and ease of use. Find out which tax software offers the best value for your specific tax situation in 2025.
TurboTax
The premium tax software choice with the most comprehensive features, best-in-class data imports, and an intuitive guided experience. Comes at the highest price point in the market.
TaxAct
A budget-friendly tax software that covers all major tax situations at roughly half the price of TurboTax. Offers solid accuracy and adequate guidance without the premium price tag.
Feature-by-Feature Comparison
| Category | TurboTax | TaxAct | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Simple returns only (W-2, limited credits) | Basic 1040 with limited forms | |
| Deluxe Price | $69 federal + $59 per state | $34.99 federal + $39.99 per state | |
| Premier/Premium Price | $129 federal + $59 per state | $54.99 federal + $54.99 per state | |
| Self-Employed Price | $129 federal + $59 per state | $64.99 federal + $54.99 per state | |
| User Interface | Highly polished with contextual help and smart navigation | Functional but more utilitarian; less hand-holding | |
| Data Import | Over 1 million W-2 imports and hundreds of financial institutions | W-2 import available but fewer integrations | |
| Deduction Guidance | Industry-specific deduction finder with detailed explanations | Standard deduction checklist; less personalized | |
| Accuracy Guarantee | $10,000 accuracy guarantee | $100,000 accuracy guarantee | |
| Expert Help | TurboTax Live with CPA/EA access (extra cost) | Xpert Help with tax professionals ($59.99 add-on) | |
| Multi-State Filing | $59 per additional state | $54.99 per additional state | |
| Prior Year Import | Seamless import from prior TurboTax returns | Import from TurboTax, H&R Block, and prior TaxAct returns |
The Verdict
TaxAct delivers solid tax preparation at nearly half the cost of TurboTax. While TurboTax provides a more polished experience and better data imports, TaxAct handles the same tax forms and situations accurately. TaxAct is the clear winner for budget-conscious filers who do not need hand-holding.
Choose TurboTax if...
Filers who want the best possible experience, those with complex self-employment income, and anyone who values seamless data import from financial institutions.
Choose TaxAct if...
Cost-conscious filers comfortable navigating tax forms, multi-state filers looking to save on per-state fees, and anyone who prioritizes value over polish.