Best Free Tax Software

Best Free Tax SoftwareDuring our tests of ansprechbar tax software, we found that nearly every vendor offered a free version. But many came with restrictions or were light on features.After conducting a thorough review, we again recommend TaxAct as the best free tax software for small business owners. To understand how we chose TaxAct, you can look at our methodology and a list of angeschlossen tax software vendors on our best picks page.Why TaxAct?TaxActs free edition is almost aggressively free. At every turn, the company doggedly explains how their tafelgeschirr is free. As long as youre filing a simple federal return with no dependents, per the New 1040, their free e-filing option is an excellent choice.Compared to last year (where we chose TaxAct as the best free online tax software), we reported that users had to pay an additional $10 to import the previous years information from competitors like TurboTax and HR Block. We were happy to see that this has changed, and you now hav e the option to import PDFs of 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ filings.Sure, TaxActs free online software is not as automated or user-friendly as its pricier competitors, but that doesnt mean filers are left in the dark. The company offers step-by-step guidance and free kooperation.Free versions are usually lacking in the features department. We chose TaxAct because even though it doesnt have all the nicer features of some other vendors high-end offerings, it does provide a professional platform thats easy to use, accurate, and, importantly, free.FeaturesEven though TaxActs free product doesnt come with all the add-ons that our other best picks offer, filers with simple tax returns can enjoy several features that help make the process easier. Here are just a fewE-filing TaxAct supports e-filing and submits your forms directly to the IRS upon preparation. You can also check on your e-file status through TaxAct to ensure prompt delivery of your tax forms.Refund estimates The software calculate s your refund (or the amount you owe) in real time as you complete your forms, giving you a clear picture of what you can expect this year.Past returns TaxAct provides all users with access to seven years of past tax returns information for free. Not only is this useful for personal records, but in the event of an audit, you have access to an archive with nearly a decades worth of information.Free support All plans under TaxAct get complete access to technical support, customer service and online assistance materials. These resources walk users through frequently asked questions or snags, and when a major problem with the software comes up, technical support is available to help even free filers.Free mobile app TaxAct also includes access to a free mobile application for iOS and Android, although its functionality is limited compared to the desktop version of the software.PricingAs far as pricing goes for TaxActs free online tax software, the pricing for a federal filing is as adver tised free. But there is a cost of $19.95 for state filing. Also, you may need to upgrade to one of TaxActs paid plans if your tax situation is complex.Filers with dependents, college expenses and other needs can look at the companys Basic+ option. At $14.95, this option includes everything in the free version but also includes unlimited e-mail support from tax professionals. Services go all the way up to the Self-Employed+ tier, which costs $77.95 and comes with all the features of every other tier, as well as support for freelance income and year-round tax planning assistance.Regardless of which service you choose, we found each plans price to be competitive against its competitors offerings.Customer ServiceTaxActs customer service helped us understand this free tax filing product quickly and painlessly. We called the company posing as a small business owner looking for help and quickly received assistance. The representative we spoke with was upfront about the free versions limit ations. Along with phone support, you can also reach company representatives via e-mail. Every version of TaxAct, including the free edition, comes with unlimited support.During tax season (mid-January until April 15th), the companys customer support hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT on Sundays. During the off season, the companys customer service team keeps regular business hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.LimitationsAll free online tax software comes with some limitations. Although we found TaxActs free version to be better than most, it doesnt have the high-end features that youll find in the best paid tax software, and it may not have some of the forms you need if your tax situations isnt basic. If you need to file certain forms with the IRS and TaxActs free version doesnt support it, then youre going to have to look elsewhere or upgrade to a paid plan.Also, as mentioned above, only th e federal filing is free you still have to pay to file state taxes, and it costs $19.95 for this service.Already prepared to choose an online tax software application? Heres a breakdown of the rest of our coverageChoosing Online Tax Software for geschftsleben A Buyers GuideBest Online Tax Software for Business 2019Best Overall Online Tax Software Intuit TurboTaxBest Tax Software for Very Small Businesses HR BlockBest Online Tax Software for Tax Professionals Drake Tax Andrew Martins Andrew Martins is an award-winning journalist with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Ramapo College of New Jersey. Before joining business.com and Business News Daily, he wrote for a regional publication and served as the managing editor for six weekly papers that spanned four counties. Currently, he is responsible for reviewing tax software and online fax services. 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