TaxAct review

TaxAct offers a familiar tiered lineup: a free online edition for simple returns, then Deluxe, Premier for investments and rental property, and Self-Employed for business income. It is one of the few providers here that still sells downloadable software, which suits people who prefer to keep their return on their own computer, and it runs a free federal and state filing offer for active duty military. TaxAct's site blocked our location, so we could not complete a verified USD price check, and this entry shows pricing as pending. The tier structure means filers with self-employment or rental income must step up to the higher editions, and state returns can be charged separately, which is where TaxSlayer, FreeTaxUSA and Jackson Hewitt Online tend to come out cheaper. Compare the edition you would actually need on TaxAct's own page before you commit.

Who it is for

Filers who want a tiered product from an established brand at less than TurboTax prices.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Free online edition for simple returns
• Deluxe, Premier and Self-Employed online editions
• Downloadable software for filing on your own computer
• Premier edition for investments and rental property
• Free federal and state filing for active duty military

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Choice of online or downloadable software
• Strength: Separate edition for investments and rentals
• Strength: Free filing offer for active duty military
• Weakness: Pricing page did not load for our USD check
• Weakness: Self-employed filers need the top tier
• Weakness: State returns can add a separate fee

Key facts

• Free tier: Yes, for simple returns
• Paid editions: Deluxe, Premier, Self-Employed
• Download option: Yes
• Price check: Pending

Where it ranks

TaxAct is No. 8 in our Best Tax Software verdict.