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Tax season is upon us, meaning it’s time to decide how you are going to file your return.
While filing the old-fashioned way and sending forms through the mail is an option still available to you, many opt to file electronically instead.
Many companies offer e-filing options for users. Most have different tiers to choose from, with varying fees depending on how complicated your taxes are and how much expert help you want along the way.
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Below is a list of popular tax companies to file through and the fees you’ll have to pay for each option.
There are many companies to choose from when it comes to filing your taxes. (iStock / iStock)
1. TurboTax
TurboTax, which is produced by Intuit, is one of the most popular tax filing software out there. TurboTax does come with a pretty hefty price tag compared to others.
There are three different options you can choose from when filing your taxes through TurboTax, and they each have different base prices.
TurboTax has a free option, but you may not qualify for it, depending on your tax situation.
You can only use the free version of the software if you have a simple tax return. According to the company’s website, “a simple tax return is one that’s filed using IRS Form 1040 only, without having to attach any forms or schedules.”
Some examples of situations that would not fall under the simple tax return umbrella would be if you have itemized deductions, unemployment income, business income, stock sales and/or rental property income.
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On TurboTax, the simple option to do your own taxes starts at $0.
The next TurboTax tier is the assisted option. This option ranges from $0-$169. You will have expert help along the way as you go through your return with this option.
TurboTax is one of the most popular tax companies for filing federal and state taxes. (Michael Nagle / Bloomberg / Getty Images)
You could also go with the full service option starting at $89 plus a fee. With this version, a tax expert will file for you.
2. TaxSlayer
Another tax filing software is TaxSlayer. Like TurboTax, this software has different options available based on your individual tax situation.
The first option offered by TaxSlayer is a free version, which includes both federal and state taxes. The free version covers W-2 income in addition to student loan interest and education expenses. Even if you have the free version, you can still take advantage of TaxSlayer’s phone and email support if you have questions along the way.
TaxSlayer also has a free version, plus an additional state fee for active-duty military who file through the software.
The next level is TaxSlayer Classic, which is $19.95 plus an additional state filing fee. This version will suffice for any tax situations. If you have a more complicated tax situation that puts you out of the bracket to qualify for the free version but don’t feel like you need a ton of expert support, this is a good option for you.
The premium version is $42.95 plus an additional fee for state taxes. If you have this version, you can get help faster by getting priority phone and email support, IRS Audit Assistance for three years and access to a tax pro for any questions that you may have.
There is the self-employed version for $52.95 plus an additional fee for state taxes. This would be used if you have business income expenses, since it is geared toward those who are self-employed.
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This software is one of the more affordable options, but you will have to pay more for additional assistance.
3. Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt is different from its competitors because it doesn’t offer different prices and packages. They have a price of $25 for all filers.
This fee includes both federal and state tax returns. Although there aren’t different packages you can buy, there are a few add-ons you can purchase, including Audit Assurance and ID Theft Restoration.
Jackson Hewitt offers a price of $25 for tax services. (Paul Weaver / SOPA Images / LightRocket / Getty Images)
One downside to Jackson Hewitt is that it doesn’t have a free version, so even if you have a simple tax return, you’ll still have to pay a flat fee of $25.
4. H&R Block
H&R Block offers three different options for tax filers to choose from. They offer a free version if you have a simple return. According to the company’s website, the free version covers unemployment income, W-2 employees and child tax credit.
Their deluxe version is $35 plus an additional fee for state taxes. This version is a good choice for those with children, those who have itemized deductions and for HSA contributors.
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Lastly, you can choose to file with a tax professional starting at $89 plus a fee for state taxes. If you decide to file with a tax pro through H&R Block, you can meet with them online or in person at one of their office locations. If you choose this option, everything will be taken care of for you.
H&R Block has three different tax-filing options to choose from. (Paul Weaver / SOPA Images / LightRocket / Getty Images)
5. Cash App Taxes
Cash App Taxes is a free way to file your state and federal taxes. To use this service, you must download the Cash App. You can then take a picture of your W-2, and it will be automatically filled in.
According to Money.com, this company covers a variety of tax situations, including those who have crypto trades, rental property income, freelance income, retirement distribution, health savings accounts, joint filing status and/or self-employment.
There are some restraints with Cash App and not every situation is covered. Research them before choosing this option.
6. TaxAct
TaxAct has a free version to file federal taxes, but you will have to pay a fee for state taxes. All the options to file on TaxAct will require an additional fee for state taxes. The free version covers W-2 income, unemployment income, retirement income, child tax credits, earned income credits, stimulus credit as well as deductions and credits for dependents and for current students.
Many services have options for you to file on your own or with a tax professional. (Scott Olson / Getty Images)
The deluxe version is available for $29.99. This one covers more deductions than the free version does. According to the website, this version is good for filers who have homeowner deductions, child care expenses and a health savings account.
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Then there is a premier option at a cost of $49.99. This option, according to the company, is good for people who have lots of investments and crypto or rental property income.
Lastly, there is the self-employed category, which will cost $69.99.
For any of these options, if you want to have live tax advice from an expert as you go, you’ll need to pay an additional fee on top of the base pay.
7. FreeTaxUSA
FreeTaxUSA allows those with simple and complex tax situations to electronically file federal taxes for free. A $14.99 fee is added to file state returns.
FreeTaxUSA allows users to upload their W-2 to the platform. There is also support embedded for those with more complex tax situations, such as those who are self-employed, investors and individuals collecting rental income.
There are three different tiers of support you can choose from. The most basic plan is free to file and will allow you to communicate with customer service via email or through the in-app support center if you have a question.
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For $7.99, you can live chat with an agent as you go through your tax return. The pro support option is $39.99, and this enables users to communicate with a tax expert through phone or live chat, where you can screen-share and ask any questions you may have in real time through the process.
