While TurboTax is the overall best tax software in the US, it’s not the right choice for everyone. It’s relatively expensive for what you get, and there are many other, more affordable alternatives out there. I’ve identified six of the best TurboTax competitors if you want to use a different platform to file your taxes this year.
- Best overall alternative: H&R Block
- Best for sole proprietors: TaxAct
- Most affordable option: FreeTaxUSA
- Best for multi-state tax filing: TaxSlayer
- Best for 1099 contractors: Cash App Taxes
- Best standalone full-service tax management: Xendoo
- Top TurboTax alternatives comparison
- H&R Block: Best overall alternative
- TaxAct: Best for sole proprietors
- FreeTaxUSA: Most affordable option
- TaxSlayer: Best for multi-state tax filing
- Cash App Taxes: Best for 1099 contractors
- Xendoo: Best standalone full-service tax management
- My methodology
- When to choose an alternative
- Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Top TurboTax alternatives comparison
Besides cost, there are multiple factors that you need to consider when choosing a TurboTax alternative. Here are some of the features to keep in mind during your search:
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| H&R Block | |||||
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| TaxSlayer | |||||
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| Xendoo |
H&R Block: Best overall alternative
I picked H&R Block because it delivers an experience similar to TurboTax, our best tax software for small businesses, but at a lower price point. This makes H&R Block a strong alternative if you’re a budget-conscious filer. Its free plan supports more tax situations, including student loan interest and retirement income, which means you can file without upgrading to a paid tier. If you want hands-on guidance, H&R Block stands out by offering both virtual and in-person support — an option that’s unavailable with TurboTax.
While H&R Block’s overall interface isn’t quite as refined as TurboTax’s, the combination of broader free coverage and flexible support options makes H&R Block one of the best TurboTax alternatives for filers who want value without sacrificing functionality.
Pricing
- File taxes on your own: Free
- File taxes with expert help: From $60 plus $49 per state filed
- Let tax pro file it for you: From $99 plus additional state fees
Features
- Upload tax documents directly from your phone, tablet, or computer for fast and flexible filing.
- Use AI Live Assist on paid plans for real-time, on-demand guidance throughout your return.
- Access a broader range of tax forms for free, including support for student loans, education credits, and retirement income.
- Get live chat and phone support with every paid plan — no need to upgrade just for basic help.
- Automatically import your W-2 from thousands of employers to save time and reduce manual entry.
- Start filing for free and only upgrade when your tax situation requires it — no upfront commitment.
- Navigate filing with a clean, step-by-step interface designed for first-time users and experienced filers alike.
- Securely store and access your prior-year returns within your account at no extra cost.
Pros and cons
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TaxAct: Best for sole proprietors
I like TaxAct because it delivers many of the same features you’d expect from top-tier tax software but at a much lower price. It’s especially appealing if you’re a sole proprietor, freelancer, or small business owner looking for robust tools without overpaying. Unlike TurboTax, TaxAct offers clear, bundled pricing for business entities like partnerships and S corporations, which can simplify filing and budgeting.
What makes it stand out is the balance. You get reliable support for complex returns at a price that’s far more reasonable than TurboTax or H&R Block. However, the tradeoff is a less polished interface and fewer user-friendly touches. If you’re confident in managing your own return and value cost savings over design, TaxAct is one of the most practical TurboTax alternatives for business filers.
Pricing
- Free: $0 for federal return; $54 per state filed
- Deluxe: $54.99 for federal return; $64.99 per state return
- Premiere: $94.99 for federal return; $64.99 per state return
- Self-Employed: $109.99 for federal return; $64.99 per state return
- Live tax advice: $45 add-on to any pricing plan
Features
- Get many online and offline software options to choose from.
- Enjoy an interview-style questionnaire to guide you through taxes.
- Use free tax calculators on the website.
- Use tax checklists to ensure you have everything you need to file.
- Enjoy bundled pricing for business entities, including federal and state returns.
- Import prior-year data to save time.
- Easily upload tax documents from a computer or mobile device.
Pros and cons
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FreeTaxUSA: Most affordable option
FreeTaxUSA is my go-to recommendation when cost is the top concern. While it does charge a small fee for state returns, the federal filing is free, even for complex tax situations like self-employment or itemized deductions. It also keeps pricing simple with optional add-ons like audit defense or live support, which are reasonably priced and easy to skip if you don’t need them.
That said, this is very much a bare-bones experience. FreeTaxUSA’s interface is outdated, and the platform requires more manual input than TurboTax or H&R Block. But if you are comfortable navigating tax forms and don’t need much guidance, it is one of the best low-cost TurboTax alternatives.
Pricing
- Free: $0 for federal return; $14.99 for state return
- Deluxe Support: $7.99 for priority support and live chat
- Pro Support: $49.99 for live phone and video call chat
- Audit Defense: $19.99 for tax expert representation
- Prior Year Tax Filing: $0 for federal returns; $17.99 for state returns
Features
- Enjoy W-2 PDF import, reducing manual entry and potential errors.
- Store your tax documents securely for up to seven years for easy access and recordkeeping.
- File for a tax extension for free without needing to upgrade your plan.
- Get a free federal tax return, regardless of income or complexity.
- Receive support for all major IRS forms, even for self-employed filers, without requiring a premium plan.
- Get low-cost state filing with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.
Pros and cons
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TaxSlayer: Best for multi-state tax filing
I like TaxSlayer for its transparency and flexibility, especially when it comes to multi-state tax filing, which most providers make confusing or expensive. Its free plan is one of the few in this roundup that includes a free state return, which allows you to save money. What stands out most is how well it handles complex state tax scenarios. Whether you live and work in different states or earn income in multiple locations, TaxSlayer gives you the tools and guidance to file accurately.
The main limitation is the free plan’s income cap of $100,000. If your income disqualifies you, you’ll need to upgrade; however, TaxSlayer offers multiple affordable pricing tiers to match your needs without forcing you into a high-priced plan. For multi-state filers, the platform’s pricing and resources make it a strong TurboTax alternative.
Pricing
- Simply Free: $0 for federal return; one free state tax return
- Classic: $42.95 for federal return; $47.95 per state return
- Premium: $62.95 for federal return; $47.95 per state return
- Self-Employed: $72.95 for federal return; $47.95 per state return
Features
- Get phone and email support, even with the free tier.
- Enjoy a simple, friendly interface.
- Get free tax pro support on Premium and Self-Employed plans.
Pros and cons
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Cash App Taxes: Best for 1099 contractors
Cash App Taxes is my top pick for straightforward, no-cost tax filing for 1099 contractors. It’s one of the only platforms that offers completely free federal and state returns, even if you’ve sold stocks, crypto, or received 1099 income. There are no upsells, add-ons, or locked forms. That said, it’s only a good fit if you’re filing a personal return with minimal complexity.
You’ll also need to create an account through the Cash App mobile app, which may be a dealbreaker if you prefer to start on desktop. But if you’re a contractor, gig worker, or investor looking to file for free without limitations, Cash App Taxes is hard to beat.
Pricing
Both state and federal returns are completely free with Cash App Taxes.
Features
- File taxes on the go via the mobile app.
- Get all major IRS forms and schedules.
- Enjoy 100% free federal and state tax filing with no upsells.
- Switch to desktop after initial mobile account setup.
Pros and cons
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Xendoo: Best standalone full-service tax management
Unlike other TurboTax alternatives that focus on self-filing, Xendoo handles bookkeeping, tax prep, and filing everything for you under one service platform. It’s designed for small businesses seeking expert support year-round, not just at tax time.
What sets it apart is the integration. Weekly bookkeeping ensures accurate financials, and the optional tax add-on means you don’t have to hire a separate accountant. Xendoo is a true end-to-end solution if you want your taxes managed by professionals.
Pricing
- Essential: $395 a month for bookkeeping for up to $50,000 in monthly expenses
- Growth: $695 monthly for bookkeeping for up to $75,000 in monthly expenses
- Scale: $995 per month for bookkeeping for up to $125,000 in monthly expenses
- Tax guidance plus annual federal and state return: $1,200 for the entire year; can be added to any plan.
Features
- Receive monthly reports that give you financial visibility and help track business performance.
- Enjoy tax consulting and advising services; included in the add-on for proactive planning.
- Get federal and state tax filing when you opt into the tax support package.
- Get a dedicated team of accountants who manage your books and file returns on your behalf.
- Enjoy year-round tax readiness, which eliminates the scramble at year-end.
Pros and cons
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My methodology
To choose the best TurboTax alternatives, I evaluated multiple tax software platforms and reviewed both user feedback and product documentation. I looked closely at key features like limitations on free federal returns, state filing costs, and overall value. I also considered things like access to live support and how easy each platform is to use, especially for first-time or self-guided filers.
When to choose an alternative
TurboTax might be the most popular tax filing software in the US, but that doesn’t make it the right fit for everyone, especially if you’re trying to keep costs down.
- For basic returns, platforms like FreeTaxUSA and Cash App Taxes are among the most affordable, though they come with fewer features and limited support.
- For more robust tools like multi-state filing or audit guidance, look into options like H&R Block, TaxAct, and TaxSlayer. They often deliver the same core capabilities as TurboTax but at a lower cost.
- For full-service help, I recommend looking at providers like Xendoo. It’s not tax software — it’s professional support that includes bookkeeping and tax filing handled for you. While it costs more, the time savings and peace of mind often justify the investment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is the best free tax filing software?
If you’re looking for truly free federal and state filing with no upsells, I recommend Cash App Taxes. It supports complex situations like stock sales and 1099 income at no cost, which most “free” platforms don’t. However, you won’t get any expert help, so it’s best for confident filers with straightforward personal returns.
If you prefer a better user experience or want more guidance, H&R Block offers the most generous and user-friendly free tier among the major providers. It covers more tax scenarios than TurboTax’s free version, and its interface is clean and easy to navigate.
Is TurboTax better than H&R Block?
TurboTax may be better if you want maximum guidance and don’t mind paying for it. It has the slickest interface and the most comprehensive support options, but it’s also the most expensive.
On the other hand, H&R Block is the smarter choice if you’re looking for a better balance of features and value. It offers nearly the same features as TurboTax, often at a lower price. H&R Block’s free plan covers more tax situations, and it stands out among major providers by offering both robust online tools and a large network of physical office locations for in-person filing, a feature also available from competitors like Jackson Hewitt and Liberty Tax, though their software offerings are more limited.
Why is TurboTax so expensive?
TurboTax is expensive because pricing is based on both the complexity of your tax return and the level of support you choose. The more forms, income sources, or deductions you need to report, the higher the plan you’ll be prompted to use. On top of that, if you opt for live assistance or full-service filing with a tax expert, the cost increases significantly. While TurboTax offers a polished experience, the upsell structure can make it pricey for anyone with more than a simple return.