If you’re looking for the best apps for taxes, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up 10 of our favorites—and we can’t wait to share them with you!

With tax season right around the corner, there’s no better time to start preparing. And while your accountant may be an invaluable resource when it comes to organizing financials and filing taxes, they won’t necessarily have the time to show you how to use every single app out there.

So here’s what we’ve got: 10 apps that will help you stay organized and make sure that all your bases are covered when it comes time to file your taxes next year.

In no particular order…

Best Apps For Taxes

According to the IRS, the average tax refund in 2020 was $1,915.1 To ensure the biggest refund possible, it’s important to check for every tax deduction and credit available to you. Online and mobile tax apps make this easy.

In addition to checking for credits and deductions, some tax apps even allow for expense and mileage tracking. Each tax app takes roughly the same time to go through the tax filing process, although some apps can auto-fill certain tax forms and offer live support to speed up the process. If you want an advance on your refund, some apps offer that, too.

We reviewed 20 different tax apps to determine the best options available. Features and costs were big considerations in our ranking. We also looked at ease of use and real customer reviews.

The Best Tax Apps for 2022
Best Overall: TaxAct Express
Best for Business Owners: QuickBooks Self-Employed
Best for Live Support: H&R Block Tax Prep and File
Best for Fast Filing: TurboTax Tax Return App
Best for Ongoing Expense Tracking: YNAB
Best Tax Apps
TaxAct Express
QuickBooks Self-Employed
H&R Block Tax Prep And File
TurboTax Tax Return App
YNAB
Bottom Line
Compare Providers
Which Option Gets The Best Refunds?
What Happens After You File?
Do You Need A Mobile Tax App?
How Does A Mobile Tax App Work?
Methodology
BEST OVERALL
TaxAct Express
TaxActLEARN MORE
TaxAct Express is the best overall tax app because it offers reasonable prices and a robust free package. Most apps charge close to $40 to pay for your filing fees using your tax return, but this app is just $17.99 if your refund is direct deposited.

Pros
Easily import last year’s tax data even if you used a different provider
Most robust free option out of all providers
Pay for tax filing with your refund
Cons
No expense tracking
State filing is extra, even for the free package
The user interface isn’t as seamless as other tax apps
Founded in 1998 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, TaxAct provides tax prep software that makes it easy to e-file with its TaxAct Express app. It’s available via its web interface, as well as in the App Store (4.4 stars) and the Google Play store (3.7 stars). People enjoy its competitively priced packages and the ability to pay for filing fees using their tax refund for far cheaper than other tax apps earning our top spot.

If TaxAct software makes a calculation error, it will reimburse you up to $100,000 in IRS penalties and interest. Your filing is free if you receive a higher refund using a different product thanks to its Maximum Refund Guarantee.

Other benefits include importing last year’s tax return information by uploading the PDF—even if you didn’t use TaxAct. Plus, if you refer a friend, get a $20 Amazon gift card, and they get 20% off.

Do-it-yourself TaxAct Express packages include:

Free $0 + $39.95 per state filed Deluxe $24.95 + $44.95 per state filed Premier $34.95 + $44.95 per state filed Self-Employed $64.95 + $44.95 per state filed
W-2 income for simple filers Everything in Free Everything in Deluxe Everything in Premier
Unemployment income Itemized deductions Stocks gains and losses and other investments Freelance income, including 1099-NEC
Retirement income Adoption credits Home sale Business and farm income
Child tax credits Child and dependents care Rental property income Personalized business deductions
Earned income credits Student loan interest Royalty and Schedule K-1 income Deduction maximizer
Stimulus credit Mortgage interest Foreign bank and financial accounts Depreciation calculation
Expenses for dependents and current students Real estate taxes Year-round planning resources
Import prior-year tax info Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Personalized TaxPlan
Free account and technical support
BEST FOR BUSINESS OWNERS
QuickBooks Self-Employed
QuickBooksLEARN MORE
If you’re a business owner, it’s best to use a tax app specifically meant for your tax situation. QuickBooks Self-Employed is a tax app offering business expense tracking and tax filing. You can even make your quarterly estimated tax payments right through the app.

Pros
Track business expenses and mileage on-the-go
Authorize access for your accountant or tax advisor
Estimate what you owe the IRS and pay quarterly through the app
Cons
Easy to accidentally duplicate data between uploading and syncing transactions
Smaller banks and credit unions may not have syncing capability
Doesn’t offer inventory tracking or payroll
QuickBooks is a leader in accounting software, and its Self-Employed app integrates seamlessly with TurboTax. With this app, you can track both personal and business expenses, mileage, and you can even send and track invoices making it the best for business owners.

It has 4.7 stars in the App Store and 3.7 stars in the Google Play store, and you can also access the app using its web interface. Some reviewers complain about glitches using the app, while others enjoy how the app allows tracking of both personal and business expenses.

QuickBooks Self-Employed doesn’t offer inventory tracking, so business owners with larger operations may need QuickBooks Online instead of the self-employed version.

There are three QuickBooks Self-Employed packages available:

Self-Employed
$7.50/month Self-Employed Tax Bundle
$12/month Self-Employed Live Tax Bundle $17/month
Send and track invoices Everything in the Self-Employed package Everything in the Self-Employed Tax Bundle
Separate business and personal expenses Pay quarterly estimated taxes directly from QuickBooks Talk to a CPA
Maximize your Schedule C deductions Transfer info directly into TurboTax to file taxes Receive unlimited help and advice year-round
Calculate quarterly estimated taxes automatically Includes one state and one federal tax return filing Have a CPA do a final review of your tax return
Track mileage automatically
BEST FOR LIVE SUPPORT
H&R Block Tax Prep and File
H&R Block logoLEARN MORE
H&R Block Tax Prep and File is the best tax app for live support because it offers Online Assist, where you can receive unlimited help from tax experts 24/7 during the tax season. You can even upload all your documents into the app and have a tax professional file your taxes for you.

Pros
Starts at $39.99 to receive unlimited help from tax experts, enrolled agents, and CPAs 24/7 during the tax season
Upload your documents and a tax professional will do your taxes for you using Tax Pro Go
Save receipts, returns, donations, and other tax documents
Cons
One of the more expensive apps available because you must pay for Online Assist
No expense tracking
Peace of Mind audit support only matters if H&R Block made the mistake
H&R Block Tax Prep and File is a tax app by H&R Block, which is a tax preparation company founded in 1955 in Kansas City, Missouri. Use the app to file your taxes yourself and receive assistance from tax experts starting at $39.99, or have a tax professional file your taxes for you starting at $49, making H&R Block Tax Prep and File our choice for best online support.

Find the app in the App Store (4.8 stars) and on Google Play (4.5 stars). Otherwise, use its web interface to file your taxes. Pay for your tax filing fees by using your tax refund for a $39 fee.

Guarantees include the following:

No Surprise Guarantee: Receive 20% off next year’s tax filing if the app fails to provide upfront transparent pricing, transparent process, free audit assistance, and free mid-year check-in review.
Maximum Refund Guarantee: If you have a higher refund through another app, your H&R Block filing is free.
Audit Support Guarantee: Should you receive an audit notice from the IRS, H&R Block will let you know how to respond to the notice—for free. Or for $19.99, purchase Worry-Free Audit Support for help if you have an in-person audit.
100% Accuracy Guarantee: H&R Block will reimburse up to $10,000 in penalties and interest in the event the software makes an error.
There are several packages to choose from:

Free Online
$0 Deluxe
$29.99 + $36.99 per state filed Premium
$49.99 + $36.99 per state filed Self-Employed
$84.99 + $36.99 per state filed
Earned Income Credit (EITC) Everything in Free Online Everything in Deluxe Everything in Premium
Deduct student tuition, payments, and loan interest Digitally organize all of your tax docs for up to six years Report stocks, bonds, and other investment income (Schedule D) Report all business deductions and asset depreciation
Report retirement income Access live phone or chat tech support Claim rental income & deductions (Schedule E)
Have a Health Savings Account (HSA) Claim small business expenses
Deduct real estate taxes and home mortgage interest
Organize contract, freelancing, gig work, and other self-employed income
BEST FOR FAST FILING
TurboTax Tax Return App
TurboTaxLEARN MORE
With TurboTax, you can receive up to $4,000 as a refund advance within three hours of IRS acceptance of your tax return. You can also auto-import and auto-fill data by taking a picture with your phone, so it’s perfect if you need to file fast.

Pros
Take a photo of your W2, and the app inputs the info in the right forms
Access up to $4,000 of your tax refund within three hours of IRS acceptance of your return using Refund Advance
With an Employer Identification Number, the app may be able to auto-import your W2 information without taking a photo
Cons
More expensive than most tax apps if your taxes aren’t simple
Constant upsell offers
TurboTax is owned by Intuit, a leader in tax prep software. Using the TurboTax Tax Return App, you can file quickly thanks to the auto-fill and auto-import options in the app, making it the best for fast filing.

You can find the app on the Google Play store (4.7 stars) and App Store (4.8 stars). You can also use the web interface, but to auto-fill information from your W2, you’ll need to upload the image. Many reviewers complain about upsells and paying far more than advertised, so pay careful attention to the pricing to know which package your tax filing will require.

Even if you use the Free Edition of TurboTax, you’re entitled to the maximum refund guarantee. If you receive a larger refund with another app or a smaller tax burden, you will get your federal and state filing fee back. If you used the Free Edition, you’ll get $30 under the guarantee.

TurboTax offers an option to pay for your taxes using your tax refund, so you don’t pay anything up-front to file your taxes through them. However, there’s a $39.99 fee to do this. Otherwise, you can pay your filing fees with a credit card or checking account.

With Refund Advance, filers can access up to $4,000 of their refund as an advance as soon as three hours after the IRS accepts the return. There are no loan fees, and it’s 0% APR.

There are four TurboTax packages available on both the mobile and web interface if you’re doing the taxes yourself:

Free Edition $0 Deluxe $39 + state Premier $69 + state Self-Employed $89 + state
Prep, print, and e-file your taxes Everything in the Free edition Everything in the Deluxe edition Everything in the Premier edition
Take a photo of your W2 for auto-input Search over 350 deductions and tax credits Covers stocks, bonds, and other investments Tips and guidance for freelancers, small business owners, and contractors
Receive mortgage and property tax deductions Auto-import investment income Industry-specific deductions
Deduct donations Covers rental property income and deductions One-on-one help from self-employment experts
Accounts gains and losses on cryptocurrency transactions Personalized audit assessment
Import 1099-NEC using a photo from your phone
There are four packages for live support:

Live Basic $0 if filed by 3/27/21, state included Live Deluxe $119 + state Live Premier $169 + state Live Self-Employed $199 + state
Unlimited answers from a tax expert Everything in Live Basic Everything in Live Deluxe Everything in Live Premier
Transfer last year’s info Mortgage and property tax deductions Covers stocks, bonds, and ESPPs Great for self-employed (1099-NEC) income
Year-round expert tax advice and guidance Charitable donations over $300 Rental property income and refinancing deductions Deductions specific to your line of work
Covers W-2 and unemployment income Student loan interest and education expenses Calculate gains and losses from cryptocurrency transactions Guidance for freelancers and small business owners
Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC) and child tax credits Auto import investment income Maximize deductions for work expenses (Schedule C)
Final review from a tax expert before filing Import 1099-NEC using a photo from your phone
If you want your taxes done for you, there are also four levels of Live Full Service packages:

Live Basic $199 + state ($0 if filed by 2/15) Live Deluxe $249 + state Live Premier $359 + state Live Self-Employed $389 + state
Tax expert preps, signs, and files your taxes for you Everything in Live Basic Everything in Live Deluxe Everything in Live Premier
One-on-one guidance and year-round tax advice Charitable donations over $300 Covers stocks, bonds, and ESPPs Great for self-employed (1099-NEC) income
Your taxes done right, guaranteed Student loan interest and education expenses Rental property income and refinancing deductions Deductions specific to your line of work
Covers W-2 and unemployment income Mortgage and property tax deductions Calculate gains and losses from cryptocurrency transactions Guidance for freelancers and small business owners
Earned Income Tax Credit (EIC) and child tax credits Maximize deductions for work expenses (Schedule C)
Import 1099-NEC using a photo from your phone
BEST FOR ONGOING EXPENSE TRACKING
YNAB
You Need a BudgetLEARN MORE
Traditionally thought of as a budgeting app, You Need a Budget (YNAB) is a great tool to track your ongoing expenses. When it’s time to file taxes, simply download a comma-separated values (CSV) file to share your spreadsheet of income and expenses with your tax preparer, or you can do it yourself.

Pros
Offers video tutorials, articles, and free online courses
Available via an app and through your browser
Can sync transactions with your bank and investment accounts
Cons
Steep learning curve
No built-in tax filing—you must export a CSV file into outside tax filing software
Must manually upload transactions if your bank isn’t supported
The best way to prepare to file taxes is to be organized throughout the year. Spend a little time upfront to get your accounts set up on YNAB, and then maintain it every time you’re paid. Then, when you’re ready to file taxes, each category of income and expenses is labeled—making filing a breeze and your tax advisor happy to not have to wade through a shoebox full of receipts earning our spot for best expense reporting.

YNAB is available in both an app and web interface. Pay $14.99 per month or $98.99 per year, and try it out free for 34 days. If you’re a college student, it’s free for a year. At the end of your free year, YNAB offers a 10% discount on the annual plan.

On the App Store, it has 4.8 stars, and 3.1 stars on the Google Play store. Most reviews discuss the learning curve but praise its ability to help budget and track expenses. You can take a live class seven days a week to learn how to budget with the YNAB app or access any of its tutorials anytime.

Bottom Line
While most tax apps don’t offer expense tracking, many make it easy to file your taxes right from your mobile phone. If you have a complex tax situation, you’ll need to pay for advanced packages. However, if you’re a simple filer, almost every tax app available offers a free option that can help you.

We recommend TaxAct Express as the best tax app because it offers reasonable filing fees, a robust free package, and the ability to pay for your filing fees from your tax return. Plus, you can import last year’s tax data even if you used a different provider.

Compare Providers
Tax App Why We Chose It Key Benefit
TaxAct Express Best Overall Reasonable prices and a comprehensive free package
QuickBooks Self-Employed Best for Business Owners Track expenses and send invoices
H&R Block Tax Prep and File Best for Live Support Access tax pros 24/7 during the filing season
TurboTax Tax Return App Best for Fast Filing Auto-fill and import data using your phone, then receive a refund advance within three hours of IRS acceptance
YNAB Best for Ongoing Expense Tracking Track income and expenses by syncing or uploading transactions
Which Tax Software Gets You The Biggest Refund?
Most tax software has a maximum refund guarantee, where your filing is free if your refund is higher using other software. However, to maximize your tax refund, take advantage of every possible deduction and tax credit offered by your software. Examples include the earned income credit (EIC), child tax credit, and home mortgage interest deduction (HMID).

What Happens After You File With a Tax App?
After filing your taxes using a tax app, the app electronically sends your return to the IRS. It takes the IRS anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days to match your personal information with the return.

You can check the status of your return using the IRS Where’s My Refund? tool. Expect to receive your refund within 21 days provided there are no errors or issues.2 To receive your refund quicker, set up direct deposit. If you owe money, you have until the tax filing deadline to pay unless you file for an extension.

Do You Need a Mobile Tax App?
You do not need a mobile tax app to file your taxes. However, using a mobile app can help make filing your taxes easier. Many of these tax apps allow you to upload receipts and categorize expenses year-round, so the act of filing taxes doesn’t take as long during the tax season.

How Does a Mobile Tax App Work?
Some mobile tax apps help track your expenses, receipts, and mileage year-round, while most only offer the ability to file your taxes. Input or upload your W2 information, check for credits and deductions, and e-file your taxes right on your mobile phone.

How We Chose the Best Tax Apps
We looked at 20 of the best tax apps available and narrowed it down to the best six options based on several features and considerations. We considered features, costs, reviews, and ease of use. It was important to find providers that offered a free version for simple taxes but then could evolve with solutions for those who have more complex tax needs.

mobile apps for tax professionals

The new year isn’t only for resolutions – it’s also the start of tax season. While tax software has made e-filing much more straightforward, it still involves a lot of data entry. That’s where a mobile tax app shines.

These apps allow you to upload W-2’s, 1099’s, and other IRS tax documents, automatically entering all the data where it needs to be. They’re also simple to use and sometimes include access to a tax expert in-app. In rating the Best Mobile Tax Apps of 2022, ease of use and reliability are important. Mobile apps from TurboTax, H&R Block, Cash App Taxes, and TaxSlayer made our list. Read on to see which one may be a good fit for you.

(RICHVINTAGE)

Best Mobile Tax Apps of 2022

1 TurboTax

2 H&R Block

4 CashApp Taxes

4 TaxSlayer

Compare the Best Mobile Tax Apps of 2022
Best Mobile Tax Apps of 2022

COMPANY BASE PRICE FREE VERSION LEARN MORE
TurboTax »
4.0
U.S. News Rating
$59 and Up Learn More »
H&R Block »
3.8
U.S. News Rating
$49.99 and Up Learn More »
Cash App Taxes »
3.6
U.S. News Rating
Free Learn More »
TaxSlayer »
3.6
U.S. News Rating
$17.95 and Up Learn More »
Best Mobile Tax Apps in Detail
TurboTax »
TurboTax
Learn More
Best Tax Software Overall

4.0
U.S. News Rating
BASE FEE
$59 and Up
FREE VERSION
MOBILE APP
SEE REVIEW
TurboTax: TurboTax is the best tax app overall, thanks to several features that make tax filing less time-consuming. W-2 and 1099-NEC photo capture are supported, and you can access Live help in-app. TurboTax also allows you to switch from the app to the web-based version to complete your taxes.

Pricing starts at $59, with state return e-filing costing $49 per state. Those with rental properties or investments will need the $89 Premier version, while business owners and freelancers will need Self-Employed, which is $119.

Learn more in our TurboTax review.

H&R Block »
H&R Block
Learn More
Best Tax Software Filing Options

3.8
U.S. News Rating
BASE FEE
$49.99 and Up
FREE VERSION
MOBILE APP
SEE REVIEW
H&R Block: Those looking for an inexpensive full-service option should turn to H&R Block’s mobile app. H&R Block’s full-service packages start as low as $80 plus the state fees, which are currently $37 per state.

If you’d like to do your taxes yourself via the mobile app, the Deluxe version will address most tax situations starting at $49.99. Real estate and stock market investors should opt for the $69.99 Premium option, while business owners and the self-employed should use the Self-Employed version, which retails for $109.99.

Learn more in our H&R Block review.

Cash App Taxes »
Cash App Taxes
Learn More
Most Affordable Tax Software

3.6
U.S. News Rating
BASE FEE
Free
FREE VERSION
MOBILE APP
SEE REVIEW
Cash App Taxes: Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) is entirely free for any federal or state return, regardless of your tax situation. Additionally, if you opt to send your refund to your Cash App, the company claims you could receive it up to two days faster than getting it deposited to a bank account.

While Cash App Taxes does offer customer support, it does not provide tax advice or assistance in completing your tax return. Therefore, we recommend Cash App Taxes only to those filing simple tax returns, as others might miss out on often-overlooked deductions and be better served by more full-featured tax software.

Read more in our Cash App Taxes review.

TaxSlayer »
TaxSlayer
Learn More
3.6
U.S. News Rating
BASE FEE
$17.95 and Up
FREE VERSION
MOBILE APP
SEE REVIEW
TaxSlayer: TaxSlayer is an affordable option, especially for those with more complex tax returns. It offers Simply Free at zero cost for basic taxes and Classic, which starts at $17.95. Its Premium and Self-Employed versions ($37.95 and $47.95 respectively, plus a $36.95 state fee) include free access to an expert and priority customer support, something the more well-known tax preparers charge for.

Most can file using just the Classic version, which has no form restrictions, making it the cheapest option by far for investors and homeowners. There is also a completely free option for basic tax returns, including student loan deductions and education credits.

Learn more in our TaxSlayer review.

How Does a Mobile Tax App Work?
Mobile tax apps work much like desktop or web apps, just optimized for the smaller mobile screen. Each app in our ratings supports both iOS and Android devices, and most can be used on both phones and tablets.

Some let you scan tax documents to speed data entry, and you can switch to the web-based version for more complex tax situations. However, using a mobile app can be faster than using a desktop computer for simple tax returns, thanks to automatic tax form capture. Most taxpayers can complete and file the entire tax return within the app.

If you’ve completed a tax return previously with a tax software provider, you’ll be able to import information from those tax returns. To access your tax return on your mobile device, download the company’s app and use the same username and password that you use for the desktop version, and the software should automatically pull in your old data.

Suppose you selected a package with live help or a full-service package. In that case, you’d communicate with your tax expert through the app as well, capturing any documents and answering any questions your tax preparer may have (or you may have for them).

Given the sensitivity of the documents handled by these tax preparation software companies, good security practices are pretty important. As a result, mobile tax apps take additional steps to ensure your data isn’t misused. For example, these apps require stronger forms of authentication, typically biometric signals like touch or face identification, to log in. You may also be asked to enter a code received by e-mail or text from time to time, and the software will alert you if it detects a suspicious login.

TurboTax and H&R Block representatives said no data is stored on your device or in the app. However, to increase the potential for security consider using a virtual private network, identify theft, and antivirus protection on your device. Connect to a tax app using a private internet source rather than public or unfamiliar sources.

How to Choose the Best Mobile Tax App
The steps for choosing the best mobile tax app for you are the same as choosing the best computer tax software. It all depends on what you need and what your priorities are.

1. Understand your tax needs. While all tax software and apps help you file your taxes, they have different features and abilities. Many tax preparation software programs have different tiers. For those that made our rating, it’s usually a free version and versions called deluxe, premier (or premium), and self-employed. In many cases, the difference between these levels is the tax forms they support and the amount you must pay. For example, H&R Block lets you file a Form 1098-E for student loan interest with its free version, while TaxAct does not.

If you have self-employment income or income from a small business, you’ll need one of the more fully-featured tiers. Also, think about your state return in addition to your federal return. For example, do you need an app that can support multiple state returns?

Budget is also a big factor. Tax programs range in price from free to more than $200. If your priority is an easy and low-stress process, it may be worth it to shell out for one of the more expensive programs with friendly prompts and simplified jargon. If cost is your biggest concern, you may want to stick to one of the free applications, which may take more effort.

Finally, when it comes to mobile tax apps in particular, think about how you interact with the app. On a smaller screen, you may find it easier to read some text over others or easier to navigate through a particular program.

2. Research your options. Visit company websites. Look at the features they advertise and see if they fit your needs. Compare their different product options and make sure you can find one that has all the forms you need at the price you want.
3. Narrow your search. Once you’ve done some cursory research, narrow your options. Compare the details of a few products to determine which one has the elements you want. Consider user experience as well. For example, do you want a product with an interview-style format that asks you simplified questions, or do you prefer to fill out tax forms as a whole? Comparing screenshots of the program can be a good way to get a sense of what each program is like.
4. Read reviews. You’re in the right place already. One great way to determine which tax software or app is right for you is to read reviews about them. For our unbiased rating of the Best Tax Software of 2022, we crunched the numbers to determine which software products consumers and professional reviews feel are best. We also have profiles for each of the companies in our rating so you can get a sense of which product is right for you and your tax situation.
5. Select your tax app. Lastly, choose your app. Most tax software apps are free to download and won’t charge you until you file your return, but read the fine print to know what you’re signing up for – some hide the true cost of their tax preparation software by not including the cost of filing state taxes. Also think about which product you can use over several years, as it can be easier to stick to one service than learn another. This can also make it easier to compare returns from previous years.

Do I Need a Mobile Tax App?
While taxpayers don’t need a mobile tax app to file their taxes, it can be very beneficial. If you’re always on the go or you prefer to work on your mobile device rather than a desktop computer, a mobile tax app might be the right option for filing your 2021 taxes. Perhaps viewing documents on your tablet is easier for you than on a computer monitor. In that case, a mobile tax app could be one option.

On the other hand, if you find a computer or laptop easier to work on, a mobile app might not be of any benefit. Navigation tools, for instance, may be easier for you to follow on a larger screen. The tax apps in our rating integrate with their corresponding computer software versions, so you have the option of starting your taxes from your phone and finishing them on your computer.

Some mobile tax apps can also help you with more than just filing taxes on time. TurboTax offers year-round tax advice and support if you choose one of the TurboTax Live options. Likewise, H&R Block has a MyBlock app that you can use throughout the year to upload and organize your receipts and other tax-related documents, get support from a tax pro, and monitor your credit score.

Learn More
For more information about tax software and filing your taxes, see the following guides:

Best Tax Software of 2022
Tax Deadline 2022: When Are Taxes Due?
How Does Tax Software Work?
How to Buy Tax Software
When Can You Start Filing Taxes 2022?
TurboTax vs. H&R Block
TaxAct vs. TurboTax
Cash App Taxes vs. TurboTax
Best Tax Software of 2022
Cash App Taxes
H&R Block
Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
TaxAct
TaxSlayer
TurboTax
Other Guides from 360 Reviews
For comparisons and advice about other products and services, see our other guides:

Best Identity Theft Protection Services of 2022
Best Internet Service Providers of 2022
Best VPNs of 2022
Best Antivirus Software of 2022
360 Methodology for Tax Software
Why You Can Trust Us: 10 Tax Software Researched
At U.S. News & World Report, we rank the Best Hospitals, Best Colleges, and Best Cars to guide readers through some of life’s most complicated decisions. Our 360 Reviews team draws on this same unbiased approach to rate the products that you use every day. To build our ratings, we researched more than 10 tax software and analyzed 23 reviews. Our 360 Reviews team does not take samples, gifts, or loans of products or services we review. All sample products provided for review are donated after review.

The following describes our 360 approach to researching and analyzing tax software companies to provide guidance to prospective consumers.

1. We researched the companies and products people care most about.

U.S. News analyzed and compared a variety of publicly available data, including internet search data, to determine which tax software companies Americans are most interested in. We found 14 companies that stand out in terms of volume of searches and research among consumers, as well as across different rating sources.

We then compared the available products provided by our top tax software companies across several criteria, including cost, key tax forms supported and the availability of expert help. Research shows that these are the most important criteria for people shopping for a tax service. We compared the least comprehensive tax service product offered by each company that didn’t come for free.

2. We created an objective 360 Overall Ratings based on an analysis of third-party reviews.

U.S. News’ 360 Reviews team applied an unbiased methodology that includes opinions from third-party reviews as well as consumer reviews.

Our scoring methodology is based on a composite analysis of the ratings and reviews published by credible third-party professional and consumer review sources. The ratings are not based on personal opinions or experiences of U.S. News. To calculate the ratings:

(a) We compiled two types of third-party ratings and reviews:

Professional Ratings and Reviews. Many independent industry evaluating sources have published their assessments of tax software companies and their products online. We consider several of these third-party reviews to be reputable and well-researched. However, professional reviewers often make recommendations that contradict one another. Rather than relying on a single source, U.S. News believes consumers benefit most when these opinions and recommendations are considered and analyzed collectively with an objective, consensus-based methodology.
Consumer Ratings and Reviews. U.S. News also reviewed published consumer ratings and reviews of tax software companies. Sources with a sufficient number of quality consumer ratings and reviews were included in our scoring model.
Please note that not all professional and consumer rating sources met our criteria for objectivity. Therefore, some sources were excluded from our model.

(b) We standardized the inputs to create a common scale.

The third-party review source data were collected in a variety of forms, including ratings, recommendations and accolades. Before including each third-party data point into our scoring equation, we had to standardize it so that it could be compared accurately with data points from other review sources. We used the scoring methodology described below to convert these systems to a comparable scale.

The 360 scoring process first converted each third-party rating into a common 0 to 5 scale. To balance the distribution of scores within each source’s scale, we used a standard deviation (or Z-Score) calculation to determine how each company that a source rated was scored in comparison to the source’s mean score. We then used the Z-Score to create a standardized U.S. News score using the method outlined below:

Calculating the Z-Score: The Z-Score represents a data point’s relation to the mean measurement of the data set. The Z-Score is negative when the data point is below the mean and positive when it’s above the mean; a Z-Score of 0 means it’s equal to the mean. To determine the Z-Score for each third-party rating of a company, we calculated the mean of the ratings across all companies evaluated by that third-party source. We then subtracted the mean from the company’s rating and divided it by the standard deviation to produce the Z-Score.
Calculating the T-Score: We used a T-Score calculation to convert the Z-Score to a 0-100 scale by multiplying the Z-Score by 10. To ensure that the mean was equal across all data points, we added our desired scoring mean (between 0 and 10) to the T-Score to create an adjusted T-Score.
Calculating the common-scale rating: We divided the adjusted T-Score, which is on a 100-point scale, by 20 to convert the third-party rating to a common 0-5 point system.
(c) We calculated the 360 Overall Score based on a weighted-average model.

We assigned “source weights” to each source used in the consensus scoring model based on our assessment of how much the source is trusted and recognized by consumers and how much its published review process indicates that it is both comprehensive and editorially independent. The source weights are assigned on a 1-5 scale. Any source with an assigned weight less than two was excluded from the consensus scoring model.

Finally, we combined the converted third-party data points using a weighted average formula based on source weight. This formula calculated the consensus score for each product, which we call the 360 Overall Rating.

Conclusion

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