Technology has made tax preparation faster and easier, but choosing the right online tax prep can be overwhelming. With dozens of products promising accurate returns, easy filing, and fast refunds, it’s hard to know where to start. Prices range from free to hundreds of dollars—and that’s not counting the à la carte fees and extra services that can quickly add up.
So, How Do You Choose?
In this guide, I’ll break down how tax prep products are marketed, share tips for shopping smart, and show you how TaxShopper can help. I know taxes can feel intimidating, but I’ll keep it simple. Just like I don’t need to understand how a carburetor works to choose a mechanic, you don’t need to be a tax expert to shop for tax prep. Take away the IRS anxiety, and it’s just like shopping for shoes. Sure, I get that the IRS is a pretty big difference—bad shoes give you blisters, not letters and penalties. But stick with me here.
How to TaxShop
- Step 1: Know your size
- Step 2: Choose you style
- Step 3: Find the best value
Step 1: Know Your Size
Do you wear a a size 7 or 9 shoe? Tax products also come in sizes. Before you can compare products, you need to narrow down the options to the tiers within each brand that match your tax situation. That’s where it can get tricky. Tax software tiers—like Free, Deluxe, or Premier—are based on IRS forms you might not even realize you need, and their product descriptions may include confusing tax jargon. Some filers start in the the wrong tier, then are surprised when prompted to upgrade. With just a few simple questions, our TaxMatcher tool helps you find the right “fit” for your tax situation across multiple brands, ensuring you compare the right products.
Let’s see how it works:
Example 1:
Tim and Terry are married with an 8-year-old daughter, Talia. They rent a home in California, both have jobs, and Terry has student loans. This is their “tax situation,” which determines the forms they need to file and the tax prep tier. Based on this information, TaxMatcher recommends these options:
| Brand | Product | Federal Price* | State Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax | Free Edition | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| TaxAct | Free Edition | $0 | $39.99 | $39.99 |
| TaxSlayer | Classic | $22.95 | $39.95 | $62.90 |
| H&R Block | Free Online | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Cash App Tax | N/A** | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| FreeTax USA | N/A | $0 | $14.99 | $14.99 |
*Product SKUs and prices as of 12/5/24 and may not reflect current offers. Check product websites for current pricing and coverage.
**Cash App Tax and FreeTax USA do not have product tiers. All tax forms are included
Example 2:
Now, let’s change the facts. If Tim and Terry paid for childcare for Talia, their tax situation and product options change:
| Brand | Product | Federal Price* | State Price | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TurboTax | Deluxe | $39 | $39 | $78 |
| TaxAct | Deluxe | $29.99 | $39.99 | $69.98 |
| TaxSlayer | Classic | $22.95 | $39.95 | $62.90 |
| H&R Block | Free Online | $35 | $37 | $72 |
| Cash App Tax | N/A** | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| FreeTax USA | N/A | $0 | $14.99 | $14.99 |
This highlights how one change in your tax situation shuffles your product choices and pricing.
Important!
- Choose the right product for your tax situation so you file the correct forms and get all your tax benefits. Don’t try to “squeeze” a Deluxe or Premier-size tax situation into a Free product that doesn’t fit. It’ll cost you more than you save.
- Choose highest tier that applies for your income and expenses. For example, if you have a business plus student loans, education expenses, you’ll need the Self-Employed product with most brands.
- If your tax situation changes, you may not be able to use the same product as last year. Use our TaxMatcher to double check.
Ready to TaxShop?
TaxMatcher will find the perfect prep!
Step 2: Choose Your Style
Once you know your shoe size, you look for a style that suits you. Slip-ons or laces? Fancy brand name or not? You shop around and narrow your options to what you like. Six inch high heels are not my thing, but you get to do you and look fabulous.
Similarly, once you know your tax prep “size,” you’re ready to shop around, compare brands, and narrow down your options. Every tax prep product will file your tax return, and they all function the same way:
- Gather your tax info through interview-style questions.
- Check for deductions or credits.
- Generate and file the required forms.
So, what makes them different? It’s the extras. Features like data import, mobile apps, error checks, live help, or post-filing support set products apart, making filing easier and helping you feel more confident.
Our TaxMatcher makes it easy to compare products side by side with feature lists and ratings in five key categories:
- Ease: Plain language, clear explanations and intuitive user interface
- Speed: Time-saving tools like W-2 import, document capture, or mobile apps
- Support: Self-Help resources and access to live customer support
- Confidence Builders: Error checks, pro tips and deduction finders
- Guarantees: Accuracy, audit, refund or other product guarantees
With this, you have all the information you need to understand what each product offers and decide which features matter most to you, helping you make an informed shopping decision.
Step 3: Find the Best Value
You know your size, you’ve tried on dozens of shoes, and you’ve narrowed it down to a few options that fit your style and needs. Now it’s time to check the price tag and ask yourself, “Is this worth it to me for the price?” I’m not paying $500 for sneakers, no matter how great they look or feel.
This question is about measuring value, which is different from just looking at the price. Did you know anyone can file their taxes for free? Both the IRS and some online brands offer free filing, even for complex situations. But, as with shoes, cheaper isn’t always better—missing a deduction or making a mistake could cost you much more in the long run.
At TaxShopper, we focus on finding the best value, not just the lowest price. Value means that the benefits and peace of mind you receive are worth the cost to you, and that’s different for everyone. For example:
- I might prioritize live customer support, while you’re fine with self-help if it costs less.
- An active investor might be willing to pay more for easy stock and crypto imports.
By focusing on value, you choose the product with the right features and support that you need to file with confidence.
About Deals and Discounts
Of course, price does matter. By planning ahead, you can avoid paying full price for tax prep. Here are some smart ways to save:
- Use TaxMatcher for the Best Fit: The easiest way to save on tax prep is by using our TaxMatcher tool to compare products.
- Shop Early: Tax prep prices are typically lowest in January, with hikes around March 1st and again on April 1st. By October, prices can be over 50% higher than they were in January. To save, consider purchasing early—even if you plan to file later—to lock in the best rates.
- Look for Partner Discounts: Tax companies offer the best discounts through affiliates and partners like banks, credit card companies, and TaxShopper!
- Stay Updated: Deals and prices change quickly. TaxShopper posts the latest prices and deals for tax prep throughout tax season. Sign up to join our mailing list and receive regular updates about deals and TaxShopping tips.
Spot a deal we missed?
Email me at daniele@taxshopper.com and I’ll share it with the TaxShopper community—together, we can help everyone save!
Upgrades and Add Ons
Knowing what’s included—and what’s extra—helps you avoid surprises and make smarter choices. Here are common situations that filers may not expect.
Upgrades
Sometimes filers start with one tax product and are later prompted to upgrade to the next tier. Tax software may recommend an upgrade based on the information you entered. This can be frustrating, but it is an important fail safe to ensure you file the correct forms. For example, Tim and Terry would have been prompted to upgrade when adding childcare info, unlocking a credit worth more than the software’s cost.
If an upgrade catches you off guard, pause. Head back to TaxShopper to compare options and find the best fit for your tax situation.
Watch for State Fees
Filing a state return can cost you anywhere from $0 to $65. Tax brand homepages sometimes showcase federal filing costs, while state fees are in the fine print or behind links like “state additional.”
Don’t assume free federal filing means free state filing—some brands still charge for state returns as shown in Example 1 earlier. Our TaxMatcher includes state fees to help you factor in this cost when you compare.
Shopping Add-Ons
Our TaxMatcher lists features included in each product at no extra cost. All brands also offer optional add-ons like tax expert help, refund advances, or audit defense for an additional fee.
These services can offer many benefits, such as saving time, reducing stress, or providing extra protection. Costs and coverage vary widely, so it’s important to research and understand what you’re paying for. Just like choosing your tax product, ask yourself: Does the added peace of mind or benefits justify the additional cost?
Try Before You Buy
Most tax companies let you start for free and only pay when you file. This means you can test different options, enter your info, and even compare results across products to make sure you’re getting the best outcome. If you’re not comfortable with a product or are asked to upgrade, return to TaxShopper to explore other options.
Final Thoughts
There are times when it’s definitely best to work with a pro, but DIY is a great option for many. Not only is it less expensive, filing your own taxes can feel very empowering. It helps you understand how taxes impact your bottom line and make smarter financial decisions.
If you choose to file on your own, it’s important to understand how online tax products are marketed so you have the information you need to make an informed shopping decision.
Remember, TaxShopper is a great starting point, but making the right choice means doing your own research—comparing prices, features, and reviewing the terms of service for the products listed on their websites.