Best websites to file taxes

Plus, you can easily import your investment income automatically with TurboTax. Both premium versions and the Self-Employed version come with on-demand one-on-one support from tax specialists. Customers also get personalized tax tips based on how they answer questions through the filing process. Before you file, TurboTax always runs a comprehensive review of your return, ensuring nothing gets missed. For complete and quality service, TurboTax has you covered. Free features: Import of past tax returns from competitors, free double-check service in person.

Liberty Tax is another tax preparation service known for its in-person tax help, with over 3, locations across the U. Liberty Tax has three online offerings— Basic , Deluxe and Premium. Plus, you always have the option to hand off your tax return to your local Liberty Tax branch if you get in a bind.

TaxAct has you covered, no matter your tax situation. Most online tax software services have guarantees, but not to this extent. You can file taxes with confidence, knowing that TaxAct has your back. Read our in-depth TaxAct review. On top of free and Premium tax filing services, customers can receive online support from a tax specialist through Online Assist.

This could be help from a tax expert, enrolled agent, or a CPA. Online Assist is available as an add-on to every filing option. Online Assist provides unlimited expert one-on-one help, simplifying the process. You can confidently file your tax return, knowing everything is accurate, and every possible deduction was included.

With the help of online tax software preparation services, like those mentioned above, you can file your own taxes like a pro. Many services allow you free account access to start, only paying once you actually file. Why not take advantage of the convenience and support found with online tax software? Outside of Liberty Tax, all of the tax services listed above offer free e-filing services for at least simple federal tax returns. Credit Karma Tax offers free audit support services for members who have their tax returns audited.

Services are provided through a partnership with audit specialists Tax Protection Plus. The program offers free support like consultations, document review and collection, written correspondence with taxing authorities and representation at any conferences or hearings with taxing authorities. The best free tax filing service depends on your tax situation and specific needs. Almost all of the tax services on our list offering some form of free tax filing.

Credit Karma Tax is the only option listed that includes free audit support. Many online tax services have created filing processes that are easy to understand and use no matter your level of experience. Some even incorporate mobile-friendly technology as an extra perk. One option is to try filling out your tax return through one of these inexpensive programs and if you get stuck, then turn to someone else for help.

In some cases, you can pay for premium support through online tax services. Free tax filings are usually limited to more common tax situations. It is available to residents of all the states, and there are no other restrictions. Everyone who files automatically qualifies for a free, in person audit support service, which includes assistance with your audit prep and hands on advice. The free edition of TaxAct is another user friendly platform appropriate for simple tax situations.

However, there are some qualifications for this service. The qualifications can be subject to change, so it is a good idea to check the terms and conditions before you start to complete your return. The free version of TaxAct used to be quite comprehensive and suitable for almost any tax scenario, but this is no longer true. Just be aware that there is a fee if you want to pay your federal filing fees with your tax refund.

Credit Karma has just one plan that is totally free for any filer, and it is free to file for both state and federal returns. While it's great that it's free to file for both federal and state returns, the expert support with the service is currently limited. The company is quite small compared to the competition, so if your tax situation is complex and you think you may need help, it may not be your best choice. Since the service is relatively new there are also some gaps as far as advanced functionality in the platform that may cause problems for those with an complex or advanced tax situation.

However, Credit Karma Tax does have the ability to pre-fill forms for existing members, which could be a timesaver. They also have free audit defense and a max refund guarantee.

The platform's interface is mobile friendly, and easy to navigate as you wade through filing your return. TaxSlayer is another service with a free file option. There are no citizenship or residency requirements to qualify for the TaxSlayer free file option. If you need additional state returns, there is a fee. The free option does have a couple of small downsides. While it was built to support tax situations with varying complexity, the free plan is really only suitable for the simplest of tax situations.

There are a number of common situations that are not covered with the free plan, including itemized deductions, stock sales, rental property income, self employment income, and Earned Income Tax Credit. You can obtain phone support from the TaxSlayer non professional customer support team. Paid plan clients will get priority in the phone queue, however. So if you need to call during a peak period, get set for quite a wait. This is an IRS administered electronic filing system with access to a full database of tax schedules and forms in PDF.

To complete your return, you can use the online system to fill in the appropriate forms and use the e-filing system to submit them. While there are no income, citizenship status, or age eligibility restrictions, there are some limitations to this service, but these are outlined by the IRS. Unfortunately, there is one major downside to using Free File. While this may seem like a fantastic free filing option, the IRS offers no support for those who choose this resource.

So you need to know exactly how to fill out every schedule and form on your own, or at the very least, have the confidence to navigate the IRS tax preparation resources to find the answers you need. The worst case scenario for this is that you may be flagged for an audit. While FreeTaxUSA may not be the most well known company, their totally free platform supports all of the major schedules and forms in addition to some useful features, including prior year return storage and importing.

The service is available for free federal filing in all tax situations regardless of the complexity level. Totally free users can also enjoy free live support from the FreeTaxUSA team of customer service professionals, but this roster of pros will struggle to match the bigger competitors.

This service is available throughout the U. Of course, no system is perfect, and there are some drawbacks to this one. For a start, there is a lack of audit assistance. You will need to upgrade to the Deluxe plan to benefit from the drafting responses, interpreting IRS notices and documentation preparation help to guide you through an audit. TaxHawk provides free federal filing for everyone.

There is a fee if you need to file state returns. One plus point is that TaxHawk has a calculator built into the platform to help you pay the appropriate taxes in multiple states if needed, just be prepared to pay a fee for every additional state. If the free service is not the best option for you, TaxHawk does have an interesting tier structure. For example, the affordable Deluxe Plus plan has been specifically designed for those who need phone support and live chat.

You will need to pay for state returns, so it may not be free for your specific circumstances. Online Taxes has a service to allow everyone to file Federal taxes free, but as with most of these options on our list, there are fees associated with filing state returns.

There are two pricing tiers for OLT services, and the free tier includes all the major filing forms, but it does lack tech support. When you upgrade to Premium, you can enjoy phone technical support, live chat, and guaranteed audit assistance. Both of the plans provide access to the major schedules, and it is possible to import previous year data.

OLT has also made improvements to the interface and navigation, without bumping up the prices. However, it may still not be straightforward enough for newbies. This is a listing service provided by the IRS that offers direct access to approximately a dozen filing services from a consortium of participating companies for free. These tax preparation companies must meet the strict security and quality standards that are set by the IRS. The IRS does not allow electronic filing for prior year returns through self-preparation websites.

You must print, sign, and mail prior year returns. You can also check the professional organizations many tax preparers belong to. To view your balance owed, payment history or other information from your tax account, create or view your account. Get up-to-date information on your refund. Always remember to print your return after you successfully file online.

If you forget to print your return, you can order a free transcript. Depending on the type of transcript you request, you'll get more or less of the information from your return. To change your bank account information on file, refer to the IRS Procedures guidance, What should I do if I entered an incorrect routing or account number for direct deposit of my refund?

You can use Direct Pay to pay your individual tax bill or estimated tax payment from your checking or savings account for free.

Fillable Forms Available for any income level Free electronic forms you fill out and file yourself Be able to prepare a paper tax return using IRS forms, instructions and publications No tax preparation guidance and limited calculations provided More about Free File Fillable Forms. It provides two ways for taxpayers to prepare and file their federal income tax online for free: Guided Tax Preparation provides free online tax preparation and filing at an IRS partner site.

Our partners deliver this service at no cost to qualifying taxpayers. Free File Fillable Forms are electronic federal tax forms, equivalent to a paper form, you fill out online for free.

If you choose this option, you should know how to prepare your own tax return. You must begin your filing option at IRS. Prepare and efile your federal tax return.