eFile is online tax software that gets a lot of attention for being, on face value at least, completely free. While there are free aspects, eFile does require you to pay money if you’re filing a state tax return. Adding to the slightly unusual approach with this service is the way that eFile has quite a lot of limitations, which might reduce its appeal to many potential customers. 

Alternatives in the paid-for tax and accounting software world include the likes of H&R Block, TurboTax, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Jackson Hewitt Online, Credit Karma Tax and FreeTaxUSA.

If you’ve got anything other than super-basic requirements then the chances are eFile might not fit the bill. However, it also sports some useful features and functions, especially if you’re prepared to go down its paid-for services route. 

• Want to try eFile? Check out the website here

eFile: Pricing

Quite how much you pay, or don’t pay, will obviously depend on what you have to file in terms of tax documentation. Currently, eFile comes in three different variants, starting out with the base-level Free Basic. This is displayed on the eFile website as originally costing $9.95, but is still currently free. 

Underneath the File Free button link though, you’ll need to read the State Returns Optional small print, which states: Prepare and eFile multiple State Returns for one low price. The price for unlimited State Returns is only $28.95. No credit card is needed if you are getting a Tax Refund. During checkout, you can choose 'e-Collect' as your payment method to have your fees deducted from your refund. 

eFile also has a middle-tier Deluxe option, which did cost $39 and currently costs $24. You can start for free, while the same State Returns point as outlined above applies too. 

The top-tier for eFile is Premium, which did cost $49 and now costs $34, while the picture for State Returns is the same as above. eFile is known to offer occasional coupon codes for further discounts, which are worth keeping an eye out for.

eFile: Features

There are some limitations on the feature front if you’re using eFile in its most basic guise. You can't claim any income except that coming via W-2, while the Deluxe option doesn’t beef things up much either. 

Really then you need to head for the Premium tier in order to exploit the full potential of eFile, which does allow you to tackle most of the major tax filing forms that you’ll probably be interested in. It’s also useful if you're self-employed. 

The interface works using several sections, where you insert your data covering common ground such as income, expenses and so on. Inside each section there is the capacity to drill down into sub-sections, all of which culminates in arriving at the right forms to complete your filing duties. It’s no-nonsense and generally effective.

eFile: Performance

You’ll find that getting started with eFile and subsequently using it offers a reasonably brisk experience. Being browser-based it chugs away nicely and the interface doesn't have too much in the way of obstacles to slow it down. 

Once you’ve got used to the overall layout, and picked your way through the various progress pages you should find that eFile is as good as many of its rivals in performance terms. 

The other bonus is that the interface lets you skip to other sections easily, which might appeal if you’re prone to filling in random sections rather than in an orderly fashion. eFile seems perfectly happy letting you do this, without delivering any performance issues while you keep it guessing.

eFile: Ease of use

You’ll find that the eFile interface works reasonably well, although it doesn't have quite the same user-friendliness of other rival products outlined in our guides. The good thing is that eFile can be used in a couple of ways, which depending on your familiarity with both it and the way these online tax tackling services work might make your workflow less stressful. 

Indeed, there’s a version that effectively handholds you through the steps, which can be a real boon if you’re a newbie to the world of online tax filing. As you work through the stages of filing your tax return there are handy calculators, though these can be slightly problematical if you’re not up to speed with the subject matter. Adding to this is the fact that pages are quite busy, so there's the need to juggle a lot of balls as you go.

eFile: Support

If you get easily rattled by having to tackle your filing without much in the way of help or assistance then you might be put off by eFile’s support structure. It has a fairly limited approach in this respect, with an online ticket filing system that lets you contact eFile support staff with issues. 

The Support hub pages on the website are a bit of a mish-mash of links to other locations and the whole thing is a little bit chaotic. While you might be glad that you’re not having to pay a premium for support, some other rivals will charge for human contact and in some cases that can be worth the additional expenditure. This is especially so if you’re not confident with what you're doing.

eFile: Final verdict

eFile is authorized by the IRS, which puts it into the recommended pile of online tax preparation packages. And, it also comes with most of the features and functions that you’ll need in order to get your filing done. However, there are a few compromises by going down the budget route. 

For a start, if you live in a state with income taxes then you’ll need to pay to use eFile, so the free aspect loses its appeal somewhat. The eFile website is rather frenzied too, support is lacklustre and there’s no app for people who prefer to tackle their taxes on-the-go. 

If you’re looking for a ‘Lite’-style package then eFile might well fit the bill, but if you’re easily bamboozled come tax-filing time then it might be prudent to invest in a less chaotic option.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software  

Concur is not your average expenses application because it is much more powerful than many of its more mainstream counterparts, which is vital in the wake of coronavirus. This business finance software-as-a service tool and accompanying expenses app allows you to manage your spending in a timely and organized fashion, while also helping to remove the hassle factor if you’ve got a lot of money to claim back. 

A bit like project management, working through expenses can be time-consuming and tedious. Concur helps to alleviate some of the headaches and get everything in order, and in one central location. Now owned and expanded upon by SAP, you’ll find that Concur can prove highly useful, but only if your business is sizeable enough to justify investing in it. Other expense trackers worth considering currently include QuickBooks, Rydoo, Expensify, Hurdlr, Zoho Expense and Pocketguard.

• Want to try Concur? Check out the website here

Pricing

Deciding just how much Concur is going to cost you isn’t immediately obvious. In fact, considering how great the rest of the setup seems to work, not being able to nail down a rough costing for the service seems like a step backwards to us. 

However, the Concur workspace does have a useful tool for working out the return on investment if you go down this route. Even using the figures in their default setting indicated pretty clearly that Concur does have the potential to save a business money. 

The other issue here though is that SAP has a variety of other products and services that can be integrated with Concur, so it would appear that the price you pay will ultimately be tailored to suit individual needs. That’s good from a customization perspective, though not so useful if you’re trying to get an idea of a ballpark costing. 

A SAP spokesperson told us that typically you’ll need to have a quick 10 minute introductory call to establish what functionalities the business would require. Pricing is dependent on these factors and they don't have set costs. Basically, you need to fill in a form on the website to get a quote rolling.

Features

The great thing about Concur is that it allows you to get rid of the whole manual expense reporting scenario that is not only time-consuming but tedious. SAP says that by automating and integrating the management of expenses any company will be able to use the resulting data to simplify the overall process. 

As a result, Concur comes in a cloud-based environment that allows you to see all of your expense data in one simple location. Employees can submit and review expenses on the go, and get them approved too using the Concur mobile app. 

The service also allows you to automatically populate expense reports by pulling in electronic receipts from common business charge points such as airlines, hotels, restaurant and miscellaneous travel costs such as taxis, buses and trains. Employers can subsequently see employee expenses and get a better overview of trends. 

SAP also underlines the secure aspect of Concur, which is reassuring if you’re dealing with lots of employee and their associated company credit cards.

Performance

SAP Concur is an online cloud-based system and as a result works well enough just as long as your internet connection allows it. If you’re working with Concur via the app then the same applies; it whirs along nicely if your connection is intact. 

As mentioned earlier, SAP has also designed Concur to work, where needed, in tandem with other expense management tools in its portfolio, including Concur Drive, Concur Detect and Budget. 

The app, incidentally, can be downloaded from within the Concur dashboard interface and usefully, given its aimed-at-business-users stance, is available for iOS, Android, BlackBerry and Windows Phone users.

Ease of use

If you’re an employee then getting to grips with Concur is simple and straightforward. Indeed, the learning curve is pretty stress free thanks to a no-frills interface that can be viewed via a conventional web browser, or using the associated app. Features and functions are keep as simple as possible, so dipping into it while you’re on the go is but a minor distraction. 

Using it for the first time is also made even easier thanks to a built-in Expense Assistant, which works like a wizard and takes you through the steps involved in submitting expense claims in Concur. 

Getting those all-important receipts into the system is a doddle, using the integrated upload tool for digitized bills, tickets and so on. Once these are into Concur they’re collated within the interface and management of these by either you or the person approving the expenses is similarly trouble-free.

Support

Concur has been sufficiently well engineered that it seems to require little in the way of help when it’s ticking over doing its thing. Within the interface you’ll also find some really handy guides in the left-hand side of the program, with common topics tackled with a great level of clarity. 

There are also handy primers in a suggested-things-to-read menu in the same location, and these include details on travel, reporting, invoicing and general setup issues. It’s all pretty good. 

You’ll find an integrated ‘Ask a Question’ option in the top right-hand corner of the Concur interface, which appears to be a chat-style tool although requires an email address to work.

Final verdict

Overall, SAP’s Concur is an impressive expense management solution if you’ve got a sizeable business and quite a lot of employees. The package now works better than ever with lots of user-friendly appeal, especially for anyone wanting to make good use of the slick and streamlined app. 

There’s solid integration with other apps too, which can be found via the App Centre within Concur itself. We like the way SAP allows you to give Concur a test drive too, before you commit to using it full-time. In that respect you’ve got nothing to lose and, potentially, lots to gain especially if you’ve got a burgeoning company with a team of employees with seemingly myriad expenses to process. 

Add to that the capacity for expanding the service to integrate with other SAP products and you have much to investigate.

• Best expense tracker apps and software

You Need a Budget (YNAB) is a software service aimed at people who need to get their finances in order and keep them that way. It’s an online arrangement that involves a relatively straightforward series of setup steps, plus features designed to sharpen up your budgeting skills. Other similar budgeting software options include Quicken, Banktree, Money Dashboard and Moneydance.

There are new core features that allow you to connect directly to bank and credit card accounts, as well as setting yourself money management objectives with the Goals option. With setup complete all you’ll really need to do is dip in and out as you progressively build up a bigger picture of your monthly incomings and outgoings. It’s a good bet if you’re looking to save money or pay off debts.

• Want to try You Need a Budget? Check out the website here

YNAB: Pricing

The good news is that there is a trial version of You Need a Budget, which can be enjoyed for 34 days while you get to grips with its charms. That’s more than enough time to see how it ticks, and if you’re suitably impressed then you’ll need to sign up for the ongoing service. 

Currently this revolves around an $14.99 per month plan that is billed monthly and can be cancelled at any time. If you’re looking to trim a little bit off that outgoing then there is also an annual too, which is $99 a year. This is based on a one-time payment and is billed annually. This option, says You Need a Budget, can also be cancelled at any time. 

The latter is well worth considering if you think you might become a long-time user.

YNAB: Features

You Need a Budget has a deceptively potent interface that can be tailored to suit an individuals needs based on their financial picture. The whole thing revolves around your budget, and the picture of incomings and outgoings that dictates the way it ends up looking. 

It’s quite nifty in that you can add a bank account and import transactions directly from there. Naturally, the way the overall financial picture alters as your new financial data gets entered into the various categories. You Need a Budget has also been spruced up and the latest version carries new features such as Age of Money (which in a way highlights how prudent you are) and also has the ability to import those direct transactions as noted above. It’s a feature that works for your credit cards too. 

The overall objective, in basic terms, is to keep the screen showing green wherever there is money involved. Any areas where it has been flagged up in red shows there’s a negative balance. In that respect this visual guidance system makes You Need a Budget simplicity itself to operate.

YNAB: Performance

You Need a Budget works quite happily across all of the major platforms, so if you’re a Windows, Mac, iOS or Android user there’ll be a version to suit. Being cloud-based means that You Need a Budget can be used anywhere and on any machine or device, as long as you have an internet connection. 

What’s more, the data you input is stored remotely too, which means that it’s there whenever you dip back in again. The software engineers have done a nice job with the layout too, so You Need a Budget runs cleanly and without fuss, while the system uses latest encryption techniques to ensure that your data is secure.

YNAB: Ease of use

We found You Need a Budget to be pretty simple to use, although most of the work comes during the initial setup process. This is the point where your first chunks of data need to be input into the system. Thankfully this works on what is basically a by-numbers series of steps where you need to fill in the relevant cells with your figures. 

If you’re prepared to work methodically then adding costings into the various categories is easy enough, though does require patience in order to complete. 

However, once you’ve got the lie of the land then You Need a Budget is the sort of software service that can be easily dipped into and updated as you roll through the year. We actually love the overall layout and usability of You Need a Budget and it’s pretty hard to get tangled up in knots if you work through the layout as it is meant to be navigated.

YNAB: Support

The area of support has to currently be one of You Need a Budget’s weakest areas and could do with some improvement. This is even more of a point when you consider the ongoing subscription charge for using the service. 

There’s no phone support, which considering this is a paid-for service leaves You Need a Budget sorely lacking. There is a step-by-step guide and FAQs, which should answer many of your queries, but it would always be a bonus to be able to contact a real person for those more unusual requests. While email support is okay, it’s not quite the same, although another alternative is to consult the forums. 

Again though you're not always guaranteed the information you get is going to be 100% reliable. All in all then we’d like to see this beefed up in future iterations.

YNAB: Final verdict

You Need a Budget continues to improve with each successive release. Overall this is a solid cloud-based software solution that should help you get on top of your finances. 

We are particularly smitten with the app version of the service, which gives you freedom of use no matter where you might be and emulates the desktop edition perfectly. Indeed, there are aspects of the app edition that make it rather more preferable to the desktop model. You Need a Budget’s creators seek to underline its high-grade encryption methods that protect your sensitive financial information once you’ve added it to their servers, as you would expect. 

We’re also pleased to see the ability for US, along with Canadian users to be able to import data from their banks. While it’s not an accounting package per se, it certainly has value depending, of course, on whether you want to pay for the privilege of using it.

• We've also highlighted the best budgeting software  

Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma) will most likely be a familiar name in the world of tax software as it’s been around for a number of years now, most notably supplying free credit scores. 

These days, it's more app focused, hence the name change whilst its wide range of services now let you 'spend, send, store, and invest money'. However, this review looks at its online service for filing personal taxes. It's essentially up against the likes of TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Jackson Hewitt Online, and FreeTaxUSA.

• Want to try Cash App Taxes? Check out the website here

One of the most appealing aspects of Cash App Taxes is that it’s free to use, although the trade-off to that is the fact you’ll need to sign up for an account. If you’ve already got an account with them though it’s even easier to get started with the step-by-step filing process.

Cash App Taxes: Pricing

As we pointed out, Cash App Taxes is a free-to-use online system, which on that basis alone makes it seem like a very good idea. That said, some might not like the idea of having to sign up for an account, which is a stipulation before you can use the system. 

What’s more, Cash App Taxes can help you file both Federal and State taxes and if you’re just starting out down the tax filing highway, aren’t self-employed and don't have things like rent from property to factor in then it's a pretty sweet option.

Cash App Taxes: Features

Cash App Taxes doesn’t do anything particularly innovative but much of that is down to the nature of the online filing service. Preparing to file your taxes is a dry subject at the best of times, so what you get with the Cash App Taxes interface is a by-numbers exercise in digital form filling. That’s not to talk down the user experience as it features all of the tools and functionality you’d expect.

Cash App Taxes: Performance

Cash App Taxes is much like any of the other online filing services in that it uses a series of progressive screens to take you though the different aspects of filing your states. Thankfully, Cash App Taxes keeps things minimalistic in terms of layouts, with not much in the way of graphics. This means that once you get into your stride you can pick through the pages in a quite erudite fashion. 

The feel is similar to the way you work through your 1040, effectively allowing you to tick off things in a logical order. Performance, both your own and Cash App Taxes itself does falter a bit if you start trying to dart around as it’s not very forgiving in that respect. Cash App Taxes is therefore best tackled in page-by-page orderly fashion.

Cash App Taxes: Ease of use

As it’s a step-by-step design, the interface of Cash App Taxes is really pretty straightforward to work through, even if you’re less than confident at filing your taxes. Once you’ve selected the Start option you're on your way, plus there’s a handy search function within the pages that lets you track down answers to queries along the route. 

As is the case with other products in this arena, Cash App Taxes can handle imported W-2 forms. There are one or two negatives though, with some forms not being supported, which is worth investigating before you sign up. And, if you’ve moved from one state to another in a tax year then you might be best looking farther afield.

Cash App Taxes: Support

Along with help from within the interface itself, including some natty information bubbles that offer quick tips, Cash App Taxes also benefits from the addition of support staff who are also on hand to help get you out of tricky tax spots. There’s a beefy tax support center too, which delves even more comprehensively into areas that might otherwise have you feeling a little stumped. 

All in all, Cash App Taxes leaves you with the feeling that you’ve got a pretty good handle on things, which is always a bonus with such a crucial process as filing state and federal returns.

Cash App Taxes: Final verdict

Cash App Taxes is evolving nicely with each successive incarnation. If you have fairly simplistic tax affairs then the free-to-use aspect of this online service is very appealing. There have been improvements to the help side of things too, with plenty to assist you in steering a correct course come tax filing time. 

There’s no dedicated app edition of this package, but you do get an optimized version of the site for your phone or tablet, which can be handy if you're not always ready or able to tackle your tax affairs on a desktop machine. 

While it’s not got an exhaustive range of features, with some crucial tax forms not being supported for example, Cash App Taxes is great for anyone with less complex filing arrangements to prepare.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software

TaxSlayer has been designed with taking on everything your tax situation has to throw at you and it has been nicely adapted to suit changes in the law. With a portfolio of options tailored to suit a variety of filers, from the single and students through to those with tangled tax situations and the self-employed it’s got a lot to offer. There's also an edition aimed at accountancy professionals called TaxSlayer Pro.

TaxSlayer has also honed its options, therefore simplifying the completion of tax filing duties. What’s more, the software service is all online and, via the completion of step-by-step wizards, you can quickly and efficiently e-file your affairs within the context of a well-proven suite of products. Lookout for other options in this crowded marketplace though, including TaxAct, Jackson Hewitt Online, Credit Karma Tax and FreeTaxUSA.

• Want to try TaxSlayer? Check out the website here

TaxSlayer: Pricing

TaxSlayer delivers a solid selection of product options, with one to suit pretty much any kind of individual. If you’re starting out, have relatively simple tax affairs and are single, married and filing a joint return or a student then the similarly basic Simply Free option is a good one. It allows you to file for no outlay with $0 state included to pay. 

TaxSlayer’s stated ‘most popular’ package is the next one; Classic which is suited to all tax situations, can be started for free and costs $17 plus a per state cost of $32. Meanwhile, Premium offers up a swift way to prepare and e-file, with the added bonus of priority support as and when you need it. That costs $37 plus state additional of $32. 

Finally, TaxSlayer’s Self-Employed product will set you back $47 and also has the state additional charge of $32.

TaxSlayer: Features

The latest incarnation of TaxSlayer certainly comes with an impressive list of features. And, as its creators like to remind you, they’ve engineered an experience specific to your tax filing needs. 

Therefore, once you’ve signed up for an account you will be able to pay tax with your refund, enjoy personalized tax tips and reminders specific to you, get more ways to receive your refund as well as having access to new tools that enable faster more efficient filing. TaxSlayer is also adept at managing your financial situation year-round. 

In it's most basic form, TaxSlayer's Simply Free is a basic, functional way to prepare, print and e-file taxes, though does add in new coverage for education deductions and credits.

Performance

TaxSlayer: Performance

Step on up to the Classic edition of TaxSlayer though and you enjoy everything Simply Free has along with timesaving options, such as being able to import your W-2. This edition also includes all deductions and credits. 

Performance really steps it up a gear with the Premium edition, however, with IRS Audit Assistance (delivering a 3 full year $29 value no less). You’ll also be able to work smarter and a lot more quickly, thanks to the ability to speak to a ‘real’ tax professional. 

Naturally, being an online service means it chunters away nicely enough with a dependable internet connection, while there’s a dedicated mobile edition for those who might be tempted to file via phones or tablets.

Ease of use

TaxSlayer: Ease of use

TaxSlayer takes you on a reasonably enjoyable journey through your e-filing duties and it is to be commended for its ease of use. The likes of basic 1040 filers and those with W-2 income will find it very accessible, with a series of relatively simple screens to fill in. 

This process starts out with the familiar sign up and register screen and from there on in you work your way through the various tabbed sections, with a left-hand menu on screen to show where you are within the context of Federal, State and Health Insurance topics. 

While TaxSlayer might not have quite the same level of finesse as witnessed within other online software filing solutions, it does reward the patient thanks to its methodical structure.

TaxSlayer: Support

Though it has to be said there is less in the way of support for those starting out at the lower end of the TaxSlayer product portfolio things do take a turn for the better when you arrive at Premium. Within this option there is the aforementioned support from tax professionals, plus the ability to make the most of live support, both by phone and via email. 

The live chat avenue also delivers more on the support front, so it soon justifies its price tag. Self-Employed types can also get support from tax professionals, particularly those with knowledge of this specific tax arena. That’s a definite boon, especially as this package also features a new personalized guide to self-employed taxes.

TaxSlayer: Final verdict

The latest version of TaxSlayer ticks a lot of the e-filing boxes, but there is still room for improvement. We like the overall look and feel of the online system, and layouts are solid, if a little idiosyncratic in places. 

Help and support is at hand, though you’ll really need to invest in the more expensive editions if you’re to enjoy the benefits of wall-to-wall support including help from real tax professionals. Nevertheless, TaxSlayer also has plenty to offer the fledgling e-filer with its competent basic edition.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software

FreeTaxUSA is a great solution for anyone looking to reduce the costs involved with keeping accounts in order and filing tax returns. And, considering it is kind on your wallet the tax preparation service packs plenty of features that let you pick your way through the filing process with relative ease. 

While FreeTaxUSA isn’t as sophisticated as other options such as TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Jackson Hewitt Online or Credit Karma Tax, it covers all bases in terms of working with relevant IRS forms and, ultimately, lets you file your federal taxes. For the state tax route though you’ll need to pay a fee, albeit a small one. 

A downside, it has to be said, is the lack of ability to import your W-2 or 1099 forms, which something like TurboTax can do. Other than that, FreeTaxUSA impresses with its overall look and feel.

• Want to try FreeTaxUSA? Check out the website here

FreeTaxUSA: Pricing

Although FreeTaxUSA, as the name implies, is largely free to use there is cost involved, albeit nominal. So, the service will charge you $14.99 for a state return though federal filing costs zero dollars.

There’s also a Deluxe Return edition, that comes with a pretty trifling $6.99 price tag attached to it and for that you get the benefit of being able to submit unlimited returns if you’ve needed to make amendments. Better still, there is fast-lane access to live chat support, and these tax specialists can help guide you in the right direction if you’re getting stuck at any stage in the process. 

Dig deeper into the service and you’ll find there’s also no charge for tax extensions, while prior year tax filing comes in at $14.99 for state and $0 for federal. It’s the same pattern for self-employed and small business owners too.

FreeTaxUSA: Features

Considering that FreeTaxUSA is, by and large, free to use it still packs a decent punch. Once you get into it you find that it’ll handle all of the main areas required for filing those 1099 forms. That means retirement, government payments, debt cancellation, payment processing, sale of your home, tuition program distributions, social security as well as stocks and interest too. 

The self-employed are also well catered for. Indeed, you’ll find that FreeTaxUSA ultimately has the ability to deal with each and every state and federal form, including common credits, which is quite something given its miserly charges.

FreeTaxUSA: Performance

FreeTaxUSA is an online service and, as such, works fine and dandy just as long as you have the obvious internet connection. There’s a mobile version too, for both iOS and Android, although in reality this is less of an app and more of a version of the same site you’d use on the desktop edition. 

Nevertheless, FreeTaxUSA works nicely enough if you don't mind filing your tax details in the rather confined working area, especially on a phone. The tablet experience is rather better though, but we still tend to favour the desktop FreeTaxUSA experience over the mobile one. 

The designers have worked hard to make both editions reasonably enjoyable and either version feels nicely optimized to work without trouble.

FreeTaxUSA: Ease of use

There’s nothing too intimidating about the FreeTaxUSA interface, with a pretty basic though effective page layout. Before you deep dive into the step-by-step stages there’s also a neat primer screen, which highlights the features and functionality of the following site content. From there on in it’s much like the other filing packages, with text boxes to populate with all of your data. 

Overall it's a nicely laid out affair that emulates all of the sections of the 1040. As mentioned earlier though, a weakness with FreeTaxUSA is the inability to import W-2s and 1099s, which is something that makes TurboTax such a handy option for its one-stop-shop feature set.

FreeTaxUSA: Support

Much like the other aspects of FreeTaxUSA, customer support is certainly not overly complicated, but it is available as and when you need it. Customers can head along to a dedicated area on the FreeTaxUSA website and type in a basic query to search the help database. That’s okay and does a no-nonsense job of answering more obvious queries. 

However, if you need additional assistance then that’s at hand while you’re signed in, or using an online form, plus there’s a dedicated email address to send messages to. Better still though is the Live Chat feature, which you get if you upgrade to the still good value Deluxe package, that hooks you up with real people, who can hopefully offer real answers to your questions.

FreeTaxUSA: Final verdict

FreeTaxUSA is a good bet if you want an uncomplicated and, crucially, free way of e-filing your taxes. While the Deluxe version beefs up what's on offer in terms of support, if you’re reasonably competent with your bookkeeping and have kept an organized pile of paperwork in the run up to file time then the basic incarnation is perfectly acceptable. 

There are some drawbacks here, as we’ve outlined above, but if you’re keen to keep your overheads to an absolute minimum then FreeTaxUSA will get you to filing point without putting a dent in your finances.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software  

Intuit’s TurboTax has been around in tax software circles for a long time, over a quarter of a century in fact, which sounds like an age. But, that’s helped it get better over the years too. It’s got a well-proven track history as being a solution for all kinds of business users, from those who have lone filing to do as well as those with more complex tax ground to cover. 

• Want to try TurboTax? Check out the website here

While TurboTax is powerful, it’s not intimidating either, which will be reassuring to any filing newbies or people who aren’t confident using online filing systems. In fact, TurboTax is a real help because of its simple and almost chatty screen-by-screen interface. Other similar tax software options come in the shape of TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Jackson Hewitt Online, Credit Karma Tax and FreeTaxUSA.

• Also check out our roundup of the best accounting software for small business

Pricing

TurboTax is available in various incarnations, depending on your requirements and, naturally, how much you want to spend. There’s a free edition(~37% of taxpayers qualify. Form 1040 + limited credits only) that’s suitable for simple tax returns. Next up, the Deluxe package is ideal for maximizing tax deductions and credits, and that allows you to start for free for simple tax returns only (you only pay when you file) and costs $39 plus $39 state additional. The more you spend with TurboTax the more features get added on. So if you want to spend $90 (plus state additional) for Premier you get everything that comes with the Free and Deluxe editions, plus more functionality. The TurboTax Self-Employed package costs $120 (plus the $50 each state additional once again) and that too can be started for free with payment only being necessary when you file.

However, if you’re not keen on doing things yourself then it is possible to get TurboTax Live, which gets real tax experts to review your return. Live Basic(~37% of taxpayers qualify. Form 1040 + limited credits only) is for simple tax returns and can be started for free. Live Deluxe costs $89 plus state additional, Live Premier is $169 and Live Self-Employed is $200. These packages emulate what’s on offer with the packages shown above, but you gain by having a tac expert on demand. The fact that you ultimately get a final review by a professional should give plenty of piece of mind, which also makes the pricing seem more than justified.

On top of that, TurboTax is available on a CD or as a download, with four different variations on the theme. There’s Basic, which at $49.99 plus state additional and 5 federal e-files included rates as very useful for its step-by-step guidance. Deluxe, meanwhile, is recommended for maximizing your deductions, costs $79.99 and offers 1 state download. Intuit explains that once you've completed your federal tax return, they'll automatically transfer your information and give you the option of completing your state taxes using TurboTax. The same goes for the Premier edition of TurboTax, which costs $109.99 and the Home & Business package, that’s suitable for personal and self-employed returns. That costs $119.99 and also features 1 state download and 5 federal e-files as part of the deal.

Features

Any software package can have its own unique idiosyncrasies but the good news is that TurboTax is reassuringly intuitive to use. In fact, even if you’re only a casual user it can be mastered with relative ease. 

That’s mainly down to the way TurboTax has been designed, with in its most basic guise the need for inputting details of your tax year, what you do and have earned from that along with adding own or rent details, made charitable donations and so on. 

You can even get a headstart by scanning in your W-2 form, which allows the system to work out much of the overall picture for your financial year affairs. The online help aspect is impressive too and works as your fast-responding and easy-to-navigate aid as you work through the various input screens.

Performance

TurboTax performs well and so it should as much of the work is done online, which means it's the wonderful world of the cloud that is doing most of the work. With support for importing your W-2 the system is able to handle much of the grind in the background and will also prepare your final account details. 

Thanks to a fairly minimal interface – we won't say sparse as it’s got everything you’ll need without being fussy about it – it chunters along very nicely as you progress through the various stages. A practical toolbar allows you quick and easy access to core filing topics, such as your overall information as well as letting you drill down into Federal and State tax areas respectively. 

Similarly, you can import any relevant 1099 forms to cover other earnings and all without disappearing into a convoluted accounting software hole.

Ease of use

As mentioned earlier, TurboTax shouldn't faze you too much and it has the added benefit of being able to be used across all of your devices. That’s perfect if you’re pushed for time and prefer to dip into your details as and when the moment arrives. 

What’s more, once you’ve set yourself up with an account – you’ll need a username and password - the step-by-step process is sensible and organized, which is a bonus if you’re not the most organized of people when it comes to accounts. Indeed, the way TurboTax has been designed means that you’re always working in a common sense order; in other words, you’ll be asked to enter details into the system in a logical way. 

When you reach the end of a section the system dips in, checks your data and highlights any issues. When you’re good to go it’s on to the next stage. It’s all pretty simple to be honest.

Support

TurboTax is big on assistance and for good reason as filing tax returns can be stressful for all of us, especially those of us with a less than comprehensive accounting background. The built-in Expert Help area of the interface holds your hand for much of the way, and is the go-to location for more obvious enquiries as you pick you way through the filing process. 

Much more help is at hand, however, with TurboTax boasting a raft of online assistance tools. These include a powerful knowledge base along with video tutorials for excellent visual hand-holding. While the online community area is a boon, anyone needing help from a real person can enlist the assistance of the TurboTax Live option. 

Final verdict

We like TurboTax a lot, especially in its welcoming desktop incarnation. Anyone keen to spend time on their mobile device using the app version will be happy too, though this is slightly trickier to use due to the obviously more condensed working area. 

Nevertheless, you can get it for both iOS and Android, and TurboTax is one of the better options on the mobile accounting and tax software side of things. While there are costly aspects here, the core package is intuitive, dependable and good value.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software  

H&R Block has a very high profile in the USA and for good reason. It provides a range of personal tax preparation services that range from the zero outlay basic edition right on through to sophisticated paid-for variants for those with advanced filing needs. 

All this is backed up with physical outlets for in-person help if you need it. Considering the base level edition costs nothing it’s very impressive and has all the features and functionality you could realistically want. 

As with other online tax services in this sector, the paid for options come with more advanced features as you progress up the scale. There is also a self-employed edition, which comes in as the most expensive of the H&R Block online tax filing versions. Rival options come in the shape of TurboTax, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Jackson Hewitt Online, Credit Karma Tax and FreeTaxUSA.

• Want to try H&R Block? Check out the website here

H&R Block: Pricing

H&R Block offers a hugely flexible array of package options, which allow you to file online or work with a professional who can do a lot of the work for you. This is broken down even further, with options tailored to just how much of the work you want to do yourself.

If you do your own taxes then get started with Online, which allows you to file easily and securely from either a computer or a smartphone. Choose Free Online if you have a W-2, have kids and education costs and there’s a $0 charge per state filed too.

Deluxe Online is for maximizing credits and deductions, plus HSA contributions and currently costs $37.49 instead of the usual $49.99, plus $44.99 per state filed. You can initially start for free.

Premium Online is aimed at freelancers, contractors and investors and is currently $52.49 instead of the usual $69.99 plus $44.99 per state filed and also allows you to start for free.

Self-employed Online, meanwhile, normally costs $104.99 and is currently $78.74, plus $44.99 per state filed. It's aimed at small business owners as well as the self-employed. That too allows you to start for free.

H&R Block’s Online Assist packages on the other hand, allow you to file online with on-demand help from a tax expert, enrolled agent or CPA. Basic Online Assist costs $49.99 plus $0 per state filed and suits if you have a W-2, kids and education costs.

Deluxe Online Assist is $99.99 plus $44.99 per state filed and is for maximizing credits and deductions, plus HAS contributions. You can start for free. Premium Online Assist is aimed at freelancers, contractors and investors and is $139.99 plus $44.99 per state filed. That too allows you to start for free. Self-employed Online Assist, finally, is just that with help when you need it and costs $169.99 plus $44.99 per state filed, with a start for free option available.

H&R Block offers more however, including tax offices and virtual filing. Its Drop-Off service lets you drop off your documents at your local tax office and starts from $69 plus additional fees per state. Tax Pro Go, meanwhile, lets you get expert tax preparation remotely, from $49 plus additional fees per state. There’s a Student/Retired option for $129 plus $45 per state filed, a Family/Investor package for $199 plus $45 per state filed and a Business Owner option for $249 plus $45 per state filed package too.

Their In Office option, meanwhile, lets you work together with a tax pro and starts from $69 plus additional fees per state.

Finally, H&R Block does have downloadable software options. These include its Basic Tax Software for $29.95, for simple tax situations, Deluxe and State Tax Software, for homeowners or investors at $54.95, Premium Tax Software for self-employed/1099-MISC or rental property owners for $74.95 along with Premium and Business Tax Software for small business owners with 10 plus itemized expenses for $89.95. Additional fees may also apply for these however.

H&R Block: Features

Thankfully, whatever version of H&R Block you use you’ll find that it should have more than enough features to suit your requirements. The page layouts follow a familiar theme with a methodical series of steps to work through that, eventually, get you to the last stage in the process, the filing bit. 

Prior to that you’ll work through basic overview screens and move on to Federal and State sections where you’ll be able to enter more personal information as well as details on your income, deductions, credits and everything else needed to produce a complete picture of your current position. 

Of course, the bonus if you’ve used the service before is that much of the information gets held in the system, and you should get access to that one you’ve logged in using your username and password.

H&R Block: Performance

Being an online service means that there’s not much to go wrong in terms of performance, just as long as your internet connection remains up that is. The wizard-style arrangement of the site design means that there’s very little you need to worry about, especially when it comes to complex IRS topics that might make your progress grind to a halt. 

This is where the performance of H&R Block really impresses, as it has been honed to cover changes in legislation. This is particularly useful if you’ve used the service before and need to make sure the current year doesn't pull through the wrong information from previous years.

H&R Block: Ease of use

H&R Block’s online filing system is hardly intimidating as it follows a theme similar to others in the marketplace. After registering and doing all the foundation housekeeping you then progress through the various screens that help build up a picture of your finances. 

Overall, the fit and finish of the interface is really pretty good, with not much in the way of areas that can trip you up. The experience is made all the better thanks to practical interface tweaks including the ability to import the details from your W-2, via either a PDF or a digital image of it from your phone, all of which is done securely so your prized personal information isn't compromised.

H&R Block: Support

H&R Block has also been well thought out when it comes to the amount of online help you can get. While some of this assistance becomes available as you progress through the series of screens, there are other areas that contain more advanced information that gets pulled in from a searchable knowledge base. 

Thankfully the H&R Block user experience folks have been mindful to help you stay on track while you delve into these knowledge base articles, so it’s easy to emerge from the other side in the same place. Paid-for editions also come with help from live assistants, while the 24/7 chat support adds another level of reassurance for people who’ve got a little bogged down by the process. 

Having the ability to share your screen with a live expert can be valuable and saves time, so if you’re in need of a helping hand then it’s worth the additional fees - $39.99 for Free and Deluxe users, or $49.99 for the Premium and Self-Employed editions.

H&R Block: Final verdict

There’s a version of H&R Block tax software for everyone and, no matter which one you choose, all are very well put together. The user experience, even if you’re working with the free online model, is largely stress free too. 

It's also good to know that there are plenty of help options available should you need it, even though you’ll need to spend some money if you want to get access to the best there is – a real person. 

However, if you’re fairly organized and have your paperwork – digital or otherwise – to hand you can also make perfectly decent use of the built-in help sections of the H&R Block website. It's a package that sits nicely alongside the competition, including the likes of TurboTax, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Jackson Hewitt Online, Credit Karma Tax and FreeTaxUSA.

• We've also highlighted the best tax software