In this article, I am going to talk about the Best TurboTax Competitors for Online Tax Filing. Here’s how popular tax preparation platforms compare against each other in terms of pricing, filing options, tax form support, expert assistance, import tools, automation, and overall filing experience.
These options can help taxpayers find appropriate choices for simple returns, self-employment, investments, deductions, and other tax situations while managing their online filing costs.
What Are TurboTax Rivals?
TurboTax competitors are online tax-filing services that offer options for preparing and filing federal and state income tax returns. These services may provide features such as guided tax preparation, tax-form support, W-2 and 1099 imports, deduction support, automatic calculations, electronic filing, and access to tax professionals.
Popular alternatives include H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Cash App Taxes, Jackson Hewitt Online, TaxHawk, 1040.com, OLT Online Taxes and eFile.com. They vary in what they charge, if you qualify to file for free, what tax situations they cover, what the fees are for filing in your state, what automation they offer and what kind of expert help they offer. So you can compare on your needs and budget.
Why Look for TurboTax Alternatives in 2026?
Reduced Filing Fees: Some alternatives offer free federal filing or lower price plans, which can help taxpayers save money on tax preparation.
Federal Filing Options: Many platforms provide free federal filing for qualifying taxpayers and some also include free state filing if certain criteria are met.
Assistance with Complex Tax Situations: Alternatives can help with self-employment, freelance earnings, investments, rental property, cryptocurrency, retirement income, and other tax scenarios.
State Filing Fees Vary: Pricing for state returns varies by tax platform, so comparing the total federal and state cost can surface differences beyond the advertized starting price.
Tax Professional Help: Some options include access to tax pros, live support, return reviews or specialized help for taxpayers who need more than DIY software.
Improved Import & Automation Features: Import W-2s and 1099s, transfer last year’s return, ask guided questions, automatic calculations and error checks can save you time.
Varied Filing Experiences: The interfaces, navigation, mobile or desktop experiences, document handling, and step-by-step filing workflows all vary from platform to platform.
IRS Free File Eligibility: Eligible taxpayers can compare participating IRS Free File providers, which may have different income limits and other eligibility requirements.
Individual taxpayer needs: Depending on the circumstances of a taxpayer – such as simple W-2 income, self-employment, investments, dependents, or rental income – one platform may be more appealing than another.
More Price Transparency: Taxpayers can get a feel for the total cost of filing before they begin by comparing federal fees, state fees, required upgrades and optional expert services.
Key Points
| Platform | Company | Best For | Federal Filing | State Filing | Key Advantage Over TurboTax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| H&R Block | H&R Block, Inc. | Tax filers wanting expert assistance | Free and paid plans available | Additional fees may apply | Offers online filing plus access to thousands of in-person tax professionals. |
| FreeTaxUSA | TaxHawk, Inc. | Budget-conscious taxpayers | Free for most tax situations | Low-cost state returns | Provides free federal filing for nearly all return types at a much lower cost. |
| TaxAct | TaxAct Holdings, Inc. | Self-employed individuals and small businesses | Free and paid plans | Varies by plan | Generally costs less than TurboTax while supporting a wide range of tax forms. |
| TaxSlayer | TaxSlayer LLC | Freelancers and military members | Free and paid plans | Additional fees may apply | Known for value-oriented pricing and military-focused benefits. |
| Cash App Taxes | Block, Inc. | Completely free tax filing | Free | Free | Offers free federal and state filing with no paid upgrades. |
| Jackson Hewitt Online | Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. | Users seeking flat-fee pricing | Paid plans | Included or bundled depending on plan | Features straightforward pricing and optional in-person support. |
| TaxHawk | TaxHawk, Inc. | Cost-focused DIY filers | Free federal filing | Low-cost state returns | Uses a pricing model similar to FreeTaxUSA and supports complex returns. |
| 1040.com | Drake Software | Simple and intermediate returns | Free and paid options | Additional fees may apply | User-friendly interface backed by a long-established tax software provider. |
| OLT Online Taxes | OnLine Taxes, Inc. | IRS Free File eligible taxpayers | Free and paid plans | Varies | Frequently offers affordable filing options for individuals and families. |
| eFile.com | eFile.com LLC | First-time online filers | Free and paid plans | Additional fees may apply | Provides guided tax preparation with integrated filing support. |
1. H&R Block
Founded: 1955 | Tax Filing Type: Assisted & DIY online filing. Cost to file with the federal government: Free for eligible simple tax returns; paid plans start at $65. Cost to File with State: Free Online but paid plans can charge $49 per State. **Support of Tax Expert: Live help from a Tax Pro and Tax Pro Review.
H&R Block supports W-2 income, unemployment, HSA, investments, rental income and 1099 situations depending on the plan. Platform & Filing Experience: Web-based filing flow includes guided questions, data import, form search, error checking, and upgrade guidance.
Import & Automation H&R Block®
- W-2 Import: Reduce manual data entry by importing eligible W-2 information electronically.
Previous Year Import: Move in information from a previous tax return if supported.
Document Upload: Allows you to upload digital documents and input tax info while prepping. - Deduction Guidance: Guided questions to help you uncover deductions and credits that may apply to you.
- Error Checking: Checks the return for errors before electronic filing.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Filing Model | DIY online filing, assisted filing, and tax-professional options |
| Federal Filing | Free option for qualifying simple returns; paid plans available for more complex situations |
| State Filing | Free for qualifying Free Online returns; paid plans may include or charge separately for state filing |
| Tax Situations | W-2, dependents, unemployment, investments, rental income, freelance and business situations depending on plan |
| Tax Expert Support | Live tax-expert assistance and Tax Pro services |
| Document Import | W-2/document upload and previous-year return transfer |
| Platform | Web-based and usable across devices |
| Filing Tools | Guided questions, refund tracking, error checking and accuracy support |
| Notable Feature | Multiple product levels based on tax complexity |
| Best Use | Taxpayers wanting DIY filing with an option to move to professional assistance |
2. FreeTaxUSA
Founded: 2001 | Tax Type: Do-it-yourself tax preparation online. Federal Filing Price: $0 for federal returns, even for many complex situations. State Filing Price: $15.99/state Tax Help from the Pros: We provide basic support for free through email and our support center inside the app.
Deluxe and Pro Support come with additional support benefits. FreeTaxUSA supports investments, rental income, self-employment, contractors, small businesses, dependents, itemized deductions and crypto reporting. Platform & Filing Experience: Step-by-step guidance, online e-filing, federal to state data transfer, amendment filing, extension filing, refund options, and tax-document support.
Import & Automation FreeTaxUSA.com
- W-2 Import: Allows entry and import of electronic W-2 information, where available.
Prior-Year Transfer: Transferring information from last year’s return can help speed up preparation.
Federal to State Transfer: Applicable data can be transferred from the federal return into the state return. - Guided Tax Preparation: Answer a series of questions, and it builds your return for you.
- Return Review: Built-in checks to catch possible errors before you submit.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Filing Model | DIY online tax preparation |
| Federal Filing | $0 federal filing |
| State Filing | $15.99 per state |
| Tax Situations | W-2, dependents, HSA, investments, crypto, rental income, 1099 and self-employment |
| Tax Expert Support | Basic support included; optional Deluxe and Pro Support |
| Document Support | Supports common tax forms and electronic information entry |
| Platform | Online browser-based platform |
| Filing Tools | Step-by-step preparation, federal-to-state transfer, amendments and extensions |
| Refund Features | Electronic filing and direct-deposit options |
| Notable Feature | Free federal filing extends to many advanced tax situations |
| Best Use | Users seeking low-cost federal filing with broader tax-form coverage |
3. TaxAct
Founded: 1998 | Tax Filing Type: DIY online tax filing with various product tiers. Federal Filing Price: TaxAct provides free federal filing for eligible taxpayers. For paid pricing, it is contingent upon the return and product. State Filing Price: State filing can be free with qualifying IRS Free File returns; otherwise state pricing varies. Tax Expert Support: Phone support and online help are available.
TaxAct includes common 1040 situations, investments, rental income, self-employment, deductions and credits. Filing & Platform Experience: Its online workflow transfers federal information to state returns, provides guided questions and alerts, and supports electronic filing.
Import & Automation TaxAct
- W-2 Import: Save time by importing eligible W-2 info instead of typing.
- Prior Return Import: Import data from a previous return to help populate the new return.
Investment Data Investment information can be imported or entered through guided workflows.
Deduction Finder: Taxpayers answer questions with guidance to find deductions and credits they may qualify for.
Error Detection: Review tools check the return for potential errors before e-filing.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Filing Model | DIY online tax preparation |
| Federal Filing | Free federal option for qualifying taxpayers through applicable offers |
| State Filing | Depends on product, eligibility and state |
| Tax Situations | W-2, deductions, credits, investments, rental income and self-employment |
| Tax Expert Support | Online assistance and customer support options |
| Tax Forms | Supports common federal forms and schedules |
| Platform | Web-based online filing |
| Filing Tools | Guided preparation, calculations, electronic filing and federal-to-state data transfer |
| Free File | Participates in IRS Free File for qualifying taxpayers |
| Notable Feature | Multiple product levels for different tax situations |
| Best Use | Taxpayers wanting a mainstream alternative with guided online filing |
4. TaxSlayer .
** Founded:** 1965 ** Tax Filing Type: ** DIY online tax prep with optional professional help. Federal Filing Price: Simply Free is $0 for simple returns that qualify; Classic is $44.99, Premium $64.99, and Self-Employed $74.99. State Filing Price: $47.99 per state (usually) or included with Simply Free.
Tax Expert Support: Premium provides priority support and Ask a Tax Pro while Self-Employed provides specialist guidance. Platform & Filing Experience: The guided online filing system at TaxSlayer offers W-2 and 1099 imports, itemized deductions, investments, rental property, cryptocurrency, self-employment, prior-year uploads, and major IRS forms.
Import & Automation Tax Slayer
- W-2 Import: Enables eligible taxpayers to import information from their W-2’s electronically.
- 1099 Support: Allows for digital entry/import of applicable 1099 information.
- Previous Tax-Return Information: Information from a previous year can make preparing easier.
- Leading Questions: The software asks relevant questions based on the taxpayer’s answers.
- Automatic Calculations: Tax calculations and forms are generated during the preparation process.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Filing Model | DIY online filing with optional professional support |
| Federal Filing | Simply Free is $0 for qualifying returns; paid tiers cover more complex situations |
| State Filing | Included with Simply Free; fees can apply to other products |
| Tax Situations | W-2, unemployment, investments, rental property, stocks, crypto and self-employment |
| Tax Expert Support | Ask a Tax Pro, priority support and self-employed expertise depending on plan |
| Import Tools | W-2 and 1099 import plus prior-year return upload |
| Platform | Online tax-filing platform |
| Filing Tools | Guided filing, deductions, credits and form support |
| Self-Employed Tools | Schedule C guidance and quarterly-payment reminders |
| Best Use | Users needing broader tax-form support with optional tax-professional access |
5. Cash App Tax
Founded: Tax filing service run by Cash App Taxes, Inc. | Type of Tax Filing: Fully online DIY filing. Federal Filing Fee: $0. State filing cost: $0 to file with federal, state. Tax Expert Assistance: This is not a typical paid tax-professional preparation model, but a service that provides support resources.
Cash App Taxes supports W-2s, 1099 income, deductions, credits, investments, stocks, Bitcoin, self-employment and small-business scenarios. Platform & Filing Experience: Once users access Cash App Taxes they can file via phone or computer, receive step-by-step guidance, accuracy checks, refund tools, and e-file. Cash App says it has processed more than 12 million returns through the service.
Import & Automation Cash App Tax
- Online Tax Filing: Enter your tax information via its online filing system.
Document Information: Supports information from typical tax documents such as W2s and 1099s. - Investment Data: Assists in relevant investment and crypto tax reporting.
- Guided Filing: Question-based preparation takes users through applicable sections of their taxes.
- Automatic Calculation: The platform calculates tax information as you walk through your return.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Filing Model | DIY online tax filing |
| Federal Filing | $0 |
| State Filing | $0 for supported federal and state filing |
| Tax Situations | W-2, 1099 income, deductions, credits and investment-related situations |
| Tax Expert Support | Primarily self-service support rather than full-service tax preparation |
| Platform | Online and mobile-oriented experience |
| Filing Tools | Guided questions and electronic filing |
| Data Entry | Digital tax-information entry and supported document information |
| Refund Tools | Refund-related tracking and electronic filing options |
| Notable Feature | Free federal and state filing model |
| Best Use | Eligible taxpayers looking for a no-cost online filing option |
6. Jackson Hewitt Online
Founded: 1982 | Tax filing type: Do-it-yourself online filing, with access to the larger tax-preparation network at Jackson Hewitt. Federal Filing Price: $25 flat fee for online filing. State Filing Fee: Advertized online price includes federal and state returns for $25. **Expert Help with Taxes Jackson Hewitt’s tax-prep services include more extensive, but still free, professional help via live chat.
Platform & Filing experience: It’s available on desktop and mobile, has step-by-step instructions, lets you download W-2 and employer information, and has automatic error checking. Its flat-fee pricing is designed to accommodate both simple and complex returns without the need to switch between different online pricing tiers.
Import & Automation Jackson Hewitt Online
- W-2 Data: Allows you to enter the correct W-2 data in the online return.
- Data entry step-by-step: No need to figure out your own way through tax forms.
Tax Calculations: The platform automatically calculates the relevant tax figures in the preparation process. - Error Checks: Review features to help you identify potential problems before submission
- E-filing: Completed returns can be submitted electronically through the online platform.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Filing Model | DIY online tax filing |
| Federal Filing | Flat-fee online filing model |
| State Filing | Included according to the applicable online filing offer |
| Tax Situations | Supports common individual tax situations, with broader assistance available through Jackson Hewitt |
| Tax Expert Support | Online support plus access to Jackson Hewitt’s wider tax-professional network |
| Platform | Online filing accessible through desktop and supported devices |
| Filing Experience | Guided questions and step-by-step preparation |
| Document Handling | Supports electronic entry and tax-document information |
| Professional Network | Large tax-preparation network for taxpayers wanting additional assistance |
| Pricing Model | Flat-fee approach rather than numerous online product tiers |
| Best Use | Taxpayers who prefer straightforward online pricing and access to a tax-preparation company |
7. TaxHawk
Founded: TaxHawk, Inc. | Type of Tax Filing: Online DIY tax filing. Federal Filing Cost: $0 for federal returns (including advanced and self-employed situations). State Filing Fee: $15.99 per state. Tax Expert Support: Basic support is free, Deluxe Support is $7.99, and Pro Support is $64.99 for access to a Tax Pro.
TaxHawk supports W-2s, 1099 income, investments, crypto sales, rental property, self-employment, small businesses, itemized deductions, and many credits and deductions. Platform & Filing Experience: Guided preparation, transfer from federal to state, e-filing, amendments, extensions, refund options, and encrypted data.
Import & Automation TaxHawk
- 1099 Support: Handles associated 1099 details for freelance, investment & other income.
- Federal-to-State Transfer: Transfer the information from the federal return to the state return.
- Prior Year Data: Reduce repetitive data entry by using prior year data.
- Automatic Calculation: Tax calculations and relevant forms are generated during preparation.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Filing Model | DIY online tax preparation |
| Federal Filing | $0 |
| State Filing | $15.99 per state |
| Tax Situations | W-2, dependents, HSA, home ownership, investments, crypto, rental property, 1099 and self-employment |
| Tax Expert Support | Free basic support; Deluxe and Pro Support available |
| Pro Support | Access to a Tax Pro, personal tax advice and return review |
| Filing Tools | Step-by-step guidance and federal-to-state transfer |
| Additional Services | Extensions, amendments and printed-return options |
| Refund | Direct deposit and electronic filing |
| Best Use | Users wanting free federal filing with optional paid professional support |
8. 1040.com
Founded: Run by Drake Software | Tax Filing Type: Do-it-yourself online tax filing. Federal Filing Price: Eligible IRS Free File users can file for $0 on the current Free File page. Users outside of the program can prepare and e-file federal and state returns for $34.99. **State Filing Price: Free state filing when available for eligible Free File users, otherwise $25 for state returns.
Tax Expertise Help 1040.com is a primarily self-service site and does not offer professional tax advice. Platform and Filing Experience: It has a straightforward online walkthrough, supports self-employment, investments, rental property and other forms, and offers an accuracy guaranty.
Import & Automation 1040.com
- W-2 Data Entry: Allows you to enter W-2 information through its guided online workflow.
- Prior Year Information: If you have last year’s return information, it may help make preparing your return easier.
- Assistance with Form Selection: The platform helps users to the right forms and tax sections.
- Automated Calculations: Tax calculations are performed during the return-preparation process.
- Review: The return can be reviewed before electronic submission.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Filing Model | DIY online tax preparation |
| Federal Filing | Free through qualifying IRS Free File offers; commercial pricing can vary |
| State Filing | Depends on eligibility and applicable filing offer |
| Tax Situations | Supports common individual returns and more complex tax situations |
| Tax Expert Support | Primarily self-service online filing |
| IRS Free File | Participates in the 2026 IRS Free File program |
| Platform | Browser-based online filing |
| Filing Experience | Guided online tax-return preparation |
| Forms | Supports federal tax forms and schedules required for eligible returns |
| Switching | Designed to provide a streamlined online filing process |
| Best Use | Eligible taxpayers looking for an IRS Free File-based filing option |
9. OLT Online Taxes
Founded: Online Taxes, Inc. | Tax Filing Type: DIY online federal and state tax preparation Federal Filing Fee: $0 federal filing fee, including most common tax situations. State Filing Fee: $9.95 per state. Expert Tax Help: For $7.95 you can get premium support that includes phone support, live chat, audit help and priority processing.
OLT supports Form 1040, 1040-SR, 1040-NR, Schedule A, B, C, D, E, SE and other major schedules, including scenarios involving investments, rental income, and self-employment. Platform & Filing Experience: OLT offers guided online preparation, electronic filing, federal-form support, state filing and IRS-authorized e-file.
Import & Automation OLT Taxes Online
- Guided Entry by Tax Form: Users are guided through appropriate federal tax forms and schedules.
- Federal to State Transfer: Use data from the federal return for the state return.
- Automatic Calculations: Tax amounts are automatically calculated as you enter information.
- Error Review: Review tools catch potential problems before e-filing.
Electronic Filing: You can file your completed returns electronically via the platform.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Filing Model | DIY online federal and state filing |
| Federal Filing | Free option available, including several complex filing categories |
| State Filing | Current standard state fee starts at $9.95, depending on applicable product |
| Tax Situations | Simple returns, itemized deductions, investments, rental income and self-employment |
| Tax Expert Support | Optional premium support |
| Premium Support | Phone support, live chat, audit assistance and priority processing |
| Tax Forms | Supports Form 1040 and major schedules |
| Platform | Browser-based online tax preparation |
| Filing Tools | Guided preparation and IRS-authorized electronic filing |
| IRS Free File | Participates in the 2026 IRS Free File program |
| Best Use | Taxpayers comparing low-cost filing across different tax situations |
10. eFile.com
Founded: Online tax-filing service | Tax Filing Type: Do-it-yourself web-based tax preparation and e-filing. Federal Filing Price: Pricing is based on the type of return and the applicable filing offer. View current price at checkout before filing. State Filing Price: State preparation and e-filing fees vary based on filing situation. Tax Expert Assistance: The platform is more geared toward online self-service filing and customer support, rather than full-service tax preparation.
Platform & Filing Experience: eFile.com provides an online platform that guides you through entering tax information, preparing federal and state returns, checking calculations, and e-filing qualified returns. For an article dated 2026, check the current product price, state fee, supported forms and support options just prior to publishing.
Import & Automation eFile.com
- W-2/1099 Entry: Digital entry of standard employment and income tax information.
Guided preparation. Taxpayers can fill out the applicable sections by following a series of questions. - Automatic Calculations: The platform will automatically calculate the applicable taxes during the preparation.
- Return Review: Built-in review tools help identify potential errors before return is filed.
- Electronic Filing: Completed federal and state returns can be electronically filed.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tax Filing Model | DIY online tax preparation and e-filing |
| Federal Filing | Product and return-dependent pricing |
| State Filing | Pricing depends on the filing situation and applicable offer |
| Tax Situations | Supports common individual returns and multiple federal tax forms |
| Tax Expert Support | Primarily online customer support rather than full-service preparation |
| Platform | Web-based tax filing |
| Filing Experience | Guided online return preparation and electronic submission |
| Tax Forms | Supports applicable federal forms and schedules |
| Review Tools | Return review and calculation checks before e-filing |
| Refund | Electronic filing with available refund-delivery options |
| Best Use | Taxpayers looking for another web-based DIY tax-filing platform |
Conclusion
Your choice of a TurboTax alternative in 2026 depends on your tax situation, budget to file, forms needed and level of support you want. H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt Online provide guided filing and access to tax professionals, while FreeTaxUSA, TaxHawk, TaxSlayer, TaxAct and OLT Online Taxes offer various combinations of low-cost or free federal filing and paid state returns.
Cash App Taxes specializes in free federal and state filing, but 1040.com and eFile.com provide additional online filing choices. Compare current federal and state fees, eligibility requirements, supported tax forms, expert assistance, and overall filing experience before you file to find the right option for your needs.
FAQ
What are the best TurboTax alternatives for online tax filing?
Popular TurboTax alternatives include H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Cash App Taxes, Jackson Hewitt Online, TaxHawk, 1040.com, OLT Online Taxes, and eFile.com.
Is there a free alternative to TurboTax?
Yes. Some alternatives offer free federal filing for eligible returns, while others may charge for state filing or more complex tax situations.
Which TurboTax alternative is best for self-employed taxpayers?
FreeTaxUSA, TaxSlayer, TaxAct, H&R Block, and several other platforms support self-employment returns. However, available forms, features, and pricing can differ.
Do TurboTax alternatives support state tax filing?
Yes. Most major alternatives support state returns, but state filing fees and free-filing eligibility vary by platform and tax situation.
Can I file taxes online without TurboTax?
Yes. Taxpayers can use various online tax preparation platforms, including FreeTaxUSA, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, H&R Block, OLT Online Taxes, and other providers.