How do AI models rank Tax Filing Software?

ChatGPT · Recorded 2026-08-10

Assuming you mean U.S. individual federal/state returns for tax year 2025, filed in 2026, here is my genuine ranking. The right answer changes if you need a business return (partnership/S-corp), have a very unusual international situation, or need hands-on tax planning—then use a CPA or EA rather than consumer software.

1. FreeTaxUSA — My best overall pick for most DIY filers because federal filing is free even for investments, rental income, and self-employment, while state returns are a straightforward $15.99 each rather than a costly upgrade ladder.

2. H&R Block Online or Desktop — Best paid choice if you value a polished experience plus an easy path to real human help, review services, or an in-person office when your return gets complicated.

3. Cash App Taxes — Best zero-cost alternative if it supports every form and state you need, since it advertises $0 federal and state filing regardless of tax situation; I rank it below FreeTaxUSA because its coverage and support model can be less forgiving for edge cases.

4. TurboTax — Best for people willing to pay a premium for the smoothest guided workflow and broad access to live tax experts or full-service preparation, but it is rarely the best value for a capable DIY filer.

5. 1040.com — Best simple, transparent paid option: it charges one flat $34.99 price covering federal, state, self-employment, and even multi-state filing, which can be an outstanding deal for a more complex return.

6. TaxSlayer Classic — A credible low-to-mid-cost option for a broad range of returns, with major forms and schedules included for $44.99 federal, though it is usually less compelling than FreeTaxUSA or 1040.com on price.

7. TaxAct — A solid conventional tax-prep product with a legitimate free tier for qualifying simple returns and an IRS Free File path for certain taxpayers, but its paid tiers become expensive relative to the stronger options above.

8. IRS Free File partner software — If your 2025 AGI was $89,000 or less, start here before paying anyone: the IRS lists eight guided-software partners, though each has its own age, income, state, and return-type eligibility rules.

9. Jackson Hewitt Online — Worth considering mainly when you want a hybrid of online filing and the backup of a retail preparer, but I would generally choose H&R Block first for that use case.

10. eFile.com — A workable fallback for a simple-to-moderate return, but I would put it last because its pricing/product structure is generally less compelling and less transparent than FreeTaxUSA, 1040.com, or TaxSlayer.

Bottom line: I would personally begin with FreeTaxUSA. If it handles your forms, it is hard to justify paying more. Choose H&R Block if you want stronger support or may need a person to step in; choose Cash App Taxes if it supports your return and minimizing filing cost is the overriding goal; choose TurboTax only if its convenience and expert-help ecosystem is worth the premium to you.

One important money-saving step: before using any paid product, check IRS Free File. For eligible taxpayers, guided federal filing is free, and some offers include free state filing too.

Claude · Recorded 2026-08-10

Note upfront: IRS Direct File (the government's free filing tool) has been discontinued as of the 2026 filing season, so it's off the table this year — but IRS Free File (a public-private partnership with commercial providers) is still available for taxpayers with AGI under roughly $89,000. With that context, here's my ranked take:

1. FreeTaxUSA – The best value in the industry: truly free federal filing (with a cheap flat fee for state) even for moderately complex returns like investments, self-employment, and rental income, making it my top pick for cost-conscious filers who don't need much hand-holding.

2. H&R Block – Excellent all-around choice thanks to a strong free tier, a genuinely useful hybrid model where you can walk into a physical office if you get stuck, and solid tax-pro support add-ons.

3. TurboTax – The most polished, easiest-to-use interface with great W-2/1099 auto-import and AI-assisted guidance, but it's the priciest option so it's best if you value hand-holding over saving money.

4. TaxSlayer – A great budget pick for self-employed/gig workers and freelancers, offering solid Schedule C support at a fraction of TurboTax's price.

5. Cash App Taxes – Completely free federal and state filing with no income restrictions, ideal for people with straightforward returns who want a no-cost option now that Direct File is gone.

6. TaxAct – A dependable middle-ground option between TurboTax's premium pricing and TaxSlayer's bargain pricing, with a nice price-lock guarantee and decent support for more complex situations like multi-state filing.

7. IRS Free File (via partner software) – If your AGI is under the threshold, this gives you free access to name-brand software (like TaxAct or TaxSlayer versions) directly through IRS.gov, worth checking before paying for anything.

8. Jackson Hewitt Online – A solid, low-cost alternative with straightforward pricing, best for simple-to-moderate returns if you want a recognizable brand without TurboTax/H&R Block pricing.

9. E-file.com – One of the cheapest paid options available, decent for simple returns where you just want a no-frills, low-cost e-file experience.

10. Drake Tax (via a preparer) / working with a CPA directly – Not DIY software per se, but if your situation involves real complexity (multiple businesses, complicated investments, major life changes), it's often worth paying a professional rather than forcing a DIY tool to fit — Drake is what many CPAs use behind the scenes, so asking a preparer who uses it is a reasonable fallback.

Bottom line: for most simple W-2 filers, start with FreeTaxUSA or Cash App Taxes to file free or cheap; if you want more guided support and don't mind paying more, H&R Block or TurboTax are the safest bets; and if your return is genuinely complicated, skip DIY software altogether and hire a CPA.

Gemini · Recorded 2026-08-10

Here is a ranked recommendation of the best tax filing software for individuals, from strongest to weakest:

1. TurboTax: Offers the most intuitive, user-friendly interface with excellent guidance for complex tax situations, though it is often the most expensive. 2. H&R Block: Provides a nearly identical experience to TurboTax at a slightly lower price point, with the added benefit of robust in-person support options. 3. FreeTaxUSA: Highly recommended for its incredible value, offering completely free federal returns for all tax situations and very affordable state filings. 4. TaxSlayer: A great choice for budget-conscious filers who still want a traditional, guided software experience without the premium price tag. 5. Cash App Taxes: Best for individuals with relatively simple tax situations who want to file both federal and state taxes completely free. 6. TaxAct: A solid middle-ground option that offers comprehensive coverage for complex tax situations at prices generally lower than the premium brands. 7. Jackson Hewitt: Offers straightforward software with a flat-rate pricing model that can be advantageous for users with moderately complex returns. 8. OLT (OnLine Taxes): A no-frills, highly affordable option that is best suited for experienced filers who do not need extensive hand-holding. 9. Liberty Tax: Provides a basic online filing experience backed by access to local branches if you suddenly decide you need professional help. 10. e-file.com: A budget-friendly alternative with frequent discounts, though it lacks the polished interface and deep educational resources of higher-ranked competitors.

Perplexity · Recorded 2026-08-10

If I were buying for a typical individual, I’d recommend FreeTaxUSA first for most people who want the best mix of price and capability, with TurboTax as the strongest premium alternative if you want the most polished guidance and are willing to pay more.[8][7][10]

1. FreeTaxUSA — Best overall value for many individuals because it is widely recommended for straightforward returns and is repeatedly highlighted as a top pick by reviewers focused on cost and usability.[8][7] 2. TurboTax — Best premium choice for people who want the strongest hand-holding and broad coverage of tax situations, but it is usually more expensive than lower-cost rivals.[10][7][1] 3. Cash App Taxes — Best free option for eligible simple returns, making it attractive if your priority is paying nothing rather than having the most features.[2][3] 4. H&R Block — A strong all-around option with both online and in-person support, which is useful if you want software plus access to human help.[3][7] 5. TaxSlayer — Good for cost-conscious filers who still want a full-featured online product, especially if your return is not highly complex.[3][6] 6. TaxAct — Solid mid-tier choice for individuals who want a familiar DIY filing experience without paying TurboTax-level prices.[3][6] 7. IRS Free File / IRS partner options — Best if you qualify and want the lowest possible cost, since the IRS explicitly points to free filing resources for eligible taxpayers.[2] 8. Free File Fillable Forms — Useful for confident filers with simple returns who do not need much guidance and want an IRS-backed free form-filling option.[2] 9. Credit Karma Tax / legacy free-file style alternatives — Historically appealing for free filing, but current availability and feature set should be checked carefully before relying on them.[4][5] 10. Less-prominent niche tools — Reasonable only if they match a very specific tax situation, because mainstream reviewers generally favor the bigger names above for most individuals.[3][6]