10 Best Tax Software: Top Online Tax Filing in 2023

Deepti Nickam

February 3, 2023

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America’s tax system sucks.

Why?

For decades now, the tax service industry has prevented the IRS (Internal Revenue Service) from introducing a feature many developed countries take for granted—a free and easy-to-use online service for taxpayers.

It’s pretty absurd that the IRS knows how much taxes you owe—but asks you to calculate it yourself, and pay a middleman (tax software) to file it for you. 

We might grumble, but it isn’t changing anytime soon—so for now, the only way to reduce your tax woes is to get the right software to pull your weight for you.

In this article, we’re going to take you through our picks for the 10 best tax software options in 2023—their costs, pros and cons, and some key FAQs.

What’s the Best Tax Filer in 2023? Check Out Our Best Online Tax Services

These services make tax filing smooth like peanut butter. Here’s a comparison table with their key features—

1. Best overall tax service (and best online tax service)—TurboTax Deluxe

Why we picked it

TurboTax—the overall champ—is a tax software by Intuit that combines tax expertise with an easy user interface. Importing your documents, navigating different forms, and filing your taxes—feels like breeze.

Tax filing can be daunting (even if you’re a pro) so a little reassurance won’t hurt.

This is why we love TurboTax’s Deluxe plan—it’s perfect if you have slightly complex tax deductions. 

Its helpful tools include explainer videos and questionnaires to help identify tax credits and deductions. 

Pros

• Simple and easy-to-use interface.
• Deluxe plan offers helpful tools like Easy Guide and Explain Why.
• It lets you upload your W-2 and fill out key fields on your return automatically.

Cons

• Constantly tries to sell you add-on products, which can overwhelm an already tax-fried brain.
• Paid packages are pricey.

2. Best free tax software—Cash App Taxes

Why we picked it

If you have an adjusted gross income (AGI) of $73,000 or less a year—you can leverage the IRS Free File program and file taxes for free with one of the IRS’s partner providers (including OLT, TaxAct, FileYourTaxes.com, FreeTaxUSA®, ezTaxReturn.com, TaxSlayer, and 1040NOW.NET). 

But here’s a sad stat—a study by ProPublica says over 14 million Americans paid for free file returns that should have cost nothing in 2020. 

If your tax situation is simple—let’s say a W-2 and a few deductions—you want to avoid this fate by picking IRS Free File programs. 

But what if you don’t qualify—or simply don’t like the portal? 

Choose a free software like Cash App Taxes.

Most big fish in the market will give you a free version with limited features and prompt you to buy a paid plan—but Cash App is unique because all its offerings are free. 

Keep in mind that you’ll have to download the app to do your business—and the support services are limited to email.

Pros

• Completely free to use.
• Free audit defense with every return.

Cons

• Doesn’t provide phone support—note ideal if you want to talk to an expert.
• You’ll need the app to file your taxes.
• You can’t file multiple state tax returns.

3. Best tax return software—Jackson Hewitt Online

Why we picked it

Jackson Hewitt Online got on our list because it provides great value—we’re talking a flat $25 fee to file all your tax returns. 

It gets better—you can file multiple state tax returns without paying extra.

The app’s interface is straightforward. If you’re confused, you can connect to customer service via email, phone call, or live chat (just remember that these representatives only answer product-related questions, and don’t offer tax advice). 

This software also doesn’t try to upsell you when you’re filing returns.

Pros 

• Charges a $25 flat fee to file your tax returns.
• Lets you file multiple state tax returns at no additional cost.

Cons

• Customer care representatives can only help you with product-related questions.

4. Best tax software for self employed—TaxSlayer Self-Employed 

Why we picked it

Apart from a very lonely Boss’s Day, being self-employed also comes with a ton of operational challenges you have to tackle alone.

However, with software like TaxSlayer, doing your taxes won’t feel like a one-person mission. 

This intuitive platform is the best tax software for independent contractors as it has guided interviews to walk you through all the steps in your tax-filing process.

TaxSlayer also has immaculate customer service—including a priority phone line—to help you navigate complicated returns.

But the extra hand-holding isn’t always appreciated—if you’re looking for a particular deduction or business expense, the guided experience can slow you down.

Pros

• Costs include expert tax advice.
• Guided experience to help you navigate tax forms.

Cons

• Self-employment tax plan is relatively expensive.

5. Best crypto tax software—Koinly

Why we picked it

Here’s a brutal fact—

Whether you gained or lost money on your crypto investment—the tax system doesn’t care. 

Even if you’re still mourning the loss of some hard-earned cash, you still have to file your taxes.

One way to ease this pain is getting the right crypto tax software—and we think Koinly fits the bill. 

This app can’t file your taxes—but can easily track all your cryptocurrency accounts and wallets year-round for free. 

When the tax season comes around—Koinly lets you convert your crypto data into tax forms and reports. 

You get to try all its features with the free plan—except the tax reports. (Full tax reporting costs will vary based on your transactions.)

Koinly works with nearly all types of trades, accurately matches transactions between wallets and accounts—and downloads data from most exchanges using APIs. 

Pros

• Integrates with 350+ cryptocurrency wallets and exchanges and wallets. 
• Error reconciliation feature uncovers missing transaction data to ensure you’re filing accurately.

Cons

• Doesn’t have an independent tax-loss harvesting feature.
• Free plan doesn’t include tax reports.

6. Best tax software for small businesses—TaxAct

Why we picked it

We love TaxAct for small businesses because it comes with a unique feature—its self-employed package lets S corporations file Form 1120-S completely online. 

Other top competitors—like TurboTax—offer this feature as an expensive download.   

The featured-loaded app lets you manage your tax preparation and add forms and documents to complex tax returns. 

But here’s the real deal. Let’s say you pick a free plan when your tax situation is as complicated as the plot of Stranger Things—TaxAct will still let you consult a tax expert and get maximum refunds. (Others upcharge for this, but TaxAct includes it—even in the free plan.)

Pros

• Complete forms like 1120 and 1120S completely online.
• Free access to a tax expert at all plan levels.

Cons

• Can be expensive if you’re filing multiple state returns.
• Doesn’t have detailed explanations and guidance videos within the software.

7.  Best NFT tax software—CoinTracker

Why we picked it

If you’re looking for help with NFTs, you’ll quickly realize the tax preparation options are scarce.

CoinTracker shines as the best crypto tax software within the limited options—because it supports all major NFT platforms. 

This software comes with a portfolio dashboard that displays historical data, token prices, transactions, market caps, and more.

CoinTracker also has a cool fee-tracking feature that lets you see the fees you’ve paid per transaction on every exchange—a game changer when it comes to reducing the taxes you owe.

Like most crypto and NFT tax software, CoinTracker doesn’t file your taxes—but it does integrate with tax software like TurboTax, TaxAct, and H&R Block. (This way you don’t have to use two different systems to file taxes.)

With a 30-day money-back guarantee and no risk of losing money, you’ll want to try this one yourself. 

Pros

• Supports all major cryptocurrency exchanges and NFT platforms.
• Covers 25 transactions free and gives you a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Cons

• Doesn’t file your taxes
• Tax loss harvesting tool requires a premium plan.

8. Best tax software for day traders—TradeLog 

Why we picked it

Designed by active traders for active traders, TradeLog can import your entire year’s trading history with a few clicks. 

It can generate error-free tax reports, which are IRS compliant—and helps manage trade history and reporting.

TradeLog is almost always accurate—but if you find out there are errors, you can use the tool’s extensive editing features and trade matching algorithms to find and correct things.

The bottom line is—if you’re a trader who doesn’t want help from a full-service tax CPA firm, go for TradeLog—it’s the best do-it-yourself tax software. 

(And if you need more assistance, pick TradeLog’s turnkey service—Trader Tax Solutions.)

Pros

• 30-day free trial.
• Pro Version for tax professionals and CPAs.

Cons

• Some customers have reported issues with running the software on Apple Mac OS.

9. Best tax software for stocks—H&R Block 

Why we picked it

We like H&R Block’s high-quality tax filing software—especially for complex filings (something investors know all too well). 

You can import most tax PDF forms—so adding 1099 and W-2 forms is fairly painless. 

The clean user interface and extensive guidance videos should make your tax filing experience easy. 

But what if the thought of filing taxes online sends you into a panic and frenzy mode?

Good thing H&R Block is old-school-friendly—so you can get in-person tax advice from the huge network of offline H&R Block branches.

Pros

• Simple and intuitive interface.
• In-person tax support.

Cons

• Free tier has very limited features.
• Limited integrations with third-party brokers and exchanges.

10. Top tax preparation software for professionals—Drake Tax

Why we picked it

If you’re a tax professional looking for software to help with clients—your needs are way different from the average American taxpayer.

And we think Drake Tax can address them.

With this software you can:

• Calculate taxes and returns in just a click.
• Update your client’s previous year’s data to the current year.
• Accept credit or debit card payments within the platform.
• Access the eSign feature to file taxes on behalf of clients and cut-down paperwork.

Pros

• File unlimited taxes with the Unlimited plan.
• ESign feature to avoid client-related paperwork.

Cons

• A lot to learn for inexperienced tax preparers (you can master the platform, but only after tons of tutorials and possibly a few migraines). 

Our Methodology for Ranking the Best Online Tax Filing Apps

The editorial team at LifeAndMyfinances compared dozens of tax prep software. 

While rating the tools, we considered various key factors:

• Ease of use
• Speed
• Cost-effectiveness
• Expert tax assistance
• Customer support
• Customer reviews
• Maximum refund guarantee

(Disclaimer: All the fees for the tax programs mentioned above are subject to change without notice. Many tools won’t charge you until you file. Keep in mind that there’s a chance the fees can change from the time you start your return until you submit it.)

Now that we’ve gone through the list of the best tax software for 2023, let’s look at the basics of how tax software work—

Key FAQs on the Best Tax Filing Service in 2023

1. What is tax software?

Tax software is a digital tool that lets you file both your federal and state tax returns with guided help. 

Depending on the software, you can access features such as importing tax forms, tax deduction locators, expert tax help, and customer support lines.

Good tax software can save you tons of time by providing navigation tools to easily enter your tax information. 

You can also upload your previous year’s return so you don’t have to manually enter details like your name, Social Security number, and dependents’ information.

Costs may vary, but if you have a simple tax return—maybe with only one W-2 and few deductions—you can typically file for free.

2. How does tax software work?

Tax software is mostly available online through your web browser or an app. 

It automates tax filing by letting you enter your income from tax documents (like W-2, 1099 K, or 1099-INT). 

You can enter deductions you’re entitled to (including mortgage loan interest, contributions to a health savings account, and more). 

Depending on the software, you’ll have to answer a series of questions, or enter your information directly onto a tax form (the latter is suitable for tax pros). 

Once done, you’ll know if you owe taxes or can expect a refund. (Choose to enter your banking details to pay taxes or receive a direct deposit to your bank account.) 

Finally, you can opt to file electronically or file a paper tax return. 

3. Which tax software is best for me?

This depends on your individual tax situation, budget, and tax filing experience. 

Based on factors like customer support, ease of use, and value, we think TurboTax would be the best choice overall. 

However, if you’re looking to file a simple tax return, consider a free tax software like Cash App Taxes. 

Cryptos and NFTs have a different set of tax requirements—it’s best to opt for specialized tax software like Koinly and CoinTracker.

4. Do tax professionals use TurboTax?

TurboTax is only licensed for personal use—and it isn’t compliant with IRS regulations for paid preparers. 

Intuit (TurboTax’s parent company) offers ProSeries, ProConnect, and Lacerte Tax software for tax professionals filing multiple returns.

5. How much federal tax should I pay?

The US has a progressive tax system—meaning you pay higher federal income tax rates with a higher taxable incomes pay. 

You can calculate your taxable income by taking your gross income and subtracting your tax deductions. 

Your gross income is all the money you earned during the year (including your job, side hustles, and income from other sources) before any taxes or deductions are taken out.

After subtracting applicable deductions, you’ll have your net income—the taxable income you’ll pay taxes for. 

Next, you’ll need to find your appropriate tax bracket based on your income and filing status to find what you owe.

Consider using a tax liability calculator to figure out how much tax you may have to pay.

6. Is it worth it to buy tax software?

This is what Andrew Latham, Certified Financial Planner and Managing Editor at Supermoney.com, thinks about using tax software, “One important factor to consider is the complexity of your tax situation. If you have a simple tax return with only a few sources of income and deductions—it makes sense to file manually. However—if you have a more complex tax situation—such as multiple sources of income, deductions, or self-employment income, using tax software may be the way to go.

In case you do have a simple return but aren’t comfortable filling out forms manually or reading IRS instructions—I recommend using free or cheap tax software since most programs simplify IRS instructions and make it easy to complete tax forms.”

Ultimately, it’s also important to check if the price of the software is worth the time and effort it will save you.

Wrapping Up

When compared to paying your taxes on paper, online tax preparation and filing services can save you a lot of time and frustration. 

They can also help you save money by uncovering deductions you were unaware of.

Tax apps and websites are constantly improving—if you’ve struggled in the past with a web-based tax solution, give it another shot this year. 

Read our comprehensive reviews to find the best solution for your financial needs. 

America’s tax system still sucks—but your tax filing experience doesn’t have to!

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