TurboTax vs TaxAct
By Itai Varochik | Updated 2026
Quick Verdict
Overall Winner: TurboTax (4.5/5)
We tested TurboTax and TaxAct side-by-side. TurboTax comes out ahead overall, but TaxAct may be better for specific use cases.
Score Breakdown
| Criteria | TurboTax | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|
| Features | 9/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Ease of Use | 9.5/10 | 7.5/10 |
| Value for Money | 6.5/10 | 8.5/10 |
| Customer Support | 8.5/10 | 7/10 |
| Overall | 8.5/10 | 7.6/10 |
Feature Comparison
| Feature | TurboTax | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|
| Step-by-Step Filing | Yes | No |
| Live Expert | Yes | No |
| Import | Yes | Yes |
| Audit Support | Yes | No |
| Max Refund | Yes | No |
| Federal + State | No | Yes |
| Price Lock | No | Yes |
Pricing Comparison
TurboTax: Free – $129+
TaxAct: Free tier / From $24.99
TurboTax Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most user-friendly tax filing experience
- Excellent step-by-step guidance
- Live expert access (CPA/EA)
- Accurate calculations with guarantee
Cons
- Most expensive tax software option
- Aggressive upsells
- Free tier is very restrictive
TaxAct Pros & Cons
Pros
- Much cheaper than TurboTax
- Solid feature set
- Price lock guarantee
- Good import tools
Cons
- UI less polished
- Fewer guidance features
- Limited audit support
- Less hand-holding
Key Specifications
| Spec | TurboTax | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.5/5 | 4.1/5 |
| Pricing | Free – $129+ | Free tier / From $24.99 |
| Year Founded | 1984 | 1998 |
| Headquarters | San Diego, CA | Cedar Rapids, IA |
| Employees | Part of Intuit (15,000+) | N/A |
| Best For Region | United States | N/A |
| State Filing Cost | $49/state | N/A |
| Live Expert Access | Yes | N/A |
Our Verdict
TurboTax wins overall. Choose TurboTax if you value First-time filers. Choose TaxAct if you prioritize Budget-conscious filers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TurboTax better than TaxAct?
Based on our testing, TurboTax scores higher with a rating of 4.5/5 compared to TaxAct's 4.1/5. However, the best choice depends on your specific needs.
What is the main difference between TurboTax and TaxAct?
TurboTax is known for: The most popular tax filing software with step-by-step guidance and expert help.. TaxAct is known for: Affordable tax filing software with solid features at lower prices than TurboTax..
Which is cheaper, TurboTax or TaxAct?
TurboTax pricing: Free – $129+. TaxAct pricing: Free tier / From $24.99.
Can I use TurboTax and TaxAct together?
While both tools serve similar purposes in the Tax Software category, some users do use complementary features from both platforms.
What are the pros of TurboTax?
Most user-friendly tax filing experience. Excellent step-by-step guidance. Live expert access (CPA/EA)
What are the pros of TaxAct?
Much cheaper than TurboTax. Solid feature set. Price lock guarantee
Which tax software should I choose?
Choose TurboTax if you value First-time filers. Choose TaxAct if you prioritize Budget-conscious filers.