TaxAct Online Review 2026: Filers who want posted, fixed prices and lower paid tiers than the best known brand
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Our verdict
TaxAct shows its prices up front, which is why it scores well on transparency. The homepage lists Free at $0 plus state, Deluxe at $59.99, Premier (for stocks, crypto, home sales and rental income) at $99.99, and Self-Employed at $109.99, each plus state (as of 2026-10-02). TaxAct says about 40% of its filers qualified for the free edition last year. Live help is an add-on: Xpert Assist gives unlimited access to tax experts for $60. TaxAct also offers a $100k Accuracy Guarantee on self-prepared 1040 products. For the extension season it advertises one flat $70 for a first TaxAct federal 1040 and all state returns, started on or after September 17, 2026 and filed by October 15, 2026. State fees add to every tier, so the total depends on your state. Confirm current prices on TaxAct's site. This is information, not tax advice.
Score breakdown
- Fees (25%)7.0/10
- Value & Returns (25%)7.0/10
- Transparency (20%)8.0/10
- Security & Trust (15%)7.0/10
- Support (15%)7.0/10
Scored per our review methodology.
Who it's for
Best for: Filers who want posted, fixed prices and lower paid tiers than the best known brand.
Pricing
Free $0, Deluxe $59.99, Premier $99.99, Self-Employed $109.99, each plus state; Xpert Assist $60 (as of 2026-10-02)
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 + state | About 40% of TaxAct filers qualified last year (as of 2026-10-02). |
| Deluxe | $59.99 + state | Homeownership, dependents, HSA (as of 2026-10-02). |
| Premier | $99.99 + state | Stocks, crypto, home sale, rental income (as of 2026-10-02). |
| Self-Employed | $109.99 + state | Freelance and sole proprietor income (as of 2026-10-02). |
| Xpert Assist | $60 | Unlimited live expert help add-on (as of 2026-10-02). |
What the evidence says
- Free $0 + state (about 40% qualified last year); Deluxe $59.99; Premier $99.99; Self-Employed $109.99; each + state; Xpert Assist $60; flat $70 first-return offer started on or after Sep 17 and filed by Oct 15, 2026; $100k Accuracy Guarantee (as of 2026-10-02). (TaxAct (official))
Pros & cons
Pros
- Published flat prices for each tier on the homepage: Deluxe $59.99, Premier $99.99, Self-Employed $109.99 (as of 2026-10-02)
- Free federal edition; TaxAct says about 40% of its filers qualified last year (as of 2026-10-02)
- $100k Accuracy Guarantee for self-prepared 1040 products (as of 2026-10-02)
- Unlimited live expert help through the Xpert Assist add-on for $60 (as of 2026-10-02)
Cons & red flags
- State returns cost extra on every tier, including Free (as of 2026-10-02)
- Stocks, crypto and rental income need Premier at $99.99 plus state (as of 2026-10-02)
- The current flat $70 offer for federal and all states applies only to first TaxAct returns started on or after September 17, 2026 and filed by October 15, 2026 (as of 2026-10-02)
How it compares
TaxAct Online scores 7.2/10 in our tax software evaluation. See where it lands in the full ranking: Best Tax Software of 2026.
- Cash App Taxes review — 8.1/10, filers who are comfortable doing their own return and want to pay nothing for federal and state filing
- IRS Free File Fillable Forms review — 7.9/10, filers who know the irs forms, do not need a state return, and want a free federal option with no income limit
Frequently asked questions
How much does TaxAct cost?
Free is $0, Deluxe $59.99, Premier $99.99 and Self-Employed $109.99, each plus a state fee (as of 2026-10-02).
Can I get help from a tax expert?
Yes, through the Xpert Assist add-on, which TaxAct prices at $60 for unlimited access (as of 2026-10-02).
Is there a current offer?
TaxAct advertises one flat $70 for a first TaxAct federal and all state returns, if you start on or after September 17, 2026 and file by October 15, 2026 (as of 2026-10-02).
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