TaxAct
Claim this toolOnline tax filing with DIY, expert help, and full-service tiers, free for simple returns.
From $45/mo (free plan available)Visit WebsiteFreemiumVisit Website
Tracked since2026
The Bottom Line
- Price
- From $45/mo (free plan available). Compare plans
Key facts
- Do It Yourself is free for simple W-2 returns; state filing is an additional fee on every tier.
- Xpert Assist (unlimited expert chat/calls plus a review) starts at $45 federal.
- Xpert Full Service (a dedicated pro handles everything) starts at $99 federal.
Pros
- Xpert Assist starts at $45, undercutting comparable tiers at TurboTax and H&R Block
- Xpert Full Service starts at $99, also below typical full-service pricing
- Free DIY tier available for simple returns
Cons
- State filing fees are additional and not fixed on the pricing page
- Free tier excludes investment income, rental property, and itemized deductions
What is TaxAct?
TaxAct offers three online filing paths for individuals: a Do It Yourself tier that's free for simple W-2 returns and includes a deduction finder and accuracy/maximum-refund guarantees; Xpert Assist, which pairs DIY filing with unlimited expert chat and phone calls plus an expert review before filing, starting at $45 federal; and Xpert Full Service, where a credentialed tax professional handles preparation end-to-end, including audit support, starting at $99 federal. State filing is an additional fee on every tier. TaxAct also runs limited-time promotional pricing, such as a $55 combined federal-plus-state offer for new customers who file early. It targets individuals and the self-employed who want a lower-cost alternative to TurboTax or H&R Block, with the option to add live expert help only when needed.
Key Features
- Free DIY filing for simple W-2 returns
- Deduction finder
- Xpert Assist unlimited expert chat and calls
- Xpert Full Service dedicated preparer
- Prior-year return import from other providers
- Audit support on Full Service
- Maximum refund and accuracy guarantees
Pricing Plans
Pricing checked Sep 25, 2026
| Plan | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Do It Yourself | $0 |
|
| Xpert Assist | $45 |
+1 moreShow less
|
| Xpert Full Service | $99 |
+1 moreShow less
|
Is TaxAct worth the price?
Good value
TaxAct's pricing is fair and competitive, with a genuinely free DIY tier for simple returns that undercuts many rivals.
The Xpert Assist at $45 and Xpert Full Service at $99 are reasonable for the expert support and dedicated preparation, though state filing adds cost. Best for cost-conscious filers with straightforward taxes or those wanting affordable professional help.
Hidden Costs & Gotchas
Xpert Assist $45 starting federal price
Xpert Full Service $99 starting federal price
Reviews
$99Free with your review
Write a reviewReview TaxAct, get a free AI guide
Share your experience and we will send you Improve Your Thinking Patterns Using ChatGPT, free.
Explore More
TaxAct FAQ
How much does TaxAct's Xpert Assist cost?
It starts at $45 for the federal return, plus an additional state filing fee. The exact price can increase depending on the forms your return requires.
Does TaxAct offer full-service tax prep?
Yes — Xpert Full Service starts at $99 federal and has a credentialed tax professional prepare and handle the entire return, including audit support.
Source: taxact.com