Best Online Tax Software Programs for 2024

Filing taxes correctly and quickly is a critical part of getting your money right. Here are our rating for the most popular tax software packages.

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Best Online Tax Software

Takeaways

  • Filing your federal taxes on time and in full is good financial hygiene.
  • The deadline to file your 2023 federal taxes is Monday April 15, 2024.
  • States that don’t have state income taxes don’t require a state income tax return.
  • Consulting with a tax professional before tax season is a smart money move.
  • A financial planning strategy that reduces your tax liability can save you money.

Some of the links in this article are from advertising partners of Smart Money, which does not influence our evaluations or recommendations. We work to provide you with accurate and reliable information. Our opinions are our own.

Filing Income Taxes

Filing your taxes can be a stressful experience, especially if you have a new variable in your life like a spouse, child, or received a financial windfall. Choosing the right tax software to help you prepare your taxes can help improve the process dramatically.

Depending on the complexity of your tax situation, each one of the companies below could be a great fit. Whether you need top-notch tax advice from Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and tax experts or simply want the most budget-friendly filing solution, there is an option for you. Some of these tax software services offer additional features like data-driven tax recommendations, quick tips, year-end planning, and video conferencing with CPAs and tax professionals.

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Best Online Tax Software Programs for 2024

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Intuit Website

Intuit TurboTax

Our Rating: 5/5

Federal Filing Fee: $59 – $119

State Filing Fee: $0 – $59

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H&R Block Website

H&R Block

Our Rating: 5/5

Federal Filing Fee: $35 – $85

State Filing Fee: $0 – $37

Intro Offer: 20% Off Software

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File Today

TaxSlayer

Our Rating: 5/5

Federal Filing Fee: $32.25 – $62.95

State Filing Fee: $0 – $39.95

Intro Offer: Free Federal Filing for Simple Tax Returns

Learn More

Tax Act Website

Tax Act

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Federal Filing Fee: $49.99 – $99.99

State Filing Fee: $39.99 – $59.99

Intro Offer: Free Federal Filing for Simple Tax Returns

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FreeTax Website

Free Tax USA

Our Rating: 4.5/5

Federal Filing Fee: $0

State Filing Fee: $14.99

Intro Offer: Free Federal Filing for Simple Tax Returns

Smart Summary

Filing your taxes is an essential part of a well-informed financial plan. Optimizing your earnings to reduce your tax burden is a smart money move. Whether that is using a robo-advisor to take advantage of tax-loss harvesting or timing when to take investment gains and losses, tax strategies should help you accumulate wealth and increase your net worth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the federal tax filing deadline?

The deadline to file your 2023 federal taxes is Monday April 15, 2024. You can delay your filing, but payment is required by the IRS.

Do I have to pay state taxes too?

Depending on where you live, where you earned your income, if you worked from home, and how you earned your income, you could be subject to state income tax. States like Texas, Florida, or Tennessee that don’t have a state income tax do not require you to file a state income tax return.

What are capital gains taxes?

Capital gains are gains on investment in assets like stocks, bonds, or real estate. Capital gains are taxed at lower rates than the federal income tax brackets.

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