TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, And TaxSlayer Pricing Comparison (2024)

TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxAct, and TaxSlayer are the major players that dominate the online tax filing landscape. Cash App Taxes has also become a major player - but they're pricing is simple - free.

TurboTax consistently produces the highest quality, easiest to use tax filing software on the market, and follows closely on its heels. TaxSlayer has emerged as a strong competitor in recent years. TaxAct tends to lag the pack in terms of usability, but it also chalks in at the lowest price point (sometimes).

Each software offers "Free" filing. However, the Free filing has limits. All of these programs offer paid filing tiers as well. Of course, each company offers different inclusions at each tier which makes comparing features all the more difficult. To clarify pricing, we’re comparing the four major players for 2024. We also mention Cash App Taxes because it's a compelling free product IF your return is supported. They have limits, and you might not qualify based on your needs (like multiple states, etc.).

If you don't know what tax software is right for you, check out our guide to the Best Tax Software which breaks down our picks based on your tax situation.

Note:We will adjust these prices as we find them, but there may be sales, specials, or discounts we miss. Please let us know in the comments if you find a good deal! Remember, prices tend to be lowest in December and January, and highest right at the tax deadline.

Promo:Right now, you can get 20% off tax software online - making it the cheapest option of these three competitors.

Comparing The Online "Free" Tax Filing Software

TurboTax,, and TaxSlayer offer some form of completely free tax filing. That means the federal filing costs $0 and the first state costs $0. TaxAct always charges for state filing.

For a comparison of "Free" tiers, you'd except to see a lot of $0s. And that's mostly what you'll find in the table below. But remember - it's not always about price, but also what features are included in the free tier.

However, as previously noted, you will have to pay $39.99 (per state) if you need to file a state return with TaxAct this year.

Both the TurboTax and TaxSlayer free tier are quite restrictive. For TurboTax specifically, it's limited to simple tax returns only and not all taxpayers qualify. continues to offer the most robust free tier of the paid programs, which is why we recommend it again in 2024.

However, if you qualify to file with Cash App Taxes, this is a compelling option for most tax filers. You should familiarize yourself with their limitations though.

Comparing The Online "Deluxe" Tax Filing Software

The Deluxe pricing tier is typically targeted toward people who want to “maximize deductions and credits.” A lot of people think this means people who itemize their taxes, but many tax filers who take the standard deduction will still find that they need to upgrade to the Deluxe tier of their tax filing software for various reasons.

"Deluxe" is the most common tier for people who have child care expenses, who contribute to an HSA, or who want to deduct their student loan interest. Here's a closer look at what's always included, never included, and sometimes included.

However, TaxSlayer Classic (which is the second pricing level, equivalent to Deluxe) includes all forms and situations, which makes it very compelling.

This is where TaxSlayer's competitive edge really shines. At the Classic level, TaxSlayer includes all forms and tax situations for a significantly lower price than the limitations of the other brands. So even though both H&R Block and TaxAct are slightly cheaper, with TaxSlayer, you get access to everything! Both H&R Block and TaxAct would limit you at this level.

TaxSlayer is our recommendation here, but users may also consider FreeTaxUSA, which is also a strong contender in this tier.

Try TaxSlayer Classic

Comparing The Online "Premium" Tax Filing Software

The Premium pricing tier is the tier that supports “investors”. All software packages support stock and crypto trading, and they have built-in calculators for landlords.

This is a tier where you really do get what you pay for. TaxAct is the lowest priced, but at the same time, it doesn't offer any integrations with financial services firms to help you with your taxes.

If you need to import transactions, H&R Block Premium and TurboTax Premier are likely where you want to be. If you just have traditional investments, I'd pick TaxSlayer. If you have crypto, I'd probably select TurboTax.

At this tier, TurboTax offers the best experience. Most traders and landlords will appreciate the number of integrations that TurboTax supports. TaxSlayer Classic also shines - offering all forms at a flat price.

However, functionality isn’t everything, especially if you don't need it. offers a similar user experience at a lower price point. If you don't have crypto, our general pick is going to be H&R Block Premium.

This is the first year TaxAct has offered this pricing, but we fear it's incredibly promotional and their prices will rise quickly at this tier.

For now, TaxSlayer Premium is our recommendation unless you need the direct integrations that TurboTax offers.

Try TaxSlayer

Comparing The Online "Self-Employed" Tax Filing Software

The self-employed filing software is required for anyone who had Schedule C (self-employment) income. Given the rocky economic conditions of the last year, I suspect that a lot of people have done some gig work this year. All of those side hustlers may need to upgrade to this tier for their filing.

If your business doesn’t have assets, you may not need TurboTax or any of these software options. TaxSlayer Classic offers similar functionality at a much lower price.

Note:TurboTax Online combined their Premium and Self-Employed versions into one single plan: TurboTax Premium. This makes TurboTax a much more compelling option for self-employed individuals.

Late in the tax season last year, TurboTax and TaxAct has significantly raised their prices, butTurboTax has the advantage due to the integrations. H&R Block Online is another good option, saving a significant amount over TurboTax.

But at this level, I would encourage filers to check out TaxSlayer which has incredible functionality at a lower price.

TaxAct is also another solid choice for small business owners - they've really doubled-down their focus on side hustlers and small business owners on their Self-Employed Tier.

Try TaxSlayer Self-Employed

Comparing The Downloadable Editions Of TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct

Tax filers have the option to choose downloadable products rather than using the cloud-based options. Theoretically, downloadable software may be more secure. The only direct risk of hacking is when you e-file your returns. However, these products aren’t risk-free. If your computer has malware, a hacker could steal your information from your computer rather than from a cloud-based server.

Note:TaxSlayer doesn't offer a downloadable version of their product.

Comparing Downloadable Basic Editions

Across the board, the Deluxe edition brings more functionality at a lower price point (compared to the Basic edition).

If you'll have to file a state return, H&R Block's downloadable Deluxe edition will actually cost you less than it's Basic software download. Given the dramatic disparity in pricing, H&R Block is again the winner for downloadable Deluxe software.

Consistent with other tiers, H&R Block is still the low price leader. Clocking in at under $100, the H&R Block downloadable software is quite a steal. If you’re going to use H&R Block Self-Employed, you may save money by choosing to download.

Note:While TurboTax combined the Home & Business into the Premier for the online version, the desktop versions are still separate.

Final Thoughts

After comparing pricing and functionality, and TaxSlayer most frequently emerges as the best value among the big filing companies. But that doesn’t mean these options are the best choice for you.