Best Tax Software With Live Expert Help

What separates the picks on this page?

All three members were run through the same three returns and checked against a CPA-prepared result. The scores sit close: TurboTax at 8.2, H&R Block Online at 8.1, TaxAct at 7.5. The differences show up in price and in how much hand-holding you get.

TurboTax starts at $89 and its interview caught every deduction on all three returns. Brokerage 1099-B and crypto imports took seconds, and Live Assisted puts a tax pro on video. The catch is cost: $193 for the freelancer or investor return with one state, and prices rise as April approaches.

H&R Block Online starts at $55, and its free tier covers more common forms than TurboTax's. Every return matched the CPA, and you can switch to an office appointment at any point. Self-Employed with state is $164, and brokerage import covers fewer institutions.

TaxAct starts at $54.99 and carries a $100,000 Accuracy Guarantee, the largest here. Xpert Assist is included with paid tiers, and it matched the CPA on all three. Its free tier charges $39.99 for the state, and it lands near H&R Block prices with less polish.

What should I check before buying tax software with live expert help?

Scoring weights accuracy and guidance at 30, price at 25, ease of use at 20, support at 15, and import and features at 10. Match that to your own return.

• Your forms. If you hold brokerage or crypto accounts, import coverage matters. TurboTax imported our brokerage 1099-B and crypto in seconds; H&R Block covers fewer institutions.
• State filing. The headline price is rarely the final one. TaxAct's free tier charges $39.99 for the state, and TurboTax's freelancer or investor return with one state runs $193.
• Timing. TurboTax prices rise as April approaches, so filing early costs less.
• Human backup. Live Assisted on TurboTax puts a tax pro on video. H&R Block lets you switch to an office appointment at any point. TaxAct includes Xpert Assist with paid tiers.

TurboTax

For filers with brokerage or crypto activity who want the smoothest interview and video access to a tax pro, and who accept the highest price in the ranking.

H&R Block Online

For filers who want nearly TurboTax's ease for a little less money, a more generous free tier, and 9,000 offices if you would rather hand it over.

TaxAct

For filers who want a capable middle option with a $100,000 accuracy guarantee and Xpert Assist included, priced close to H&R Block without the offices.

TurboTax suits filers with brokerage or crypto activity who want the easiest interview and a tax pro on video. H&R Block Online suits filers who want nearly the same ease for less, with 9,000 offices as a fallback. TaxAct suits filers who want Xpert Assist included and a $100,000 accuracy guarantee at a price close to H&R Block.