The dreaded tax season is upon us, and you might be stressing already. Yes, there are probably about a million things you'd rather do than try to decipher some of the most boring writing ever committed to paper -- aka, the tax code.
Thankfully, if you have a laptop and an internet connection, tax preparation software means you can prepare and file taxes from home in your pajamas. Even better, you might be eligible for free tax services, too. So if you're wondering how to discover which product -- and which version of that product -- is best for your individual needs, you can find out here.
GOBankingRates has broken down the five leading tax-preparation software products and services (including free options) and included their prices so you can find the best one for your needs. So don't stress too much about your taxes, because help is out there -- and it can be pretty cheap, too.
See: 43% of Americans File Taxes From the Comfort of Their Home, Survey Finds
TurboTax Review
Perhaps the best known of tax software on the market, TuboTax is by no means the least expensive. However, it offers some great features, such as the ability to input your W-2 by snapping a picture of it with your phone or tablet. Also, if you're unlucky enough to get audited, TurboTax offers one-on-one advice for free. You can also sync your online info to other devices so you can access it anywhere, anytime -- so you can even choose to do taxes at the beach.
Another cool TurboTax feature is SmartLook, which is included with most of the products. With SmartLook, a live TurboTax expert answers your questions, and even virtually draws on your screen to make sure his answers are clear.
TurboTax Pricing
Depending on the version of software you choose, you could pay nothing or up to $127 or more to do your taxes through TurboTax. Here's how much using the TurboTax software will cost you.
Online Versions
Federal Free Edition: $0, plus $0 for state returns -- designed for those using 1040EZ or 1040A forms
Deluxe: $34.99, additional $36.99 per state -- designed for those whose taxes include mortgage or property tax, itemized deductions, donation deductibles, etc.
Premier: $54.99, additional $36.99 per state -- designed for filers with investments and rental property
Home and Business: $89.99, additional $36.99 per state -- designed for small business owners and independent contractors who use Schedule C
Downloadable and CD Versions
Basic: $29.99, additional $39.99 per state, plus $24.99 for state e-file; free federal e-file
Deluxe: $59.99, one free state, $39.99 for each additional state; $24.99 to e-file the state return
Premier: $89.99, one free state, additional $39.99 per state; $24.99 to e-file state return
Home and Business: $99.99, one free state, additional $39.99 per state; $24.99 to e-file state return
Pros:
Sophisticated software with a lot of bells and whistles
Live chat help
Optional audit advice
Cons:
Costs more than some competitors' software
Program might allow incomplete tax forms and missing information
Some forms and schedules possibly not supported
Related: TurboTax Tax Preparation Mobile App Review
H&R Block Review
Another familiar name in the tax-preparation game, H&R Block's online software offers many great features -- such as snapping a photo of your W-2 to input your financial data. H&R Block also offers a guarantee that you'll receive the maximum refund possible. Like TurboTax, you can download the software or file online, or you can choose to visit a brick-and-mortar office.
H&R Block offers free, unlimited chat support, and you can import last year's data to expedite your return. If you do choose to visit a branch location for your tax preparation, you could qualify for an interest-free advance of up to $1,250 against your refund.
H&R Block Pricing
See if you can afford the H&R Block fees for filing.
Online Versions
Free: Free federal and state returns -- designed for first-time tax filers or simple tax returns
Deluxe: $34.99 federal, $36.99 for each state return -- designed for homeowners with deductions
Premium: $54.99 federal, $36.99 for each state -- designed for investors or small business owners
Downloadable Software Versions
Basic: $19.95, $39.95 state; $19.95 state for additional state e-file
Deluxe and State: $34.95; includes one state, plus $19.95 for additional state e-file
Premium: $64.95; one free state, $19.95 for additional state e-file.
Premium and Business: $79.95; one free state, $19.95 for additional state e-file.
Pros:
Interest-free advance offered on refunds
Help available
Brick-and-mortar locations available
Cons:
On the expensive side
Last version's final error check not user-friendly, according to PC Magazine
Might not support all forms and schedules
Related: H&R Block Tax Preparation Mobile App Review
TaxAct Review
TaxAct is the cheapest online tax filing software of the bunch, and it features a simple, three-level price structure. The company guarantees a price lock, which means that whenever you file your return, you'll pay the price stated when you prepared it. TaxAct also guarantees the accuracy of your return.
TaxAct is a good option if you have a relatively simple tax return and don't require a lot of assistance during its preparation. For support, the company offers online answers and help by email, but no live chat.
TaxAct Pricing
TaxAct software is extremely affordable.
Online Versions
Free: Free federal and state returns and e-filing -- designed for simple returns using 1040 EZ and 1040A
Plus: $15, plus $25 per state return - designed for those with mortgages, investments, charitable donations and more
Premium: $30, plus $25 per state return -- designed for freelancers, contractors and those who are self-employed
Downloadable Versions:
Free: Five free federal returns; state return is $25
Plus: $40; includes one state return; e-file additional
Premium: $55; includes one state return; e-file additional
Pros:
Lowest price
Extremely affordable for self-employed, freelancers and contractors
Guaranteed price
Cons:
No live help -- answers online and via email only
Lacks schedules C and F, according to PC Magazine, as of January 2016
Last tax year's mobile version not great, according to PC Magazine
TaxSlayer Review
TaxSlayer is another affordable but basic tax preparation software program. In fact, you can prepare your taxes either from a laptop or a mobile device. You can choose to pay no upfront fees and instead have the program deduct the cost of the program and filing from your tax refund. Like the big-name tax software, TaxSlayer offers guarantees for accuracy and maximum refund.
With TaxSlayer's Premium option, you'll also have the option to email a tax professional, who will email you back with an answer within a day. The Premium edition offers audit advice as well -- not a feature you hope to use, but might be glad for, if the situation arises.
TaxSlayer Pricing
Check out the pricing on this affordable option for filing your taxes.
Online Versions
Basic: Free, plus $19.99 for state return -- designed for filers using Form 1040EZ
Classic: $12.99, plus $19.99 for state return -- includes all major forms and schedules; can import last year's taxes
Premium: $34.99, plus $19.99 for state return --includes all the features of the Classic edition, plus additional customer assistance
Pros:
Lower-priced
Supports all forms and schedules, according to PC Magazine
Cost of software can be deducted from refund
Cons:
User interface is lacking, according to PC Magazine
Inadequate search tools, according to PC Magazine regarding last season's version
No live chat -- email help only
Jackson Hewitt Review
Jackson Hewitt, like H&R Block, offers many brick-and-mortar locations -- 6,300 to be exact, including branches in 3,000 Walmarts. Jackson Hewitt also offers online tax-preparation software, including a free federal version. Unlike some of the less-expensive products, Jackson Hewitt offers unlimited help via live chat to help you get through your return.
The company offers an accuracy guarantee, backed by the promise that if its calculations are wrong it will pay your IRS penalties and interest. If you're due a return, Jackson Hewitt offers an interest-free advance of up to $1,300. Finally, it offers a money-back, maximum-refund guarantee or it will give you back your tax-prep fee.
Jackson Hewitt Pricing
The paid versions might not be the cheapest choices, but they come with a lot of extras.
Online Versions
Free: Free, plus $29.99 for state return -- designed for simple returns
Basic: $39.95, plus $39.95 for state return -- for recent graduates and newly married filers
Deluxe: $54.95, plus $39.95 for state returns -- best for families, homeowners and investors
Premium: $74.95, plus $39.95 for state returns -- designed for self-employed individuals and filers with complex tax returns
Pros:
Unlimited, live chat help available
Many price levels
Highest interest-free advance against refund available
Cons:
Expensive
Navigational glitches, according to PC Magazine regarding last season's version
Bumps you into higher price tier services without warning, according to PC Magazine
Decide If Online Filing Works for You
Whether you file a personal tax return or own a small business, there's probably tax software that will enable you to file taxes online this tax season. However, programs won't do all the work for you, so if you're not confident in your ability to navigate tax software, don't hesitate to call a professional.
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: From TurboTax to H&R Block: Best Tax Software and Services