Side by side
H&R Block Online vs TaxAct
Both stand on small business tax software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan WebiPhoneAndroid
H&R Block Online offers filing options across simple and more involved tax situations, with expert help included in three paid plans. Check the Free Online exclusions and state filing charge against your return before choosing a plan.
Visit H&R Block Online Free plan Web
TaxAct offers several filing formats and options for personal and business returns. Check the Free Edition limits and any state-filing charge against the return you need to prepare.
Visit TaxActThe facts
| H&R Block Online | TaxAct | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Web, iPhone, Android | Web |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | See the plans |
| Plans published | 4 | 13 |
| Maker | H&R Block Online | TaxAct |
| Website | hrblock.com | taxact.com |
| On small business tax software | #1 of 30 | #3 of 30 |
H&R Block Online: what it does well
- Web, iOS, and Android access.
- Supports self-employment, investment, and rental income.
- Unlimited expert help in Deluxe, Premium, and Self-Employed.
- Imports returns from TurboTax or another tax-prep service.
What to know first
- Free Online excludes itemized deductions and several income types.
- Free Online limits interest and dividend income to $1,500.
- State filing has an additional per-state charge.
TaxAct: what it does well
- Offers online, downloadable, and mobile filing options.
- Provides tax-data import and deduction and credit calculations.
- Business options cover five listed entity types.
- Xpert Assist includes live advice for consumer 1040 products.
What to know first
- Free Edition is limited to Form 1040 without attachments or schedules.
- Investment, rental, business, and self-employed income are excluded from free filing.
- State filing costs extra for listed online paid plans.
Alternatives to H&R Block Online Alternatives to TaxAct The whole list