Tax Prep Checklists

TaxAct costs less: “File for less” and percentage savings claims based on comparison with TurboTax federal pricing for paid consumer online 1040 filing products on 04/01/2026.

Maximum Refund Guarantee: We guarantee you’ll receive your maximum refund when you use TaxAct’s individual 1040 products (the “Service”). If, using the same information, a registered user of the Service receives a larger refund or owes a smaller tax due amount using another online tax preparation product, we will refund the applicable federal and/or state software purchase price paid. All other fees are excluded. Subject to additional terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements. Find out more about our Maximum Refund Guarantee.

$100k Accuracy Guarantee: We guarantee our software is 100% accurate and will calculate your maximum refund under applicable law. If a software error results in a smaller refund or higher tax liability than using the same data with another tax preparation product, we will refund the software fees you paid; pay the difference as determined by the IRS or applicable state taxing authority; and cover any resulting penalties, interest, and reasonably documented legal and audit costs, up to $100,000 per customer. Applies only to individual, self-prepared 1040 products and is subject to additional terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements. Find out more about our $100k Accuracy Guarantee.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee: Applies to TaxAct online products only. If you are a registered user using the Services online and are dissatisfied with the Services prior to completing the billing steps within the program, your exclusive remedy is to immediately discontinue using the Services. If you are a registered user who completed the billing steps and have not printed or e-filed or your e-file was rejected by the IRS or State and you cannot re-file, it is your responsibility to contact us within the calendar year of the purchase to request a refund of fee(s) paid. Find out more about our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

TaxAct Xpert Assist: TaxAct® Xpert Assist® is available as an added service to users of TaxAct’s online consumer and SMB 1120-S and 1065 products. This service is available at an additional cost and is subject to limitations and restrictions. Some tax topics or situations may not be included as part of this service. Review of customer return if requested is broad and does not include source documents. View full TaxAct Xpert Assist Terms.

TaxAct Xpert Full Service: TaxAct® Xpert Full Service™ is offered subject to availability at TaxAct’s sole discretion. The service is complete upon the filing of prepared federal 1040 or 1120‑S/1065 business tax return and applicable state tax return(s). Service does not include access to TaxAct’s other software products, DIY features, municipal/local tax filings, foreign filings, prior‑year returns, or certain complex tax situations. The service is provided on a per‑return basis and may be cancelled at any time by TaxAct. Restrictions apply. See Xpert Full Service Terms for further details.

Start free, file free: The TaxAct Online Free Edition makes free federal filing available for those who qualify based on income and deductions. See if you qualify for free federal filing and what is included in this year’s Free Edition. For all other online products, you can start free and pay when you file. This means you will not be charged if you decide to stop using any product prior to printing or e-filing your return.

Edition pricing: Actual prices are determined at the time of payment, print, or e-file and are subject to change without notice. Add sales tax for applicable orders. Offers may end at any time and promotional offers may not be combined.

Exceptional customer care: Customer care does not include tax advice.

Deduction Maximizer: TaxAct's Deduction Maximizer guides you step by step through the process of completing your return in a way that helps you uncover additional tax advantages and helps you maximize your deductions by checking dozens of additional deductions we know from experience folks don't think to look for. Each deduction you claim may reduce the amount of tax you owe, resulting in a lower IRS bill overall.

Audit Defense: See Audit Defense provided by Tax Protection Plus (PDF) for further details of services and requirements. May not apply to certain forms and credits. Certain customers may not qualify for services based on past tax audit history, residency, or other factors. Audit Defense is not insurance. Audit Defense is subject to terms and conditions (PDF) located on Tax Protection Plus' website.

Partners: TaxAct gets fees from some third parties that provide offers to its customers. This compensation may affect what and how we communicate their services to you. TaxAct is not a party to any transactions you may choose to enter into with these third parties.

Real people. Real reviews: All reviews are from verified TaxAct customers. Reviews are managed by Bazaarvoice and comply with the Bazaarvoice Authenticity Policy. Cumulative star rating is for all TaxAct products.

Refund Transfer: Refund Transfers are fee-based products offered by Republic Bank & Trust Company, Member FDIC. A Refund Transfer Fee and all other authorized amounts will be deducted from the taxpayer’s tax refund. In order to use Refund Transfer, you must first qualify and choose to pay for your service using Refund Transfer.

Refer a Friend: Offer valid through October 31, 2026. For each friend you refer to TaxAct who did not prepare and file using us last year, you get a $20 Amazon Gift Card after they file their taxes using TaxAct’s 2025 Deluxe, Premier or Self-Employed product. Even better, they get 20% off our federal tax filing products by using the share link you receive from us. The total maximum reward payout per calendar year you may receive is $599.

Amazon is not a sponsor of this promotion. Except as required by law, Amazon Gift Cards ("GCs") cannot be transferred for value or redeemed for cash. GCs may be used only for purchases of eligible goods at Amazon.com or certain of its affiliated websites. For complete terms and conditions, see Amazon.com Gift Card Terms and Conditions. GCs are issued by ACI Gift Cards, Inc., a Washington corporation. All Amazon ®, TM, and © are IP of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. No expiration date or service fees.

This offer is for TaxAct’s consumer federal, online 1040 returns and is subject to specific terms and conditions. See terms and conditions for more information. Offer is subject to change.

E-File Concierge: E-File Concierge™ service provides phone calls and related support regarding federal e-file status changes using the phone number provided in My Account. Service is subject to availability and limited to federal e-filed tax returns.

Most popular: TaxAct Deluxe is our most popular product among our online customers with more complex tax situations.

Over 113 million returns filed: Based on e-filed federal returns through TaxAct Consumer and TaxAct Professional software since 2000.

Refund amounts shown: Actual refund amounts vary based on your tax situation. Number shown in illustrations are based on IRS published data stating the average refund was $3,804 as of February 20, 2026.

Trademarks: All trademarks not owned by TaxAct, LLC that appear on this website are the property of their respective owners, who are not affiliated with, connected to, or sponsored by or of TaxAct, LLC. TurboTax is a registered trademark of Intuit, Inc. H&R Block is a registered trademark of HRB Innovations, Inc. TaxSlayer is registered trademark of TaxSlayer LLC. FreeTaxUSA is registered trademark of TaxHawk, Inc.