Learn all about the Best Tax Services Of 2022 (For Tax Year 2021)!
Tax season is just around the corner. Make the process smoother and easier by doing the research and figuring out which tax service to utilize early on in the tax season. In this review, we go over what to look for, the best tax services for this year, as well as current promotions, so you can choose the ideal solution for your tax situation.
View the pros and cons of paying taxes with your credit card.
What To Look For In A Tax Service
Tax services are meant to guide you through the tax filing process by providing all the necessary forms as well as step-by-step instructions. This applies for both online and in-person tax services. There are a ton of tax services on the market with a wide range of features. Here are some things that you should consider before choosing one:
Pricing
For most people, this is the most important aspect to look at when choosing a tax service. Typically, tax preparation software can range from free to over $200 for a complicated return. It’s also important to keep in mind that prices fluctuate throughout the year. Prices will be much more expensive right before the tax deadline, so make sure to file early to take advantage of the best deals.
Relevance
Another aspect to consider is whether or not the tax service works for your particular tax situation. Those with a simple tax situation will find that a free service is the best fit. On the other hand, if you have significant investments or you’re self employed, you’ll want to go for a more advanced plan that’ll fit with your tax situation.
Customer Support
If you have a simpler tax situation then customer support might not be your highest priority when it comes to tax services. However, those with a more complicated situation will likely need strong support. There are tax softwares that come with assistance by tax professionals. These plans provide all the advantages of a tax software, with expert assistance if you need it.
The Neat Company Tax Preparation Bookkeeping
The Neat Company is offering a free 15-day trial of its bookkeeping & document management software. This enables you to track, manage, & centralize your business’s financial data – that way you can stay on top of the health of your enterprise & prepare for tax time much more efficiently.
(Visit the site to learn more about the promotion)
Best Tax Services Summary
| Free Version | Other Plans | Customer Support | |
| H&R BLOCK (Best Overall) |
Yes | Deluxe – $49.99 Premium – $69.99 Self-Employed – $104.99 |
Live Chat Phone |
| TURBOTAX (Best for Complex Returns) |
Yes | Deluxe – $59.99 Premier – $79.99 Self-Employed – $119.99 Live – $179.99 |
24/7 Live Support |
| TAXACT (Best for Less Confident Filers) |
Yes | Deluxe – $29.95 Premier – $39.95 Self-Employed – $74.95 |
Email Phone |
| TAXSLAYER (Best for Confident Filers) |
Yes | Classic – $17 Premium – $37 Self-Employed – $47 |
Email Phone |
| LIBERTY TAX (Best for Optional In-Person Support) |
No | Basic – $44.95 Deluxe – $64.95 Premium – $89.95 |
Live Chat In Person |
| FREETAXUSA (Best for Budget Filers) |
Yes | Deluxe – $6.99 | Email Live Chat |
| E-FILE (Best for Simple Returns) |
Yes | Deluxe – $25.99 Premium – $45.99 |
|
| JACKSON HEWITT (Best for In-Person Filers) |
Yes | Deluxe – $49.95 Premier – $69.95 |
Live Chat Phone In Person |
H&R Block
You may have seen local H&R Blocks around town but the also offer online tax filing services as well. The software includes features such as import tools for previous tax information, on-demand tech support and much more.
You’ll also gain access to tax representatives who can review your tax return for an additional fee, in order to ensure that your return is void of errors and that you covered all your tax breaks.
| Promotions | 4% Amazon refund bonus |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit H&R Block Emerald prepaid debit Mastercard Paper check Next year’s taxes U.S. Savings Bonds Amazon gift card (4% bonus) |
| Audit Support | Worry-Free Audit Support ($19.99) includes audit preparation, IRS correspondence management and in-person audit representation. |
(Visit the link above to learn more about their services)
TurboTax
Those with more investment, receive income from rent, or are self-employed will typically have a lot of additional tax forms to complete and a lot of tax rules to follow. Even though TurboTax tends to be on the pricier end of tax service, those with complex tax situations will find that it’s worth the money spent.
TurboTax Premier and Self-Employed integrate with ItsDeductible, a mobile app that quickly finds the deduction value of donated clothes, household items and more.
TurboTax offers support with their TurboTax Live feature (one-on-one review with a tax expert, unlimited year-round tax advice and live video chats.
| Promotions | Up to $20 annual discount offer Up to $20 Fidelity discount |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit Paper check Next year’s taxes U.S. Savings Bonds |
| Audit Support | TurboTax Audit Support Guarantee with free audit guidance from a trained tax professional to help you understand your IRS notice and answer any questions relating to your audit. Max Defend and Restore ($45-$60) will give you access to a professional who will represent you in front of the IRS. |
(Visit the link above to learn more about their services)
TaxAct
TaxAct offers standard tax service feature such as the ability to import your W-2, 1099s and last year’s returns, planning tools and helpful calculators. This service includes the TaxTutor Guidance knowledge base, a great source to information necessary to understand the process and complete your taxes.
Tax support is available through the phone and in-app email for paid customers. Premier and Self-Employed users have access to an option that lets you and the support agent see each other’s screens.
| Promotions | 20% off online federal tax filing $20 Amazon gift card referrals |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit American Express Serve prepaid debit card Paper check Next year’s taxes U.S. Savings Bonds |
| Audit Support | Audit defense from a partner company ($49.95) for three years of audit services, such as guidance, handling IRS and state correspondence on your behalf, help with denied tax credits and tax debt, and tax fraud assistance. |
(Visit the link above to learn more about their services)
Taxslayer
Differing from most tax services, TaxSlayer bases its pricing on level support rather than what the products can do. That means the cheapest paid package can handle all types of tax forms and situations – itemizing, investments, rental income, self-employment – but comes with little support.
In addition, the service offers free support via phone and email. Assistance from tax professionals are only available for the Premium and Self-Employed versions.
| Promotions | Rakuten coupons |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit Debit card Paper check File & Go/Bank refund transfer |
| Audit Support | Audit Assistance for federal returns comes with the Premium and Self-Employed packages ($29 for other users), helping your prepare for and resolve inquiries in case of an audit for up to three years. |
(Visit the link above to learn more about their services)
Liberty Tax
Similarly to H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt, Liberty Tax offers services online or in-person (at over 4,000 locations nationwide). You can start by purchasing the online tax preparation plan. If you find yourself needing additional help then you can complete the tax-filing process face-to-face with expert assistance.
| Promotions | All plans for the same price 15% off coupon code $50 Send-A-Friend referrals |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit Netspend Liberty Tax Prepaid Mastercard Paper check |
| Audit Support | Professionals will advise you on any potential audits or inquiries coming from the IRS or your state department of revenue. |
(Visit the link above to learn more about their services)
Check out more Liberty Tax promotions here
FreeTaxUSA
Indicated by their name, FreeTaxUSA provides tax filing services for free. It should be noted that free services only apply to federal taxes, there is a low-cost fee for filing state taxes. FreeTaxUSA feature an intuitive interface with simple navigation, a tax calculator, the ability to import last year’s information and the standard accuracy and maximum refund guarantees.
| Promotions | No promotions |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit Prepaid debit card Paper check |
| Audit Support | Audit Assist is included with the Deluxe version ($6.99). This gives you access to audit specialists who can answer any audit-related questions you might have and unlocks the Audit Center knowledge base. |
(Visit the link above to learn more about their services)
E-File
E-File offers online services that are fairly simply and easy to use. Those with a more simple tax situation will find them much more appealing and helpful than those who typically additional assistance.
The process is definitely more DIY than some people would prefer, without nearly the level of customer support or features you would experience with H&R Block and TurboTax. With that said, E-File does include all the standards factors that most people need when filing taxes such as prior-year return importing, a help sidebar, and an accuracy guarantee.
| Promotions | Up to 50% off coupon codes |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit Paper check |
| Audit Support | Free audit defense tools, but it doesn’t come with actual representation. Audit assistance is available for an additional fee. |
(Visit the link above to learn more about their services)
Jackson Hewitt
This trust tax service has been available since 1982. Jackson Hewitt offers services online or in-person at over 6,000 locations nationwide. Most people tend to go for in-person services because a Tax Pro is able to get get every credit and deduction that you qualify for. To top things off, their offices are extremely accessible – open late and on weekends.
| Promotions | $20 referral bonuses |
| Tax Refund Options | Direct deposit Paper check Next year’s taxes U.S. Savings Bonds |
| Audit Support | No audit assistance included |
(Visit the link above to learn more about their services)
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Bottom Line
Be sure to learn all about the perks and fees when choosing which credit card to open. Making an educated decision could help you maximize your spendings and get great rewards.
We included all of our favorite cards that offer good perks and bonuses, with Global Entry and TSA PreCheck benefits For more credit cards, see our latest list of the best credit card bonuses!
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