1040NOW vs TaxAct
1040NOW
1040now.netTaxAct
taxact.comSide by side
| Figure | 1040NOW | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $24.95/mo | $44.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 21 |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 7.5 (#102) | 9.0 (#10) |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 7.4 (#97) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Audit support | No | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | Dallas, Texas, United States |
| Investment income | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile access | web_only | web_and_mobile |
| Rental income | Yes | Yes |
| Self-employment support | Yes | Yes |
| Paid from | 29.95 | 44.99 |
| State filing | paid_add_on | paid_add_on |
Plans
1040NOW
- Free preparationFree
- Federal electronic filing$29.95 a month
- State filing$24.95 a month
TaxAct
- FreeFree
- FreeFree
- Deluxe$59.99, paid once
- Deluxe$59.99, paid once
- Premier$99.99, paid once
- Premier$99.99, paid once
- Self-Employed$109.99, paid once
- Self-Employed$109.99, paid once
- Basic Desktop$44.99, paid once
- Basic Desktop$44.99 a month
In their own words
TaxAct
TaxAct provides tax preparation through online filing, downloadable software, and a mobile app. Its tools can import tax data and calculate deductions, credits, and refunds. The service covers individual filing and business options for partnerships, C corporations, S corporations, sole proprietors, and tax-exempt organizations. Mobile features include photographing documents, checking progress, filing on the go, and getting expert help. Free federal filing is available for eligible standard returns, but the Free Edition is limited to Form 1040 without attached forms or schedules. It covers listed cases such as W-2, unemployment, and retirement income; investment, rental, business, and self-employed income and expenses are excluded. Other online products can be started free, with payment due when filing. Online Deluxe costs 59.99 USD once, Premier 99.99 USD once, and Self-Employed 109.99 USD once; state filing is additional. TaxAct also offers professional software and Xpert Assist, with unlimited live advice for consumer 1040 products.