CloudTax vs TaxAct
CloudTax
cloudtax.caTaxAct
taxact.comSide by side
| Figure | CloudTax | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3.25/mo | $44.99/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 14 | 21 |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 9.2 (#4) | 9.0 (#10) |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 9.1 (#5) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Audit support | Plus and Pro include Audit Protection; Free users can purchase Audit Support as an add-on. | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Headquarters | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | Dallas, Texas, United States |
| Investment income | Yes | Yes |
| Mobile access | web_and_mobile | web_and_mobile |
| Refund policy | CloudTax says excess accidental payments will be refunded. | A refund may be requested within the purchase calendar year if billing was completed but the return was not printed or e-filed, subject to conditions. |
| Rental income | Yes | Yes |
| Self-employment support | Yes | Yes |
| State filing | included | paid_add_on |
Plans
CloudTax
- CloudTax FreeFree
- CloudTax Plus$39 a year
- Review & File Basic$75 a month
- Review & File Premium$125 a month
- Review & File Business$149 a month
- Done For You Basic$99 a month
- Done For You Premium$249 a month
- Done For You Business$349 a month
- Basic Done For YouPrice not published
- Basic ReviewPrice not published
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
CloudTax
CloudTax is tax-filing software from CloudTax Inc., based in Toronto, Ontario. It supports self-guided filing and options with review or preparation, and completed returns are submitted to the CRA through NETFILE. The Free plan supports simple tax situations and up to two returns; users can choose to pay even $0. Plus costs $39 a year and allows up to 20 returns from one dashboard. The software supports self-employment, investment, and rental income. It can import CRA slips, use AI to extract details from scanned or uploaded tax documents, and connect with Koinly crypto taxes and CloudReceipts. CloudReceipts captures, categorizes, and manages receipts and syncs expenses for deductions. CloudTax is available on iOS and Android, with web and mobile access. Tax data is encrypted on its servers, and CloudTax says it shares information only with the CRA when the user submits a return through NETFILE. Support options include live chat, email, video tutorials, and tax experts. CloudTax has been CRA-certified since the 2018 tax year.
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.