HowardSoft Tax Preparer vs TaxAct
HowardSoft Tax Preparer
howardsoft.comTaxAct
taxact.comSide by side
| Figure | HowardSoft Tax Preparer | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $19.08/mo | $44.99/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 6 | 21 |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 7.5 (#106) | 9.0 (#10) |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 7.5 (#94) | 9.1 (#4) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Headquarters | Camas, Washington, United States | Dallas, Texas, United States |
| Investment income | Yes | Yes |
| Rental income | Yes | Yes |
| Self-employment support | Yes | Yes |
| Paid from | 229 | 44.99 |
| State filing | paid_add_on | paid_add_on |
Plans
HowardSoft Tax Preparer
- Economy Level$229 a year
- Standard Level$329 a year
- Premium Level$469 a year
- Tax Preparer 1040 Economy Level$229 a year
- Tax Preparer 1040 Standard Level$329 a year
- Tax Preparer 1040 Premium Level$469 a year
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
HowardSoft Tax Preparer
HowardSoft Tax Preparer has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
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.