HowardSoft Tax Preparer vs TurboTax
HowardSoft Tax Preparer
howardsoft.com
TurboTax
turbotax.intuit.comSide by side
| Figure | HowardSoft Tax Preparer | TurboTax |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $19.08/mo | $79/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 6 | 11 |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 7.5 (#106) | 8.9 (#12) |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 7.5 (#94) | 8.9 (#12) |
| Free plan | No | Yes |
| Headquarters | Camas, Washington, United States | Mountain View, California, United States |
| Investment income | Yes | Yes |
| Rental income | Yes | Yes |
| Self-employment support | Yes | Yes |
| Paid from | 229 | 79 |
| State filing | paid_add_on | State filing is free with Free Edition and additional with Deluxe. |
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
TurboTax
- Free EditionFree
- Do It Yourself Deluxe$79 a month
- Do It Yourself Deluxe$79, paid once
- Do It Yourself Premium$139, paid once
- Do It Yourself Premium$139 a month
- Expert Assist Premium$209, paid once
- Expert Assist Premium$209 a month
- TurboTax Free EditionFree
- TurboTax Mobile Free OfferFree
- TurboTax Do It Yourself Deluxe$79, paid once
In their own words
HowardSoft Tax Preparer
HowardSoft Tax Preparer has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
TurboTax
TurboTax is tax preparation software available online, on mobile, and as desktop software. It supports returns involving self-employment, investment income, and rental income, with state filing available as a paid add-on. Users can import, upload, or photograph documents, including information from participating employers and financial institutions; the maker says auto-imports are available from more than one million such organizations. Customers can receive unlimited expert advice or have an expert prepare a return from start to finish. Free filing is limited to simple Form 1040 returns, and the listed estimate is that about 37% of taxpayers qualify. The free tier excludes itemized deductions, business income, stock sales, rental income, and other schedules. Deluxe searches more than 350 deductions and credits, while Premium lists more than 450. Do It Yourself Deluxe is listed at $79, paid once for federal filing, with state additional. TurboTax says its accuracy guarantee covers IRS or state penalties and interest caused by a calculation error, subject to terms.