Instead vs TurboTax

Instead is a web-based AI agent for tax research, planning, preparation, filing, and defense. It lists support for individual 1040, C corporation 1120, S corporation 1120-S, partnership 1065, and trust and estate 1041 returns. Users choose which workflows to run, and credits are consumed only when they start a task; the credit estimate is shown beforehand. Users can review the agent’s work before filing. Google Drive, OneDrive, and Box are live integrations with two-way sync, version tracking, and automatic folder mapping. Instead says it is IRS-approved and supports e-filing in 48 or more state jurisdictions, as well as local filing. Federal and state e-file and prior-year import are listed. The free Instead Platform plan is free and includes unlimited users, entities, e-file and print file, multi-entity support, and collaborators and viewers. Instead Agent is billed per credit, with pricing dependent on volume and usage; purchased credits are valid for 12 months. The service lists a free trial, US-based customer support, and 24/7 support, with email responses within 24 business hours.

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.