TaxAct vs TaxFreeway
TaxAct
taxact.comTaxFreeway
taxfreeway.caSide by side
| Figure | TaxAct | TaxFreeway |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $44.99/mo | $0.83/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 21 | 6 |
| Spec score · Personal Tax Software | 9.1 (#4) | 8.2 (#44) |
| Spec score · Tax Software | 9.0 (#10) | 8.3 (#47) |
| Spec score · Tax Preparation Software | 8.6 (#10) | 7.9 (#24) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Plans
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
TaxFreeway
- Windows$9.95 a year
- Mac$14.95 a year
- 3-in-1Price not published
- TaxFreeway for Windows$9.95, paid once
- TaxFreeway for Mac$14.95, paid once
- TaxFreeway 3-in-1$2,020, paid once
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.
TaxFreeway
TaxFreeway prepares Canadian federal, provincial, and territorial tax returns for individual filers. It supports self-employment, rental income, capital gains, and unlimited slips such as T3, T4, and T5. Returns can be completed in Interview mode, Form mode, or both. Tools include integrated spousal returns, tax tips, RRSP and split-pension planners, medical-expense and donation planners, and a return review. CRA services include Auto-fill My Return, NETFILE, ReFILE, Notice of Assessment through Tax Software Service, and address or direct-deposit changes. Returns are prepared and saved on the user’s computer, and the company says its website does not store personal financial information. Users with total family income of $20,000 or less can prepare and NETFILE at no cost. Windows and Mac product keys cover up to 20 returns for the current tax year, priced at 9.95 USD and $14.95, paid once. Quebec TP-1 returns and several electronic form transmissions are excluded.