TurboTax vs. H&R Block vs. TaxAct vs. TaxSlayer Comparison

TurboTax and H&R Block have both changed their pricing plans a little bit in 2026. For TurboTax, there’s basically three main focus areas: Do It Yourself tax prep, using TurboTax Experts, or Expert Full Service. H&R Block has a similar focus, but also adding in in-store options.

TaxAct has doubled-down on small business taxes. While we don’t cover that in-depth here, TaxAct and TurboTax are really the only online DIY options for small business owners with S-Corp tax returns.

However, many filers won’t qualify for these company’s Free tier. The table below shows what is always included, never included, and sometimes included.

For a comparison of “Free” tiers, you’d except to see a lot of $0s. And that’s mostly what you’ll find in the table below. But remember – it’s not always about price, but also what features are included in the free tier.

However, as previously noted, you will have to pay $39.99 (per state) if you need to file a state return with TaxAct this year.

TurboTax Free Edition: ~37% of taxpayers qualify. Simple Form 1040 returns only (no schedules, except for EITC, CTC, student loan interest, and Schedule 1-A)

H&R Block: Approximately 52% of filers qualify for H&R Block Online Free Edition. Simple tax situations only (Form 1040 and no schedules except Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Student Loan Interest, and Retirement Plan Distributions).

Both the TurboTax and TaxSlayer free tier are quite restrictive. For TurboTax specifically, it’s limited to simple tax returns only and not all taxpayers qualify. H&R Block continues to offer the most robust free tier of the paid programs, which is why we recommend it again in 2026. 

However, if you qualify to file with Cash App Taxes, this is a compelling option for most tax filers. You should familiarize yourself with their limitations though.

Comparing The Online “Deluxe” Tax Filing Software

The Deluxe pricing tier is typically targeted toward people who want to “maximize deductions and credits.” A lot of people think this means people who itemize their taxes, but many tax filers who take the standard deduction will still find that they need to upgrade to the Deluxe tier of their tax filing software for various reasons.

Honestly, if you need the “Deluxe” tier for these products, consider FreeTaxUSA or Cash App Taxes first. You’ll likely get a great experience for a fraction (or none) of the cost.

“Deluxe” is the most common tier for people who have child care expenses, who contribute to an HSA, or who want to deduct their student loan interest. Here’s a closer look at what’s always included, never included, and sometimes included.

However, TaxSlayer Classic (which is the second pricing level, equivalent to Deluxe) includes all forms and situations, which makes it very compelling.

Typically, the Deluxe tier is the worst value for these software packages. However, H&R Block is bucking the trend and offers incredible value for gig workers who have income from a 1099-NEC. H&R Block is the only company to support 1099-NEC income on the Deluxe level.

Remember, all of these pricing options are for the do-it-yourself levels.

This is where TaxSlayer’s competitive edge really shines. At the Classic level, TaxSlayer includes all forms and tax situations for a significantly lower price than the limitations of the other brands. 

At this level, TurboTax significantly reduced their price compared to last year, and H&R Block raised their price compared to last year – but none of them still come close to TaxSlayer.

TaxSlayer is our recommendation here, but users may also consider FreeTaxUSA, which is also a strong contender in this tier.

Comparing The Online “Premium” Tax Filing Software

The Premium pricing tier is the tier that supports “investors”. All software packages support stock and crypto trading, and they have built-in calculators for landlords.

This tier is where third-party integrations become extremely important. TurboTax supports the largest number of third-party integrations. For example, it has a direct integration with Coinbase which makes it easy for cryptocurrency traders to report their gains or losses in terms of US Dollars. The other software packages don’t have such integrations.

TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct have some (or many) integrations with major brokerages like Charles Schwab and Fidelity. These ensure that users can quickly and easily calculate their capital gains and losses.

This is one of the big downsides of TaxSlayer. They don’t have any integrations to automatically import your trades. As such, if you have a lot of transactions (especially crypto), it won’t be a good choice for you.

If you’re a landlord, both TurboTax and H&R Block offer easy-to-use depreciation calculators that make it easy to claim the right deduction. I find TaxAct’s to be a little clunkier, but overall it offers a reasonable experience.

This is a tier where you really do get what you pay for. TaxAct is the lowest priced, but at the same time, it doesn’t offer any integrations with financial services firms to help you with your taxes.

If you need to import transactions, H&R Block Premium and TurboTax Premier are likely where you want to be. If you just have traditional investments, I’d pick TaxSlayer. If you have crypto, I’d probably select TurboTax.

Comparing The Online “Self-Employed” Tax Filing Software

The self-employed filing software is required for anyone who had Schedule C (self-employment) income. Given the rocky economic conditions of the last year, I suspect that a lot of people have done some gig work this year. All of those side hustlers may need to upgrade to this tier for their filing.

As previously noted, H&R Block Deluxe supports users who want to declare Schedule C income, but don’t have significant expenses to report. However, those with significant expenses will need to upgrade to this level.

In terms of usability, TurboTax leads the pack. It integrates seamlessly with Quickbooks, offers plenty of options for imports, and makes it easy to depreciate your business assets.

If your business doesn’t have assets, you may not need TurboTax or any of these software options. TaxSlayer Classic offers similar functionality at a much lower price.

Note: TurboTax Online combined their Premium and Self-Employed versions into one single plan: TurboTax Premium. This makes TurboTax a much more compelling option for self-employed individuals.

The Self-Employed tier is always the most expensive filing tier for these companies. It supports anyone with self-employment income. That could be someone who walked a few dogs, or it could include someone who earns all of their income from self-employment.

This year, H&R Block significantly raised their prices for this tier, while TurboTax lowered their prices.

But at this level, I would encourage filers to check out TaxSlayer which has incredible functionality at a lower price.

TaxAct is also another solid choice for small business owners – they’ve really doubled-down their focus on side hustlers and small business owners on their Self-Employed Tier. And TaxAct is probably the best pick if you have an S-Corp.

Comparing The Downloadable Editions Of TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct

Tax filers have the option to choose downloadable products rather than using the cloud-based options. Theoretically, downloadable software may be more secure. The only direct risk of hacking is when you e-file your returns. However, these products aren’t risk-free. If your computer has malware, a hacker could steal your information from your computer rather than from a cloud-based server.

The downloadable function is the same as the corresponding online software, and they typically cost more. Plus, these companies really don’t want to continue to offer downloadable software – it’s more expensive, risky, increases customer support, and more. So that’s why you’re going to pay a premium to download.

If you’re watching prices, you might have some luck shopping on Amazon.com. Choosing the downloadable software is almost always easier and higher-quality than buying a similar product in the store. 

Note: TaxSlayer doesn’t offer a downloadable version of their product.

Comparing Downloadable Basic Editions

At this point, H&R Block is the least expensive option among the basic software packages. While its still fairly expensive, it’s the option we recommend this year.

TurboTax discontinued its Basic version for 2026.

Across the board, the Deluxe edition brings more functionality at a lower price point (compared to the Basic edition).

This year, TurboTax Deluxe (which seems to have replaced the Basic version for 2026) offers the best value. But note that you’re paying more than the online version.

*First state is free, but not eFile. Additional states available for $40 per state. ** First state is free, additional states are $60.

At the Premium level, H&R Block still holds the title of the low-cost leader. The overall price of H&R Block Premium is within a few dollars of its online offering.

Plus, this level is even lower than the Deluxe Edition, simply because 1 State Return is included.

Consistent with other tiers, H&R Block is still the low price leader. Clocking in at under $120, the H&R Block downloadable software is quite a steal. If you’re going to use H&R Block Self-Employed, you may save money by choosing to download.

Note: While TurboTax combined the Home & Business into the Premier for the online version, the desktop versions are still separate.