TaxAct Professional is a thorough and affordable professional tax software program. Combined with strong customer support options, it is an excellent choice for high-volume tax preparers of returns with medium to low complexity.
Its pay-per-return pricing starts at $150 per return plus a $25 filing fee for individual returns and $249 plus a $40 filing fee for business returns. Other pricing options are available, including unlimited plans and bundles for low-volume tax firms.
Varied pricing packages include add-ons for customization. If you don’t find a package that meets your needs, TaxAct Professional offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, which I find to be a strong sign that a company stands behind its product.
I evaluated cryptocurrency bookkeeping software based on how well each platform supports businesses handling digital assets. I focused on these key areas:
- Cryptocurrency management features: I looked at whether the system supports multiple cryptocurrencies, tracks portfolios in real time, and converts crypto to fiat accurately.
- Core accounting functionality: I checked for general ledger capabilities to manage both crypto and fiat transactions in one system.
- Integration and ecosystem fit: I reviewed integrations with platforms like QuickBooks and Xero, along with compatibility with exchanges and wallet tracking tools.
- Pricing and plan value: I compared pricing tiers to see how features align with cost at different business stages.
- Scalability and compliance: I examined how well each solution adapts to growth and whether it aligns with standards like GAAP and IFRS.
| Pricing for 2024 Returns | Individual Returns
Business Returns
|
|---|---|
| Free Trial | 2024 Professional Evaluation Edition provides free access for a single user but doesn’t allow printing or filing of returns |
| Returns Supported | 1040, 1041, 1065, 1120, 1120S, and 990 |
| Supported Bookkeeping Software | QuickBooks, Sage Online, Wave, and Xero |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days (except for returns accepted by the IRS) |
| Supported Bookkeeping Software | None |
| Standout Features |
|
| Customer Support | Telephone and email |
| Average User Reviews | Overall, users have a high opinion of TaxAct Professional for basic returns due to the simplicity of the interface and reasonable pricing. |
- High-volume tax preparers: We ranked TaxAct Professional as the best value for preparing unlimited returns in our evaluation of the best professional tax software.
- Firms wanting a high level of support: TaxAct Professional’s support team is available via phone and email, and you’ll also have access to online resources.
- Firms needing practice management features: Users can subscribe to TaxDome starting at $300 per user, per year, and get CRM, secure storage, and a client portal, among other firm management features.
TaxAct Professional Alternatives & Comparison
| Unlimited Returns | Form 1040 | Forms 1041, 1120, 1120S & 1065 | Form 5500 | Form 990 | Forms 706 & Form 709 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | From $1,045 for 1040s and $1,895 for individual and business returns | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✕ | ✕ |
 | From $2,195 (single user) for unlimited returns of any type | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
 | $9,999 | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visit CCH Axcess Tax | ||||||
 | Quote upon request | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ | ✓ | 709 only |
 | Quote upon request | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Best For | Learn More | |
|---|---|---|
 | Firms with a few 1040s to file: If your firm needs to file only 10 or fewer individual returns, then TaxAct Professional may not be the most cost-effective solution. Alternatively, Drake Tax only charges $350 (includes all states) for 10 individual returns, plus $34.99 for each additional return. | Read our Drake Tax review |
| Business owners with cloud-based needs: CCH Axcess Tax is optimal for firms with growing staff and clientele. Since it is set up specifically for cloud-based usage, it is more accessible to staff and clients alike. | Read our CCH Axcess Tax review |
| QuickBooks Online Accountant users: ProConnect is a strong alternative to TaxAct Professional software and includes more robust integration capabilities. It is best for firms using QuickBooks Online Accountant. Prices are based on a per-return basis with no annual fee. | Read our ProConnect Tax Online review |
| Firms filing complex returns: Lacerte Tax can prepare the most complicated tax returns, such as consolidated returns and returns for oil and gas companies. This is a unique feature, as TaxAct Professional and most other software competitors sometimes have difficulty in this area. | Read our Lacerte Tax review |
TaxAct Professional Reviews From Users
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | Issues with amended tax returns |
| Economical price point | Limited capacity to leave internal notes directly in software |
| Helpful customer support staff | Issues with depreciation calculation |
While TaxAct Professional may not be the optimal software for complex returns, those preparing simple, high-volume returns shared that TaxAct has all the forms they need. One reviewer referred to it as “starter software,” which further underscores the product’s simplicity. Users who reviewed it on Capterra (4.8 out of 5 based on around five reviews) scored it highly for ease of use, value, support, and product attributes.
What Reddit Users Are Saying
Reddit users noted that the software is effective but occasionally “slow and clumsy.” One helpful user recommended using TaxAct Professional’s pay-per-return pricing for basic returns but using software with more horsepower (like ProSeries or Lacerte) for more complex returns.
Others mentioned that they find customer support to be helpful. However, they also said that they find themselves calling for support more often than they would like for Form 990, amended returns, and gain and loss reporting on Schedule D.
TaxAct Professional Pricing
The TaxAct Professional pricing structure consists of multiple subscription levels based on the number of users and the types of returns being filed. In addition to the cost of the tax return, fees to e-file or print the return start at $25. TaxAct Professional offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
| 1040 Bundle | 1040 Enterprise Bundle | 1040 Pay-per-Return | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | $1,045 | $1,245 | $150 + $25 per return |
| Multi-user License | 1040 & supporting schedules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Return Types | 1040 | 1040 & supporting schedules | 1040 & supporting schedules |
| All States Included | ✓ | ✓ | $35 per state |
| Unlimited Return e-Filing | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Complete Bundle | Complete Enterprise Bundle | Business Pay-per-Return | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cost | $1,895 | $2,295 | $249 + $40 per business return + $25 per individual return |
| Multi-user License | ✕ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Return Types | 1040, 1041, 1065, 1120S, 1120 & 990 | 1040, 1041, 1065, 1120S, 1120 & 990 | 1040 1041, 1065, 1120S, 1120 & 990 |
| All States Included | ✓ | ✓ | $39 per state |
| Unlimited Return e-Filing | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
TaxAct Professional Features
While TaxAct Professional can handle standard individual and business tax forms, you’ll need to find another solution if you need to file 5500 benefit plan returns, such as Lacerte Tax, listed in my alternatives above. Here are a few of TaxAct Professional’s features.
Virtual Practice Capability
Thanks to a partnership with TaxDome (an additional subscription starting at $300 per year, per user), TaxAct Professional can provide access to over 20 key practice management features. These include automated workflows, unlimited and secure file storage, a client portal, and unlimited e-signatures. You’ll also have access to customizable CRM tools, making TaxDome one of our leading CRMs for accountants and bookkeepers.
If you’re interested in TaxDome’s practice management features, you can choose between TaxDome Light or TaxDome. Both tiers accommodate unlimited clients.
| TaxDome Lite | TaxDome | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Pricing | $33(or $300 annual payment) | From $50 |
| Number of Users | 1 | Unlimited |
| CRM With Custom Fields | ✓ | ✓ |
| Document Sharing | ✓ | ✓ |
| Storage | ✓ | ✓ |
| E-signatures | ✓ | ✓ |
| Client Portal | ✓ | ✓ |
| Secure Chat & Client Tasks | ✓ | ✓ |
| Print From All Software to TaxDome | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free Onboarding Session | ✓ | ✓ |
| Workflow Automation | ✕ | ✓ |
| Time & Billing | ✕ | ✓ |
| Proposals & Recurring Invoices | ✕ | ✓ |
| Client Forms, Organizers & Engagement Letters | ✕ | ✓ |
| Mobile App for Firm & Clients | ✕ | ✓ |
| PDF Editor | ✕ | ✓ |
| Firm Wiki (SOPs) | ✕ | ✓ |
| Calendar Integrations | ✕ | ✓ |
| White-labeled Website & Client Portal | ✕ | ✓ |
| Unlimited Support & Advanced Training Sessions | ✕ | ✓ |
Powerful Reports and Tools
TaxAct Professional offers a variety of reports and tools that will assist both you and your clients. This support includes TaxTutor guidance, which provides insight into deductions, complex law changes, tips, and strategies. Other tools are what-if scenario tax calculators, custom client reporting, and depreciation and disposal summaries.
Access to ProAdvance
All TaxAct Professional subscribers have access to ProAdvance, which is an online resource center that provides information and resources to enhance your practice.
TaxAct Professional Ease of Use & Customer Support
One of TaxAct Professional’s strongest points is its intuitive UI and ease of navigation. New tax preparers can benefit from diagnostic alerts and an excellent customer support system, which is available for all software packages. The platform also provides access to useful articles, training videos, and a setup and troubleshooting guide.
TaxAct Professional is accessible via telephone and email and has several online resources. Standard telephone support hours are between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central time, Monday through Friday. Extended hours may be available around key tax deadlines.
How I Evaluated TaxAct Professional
I evaluated TaxAct Professional tax preparation software using relevant benchmarks for small business tax preparers. Based on the needs of small business tax preparers, these benchmarks included an analysis of cost, ease of use, management of client documents, facilitation of data import, and accessibility of software support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
It can be, as its Enterprise version lets you choose between having it as an on-site application or hosted for cloud access.
No. The TaxAct mobile app was discontinued as of tax year 2023.
Professional federal editions are billed in October, while state editions are billed in December.
Bottom Line
TaxAct Professional’s powerful tools and simple interface make it an ideal choice for professional tax prep software. Along with powerful reports and practice management tools, TaxAct Professional is a low-price leader for high-volume preparers, especially those wanting the reassurance of a money-back guarantee.
