Methodology & Sources
Reviewed against primary IRS sources by Max on 2026-02-15. This is not tax advice — content covers software features and pricing only.
- TaxAct pricing page, verified 2026-02-15
- IRS Form 1120-S instructions
- TaxAct Business Online product specifications
TaxAct sits in an awkward position in the market. It’s priced below TurboTax and H&R Block on federal tiers, but its $39.99 state fee is higher than both competitors — making the all-in cost comparable or worse at most tiers. The product is competent but lacks the UX polish of TurboTax and the brand trust of H&R Block.
The one scenario where TaxAct is genuinely the right answer: Mac users who need to file an S-Corp (1120-S). TurboTax Business (the only consumer product that handles 1120-S) is Windows desktop only. TaxAct Business Online works on any browser, including Mac.
Tax laws change annually — verify current pricing and eligibility with TaxAct directly before filing.
Tier breakdown
| Tier | Federal | State | All-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | $39.99 | $39.99 |
| Deluxe | $29.99 | $39.99 | $69.98 |
| Premier | $49.99 | $39.99 | $89.98 |
| Self-Employed | $69.99 | $39.99 | $109.98 |
Note the Free tier’s $39.99 state fee — it’s not meaningfully free for most filers. Compare FreeTaxUSA: $0 federal + $14.99 state = $14.99 all-in.
TaxAct Business: the Mac gap filler
TurboTax Business ($190 + $55/state) is Windows desktop only. TaxAct Business Online ($109.95-$139.95) covers:
- Form 1120-S (S-Corporation return)
- Form 1065 (Partnership return)
- K-1 generation for shareholders / partners
- Works on any browser (Mac included)
If you’re a Mac user with an S-Corp, TaxAct Business Online is the best consumer option available. This is the sole scenario where TaxAct earns an unambiguous recommendation.
What TaxAct does reasonably well
- Self-Employed tier. Covers Schedule C, SE, home office, quarterly estimates. Cheaper than TurboTax Self-Employed ($109.98 vs $188) but more expensive than FreeTaxUSA ($14.99).
- Deduction maximizer. The built-in deduction finder is competent.
- Data import. W-2 import and prior-year return import from major competitors work reliably.
Realistic Expectation — Small business S-Corp filers on Mac; freelancers who want a middle price point
TaxAct Self-Employed saves $78 vs TurboTax on a Schedule C return, but costs $95 more than FreeTaxUSA. For Mac S-Corp filers, TaxAct Business is the only viable consumer option at this price point.
Commission Disclosure (FTC 16 CFR 255)
TaxAct: $5-$12 per paid signup via CJ Affiliate
Commission mid-range on this site. TaxAct Business recommendation is genuine — it fills the Mac/S-Corp gap that TurboTax Business creates.