Tested from Dec 15, 2024 – Jan 15, 2025
Quick Take Summary
🏆 Best Overall: TurboTax 💰 Best Value: TaxAct 👥 Best for Complex Returns: H&R Block
Testing Methodology
- Filed identical test returns on all platforms
- Tested both simple W-2 and complex scenarios
- Logged all costs and time spent
- Contacted customer service multiple times
- Tested on desktop and mobile
- Focused on DC [Maryland]-specific tax situations
Detailed Cost Breakdown
TurboTax
Base Prices:
- File your own: $0 – $89 ($0 if you qualify for free federal return)
- Expert help: $49 – $169 (Use the TurboTax price estimator HERE)
- Full service: $89+
- Self-Employed: $89
Hidden Costs Found:
- State filing: +$39
- Processing fee: $40
- Pro tip 💡Reduce fees by removing add-ons. Here‘s how.
H&R Block
Base Prices:
- Basic: $40 ($0 if you qualify for free federal return)
- Deluxe: $59 (one state return included)
- Premium: $85
- Business: $99
Hidden Costs Found:
- State Filing: +$39.95
- E-filing: +$19.95
- Worry-Free Audit Support: $19.99
- Expert assistance: $55-$89
TaxAct
Base Prices:
- Deluxe: $29.99 ($0 if you qualify for free federal return)
- Premier: $49.99
- Self-Employed: $69.99
Hidden Costs Found:
- State Filing: +$39.99
- Live Tax Advice: +$60
- Audit Defense: +$49.95
- Transfer fee: +$54.95
Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|---|
| W-2 Import | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Investment Income | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rental Property | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Crypto Transactions | ✓ | ✓ | Limited |
| Self-Employment | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Prior Year Import | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mobile App | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Live Support | Paid | Paid | Paid |
| Audit Support | Paid | Paid | Paid |
DMV Area Tax Software Comparison
| Region/Feature | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.C. | |||
| Solar Credits | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ |
| Metro Benefits | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ |
| Rental Income | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓ |
| First-Time Homebuyer | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓ |
| Local Business Credits | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓ |
| Maryland | |||
| County Tax Rates | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| 529 ABLE Program | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓ |
| Student Loan Relief | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ |
| Energy Credits | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Work | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓ |
| Virginia | |||
| Land Preservation | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ |
| Military Benefits | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| Telework Expenses | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ |
| Historic Credits | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓ |
| VA 529 Plans | ✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓ |
✓✓✓ Excellent
✓✓ Good
✓ Basic
TurboTax
- TurboTax excels at handling dual-state taxes and commuter deductions, common for those living in Maryland and working in DC. It also identifies local tax credits like the Maryland Child Tax Credit and DC’s First-Time Homebuyer Credit.
H&R Block
- H&R Block provides guidance on DC commuter benefits, Maryland state deductions, and unique opportunities like the Earned Income Credit in Maryland.
TaxAct
- Basic DC credit calculations
- Standard DC deductions
- Metro area tax considerations
- Limited local guidance
Multi-State Features
| Feature | TurboTax | H&R Block | TaxAct |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multi-State Filing | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| State Reciprocity | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ |
| Cross-Border Income | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Work Guide | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-State Support | ✓✓✓ | ✓✓✓ | ✓ |
User Experience Testing
Desktop Experience
TurboTax:
- Smoothest interface
- Best form import
- Clearest explanations
- Excellent error checking
H&R Block:
- Clean interface
- Good tooltip system
- Solid import tools
- Occasional navigation issues
TaxAct:
- Functional interface
- Decent import capabilities
- Good help content
- Less intuitive navigation
Mobile Experience
TurboTax:
- Full feature parity
- Excellent document scanning
- Seamless continuation
H&R Block:
- Most features available
- Good document scanning
- Some features desktop-only
Choose TurboTax If:
- You want the best UI experience
- You need comprehensive guidance
- You have a complex return
- You need to file taxes in multiple states
Choose H&R Block If:
- You want a balance of features/cost
- You might need in-person support
- You have rental properties or are a business owner
- You want audit support options
Choose TaxAct If:
- You’re looking for the best value
- You’re comfortable with taxes
- You don’t need premium support
- Your tax situation is straightforward, especially if you only file in one state
One Month Usage Insights
Week 1: Setup & Import
- TurboTax: 45 minutes
- H&R Block: 55 minutes
- TaxAct: 50 minutes
Week 2: Data Entry
- TurboTax: Most automated
- H&R Block: Good automation
- TaxAct: Solid automation, some manual work
Week 3: Review & Optimization
- TurboTax: Best deduction finder
- H&R Block: Solid suggestions
- TaxAct: Good optimization tools, less guidance
Week 4: Support & Filing
- TurboTax: Most confidence
- H&R Block: Close second
- TaxAct: Good filing experience, less hand-holding
Value for Money Rating
TurboTax: 8/10 H&R Block: 8.5/10 TaxAct: 9/10
**A strong runner-up was FreeTaxUSA, which has been recommended in several forums and groups for its affordability and straightforward approach. While it didn’t make the top three in this comparison, it’s a popular choice among budget-conscious filers.
What do you think? Have you used FreeTaxUSA?
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