TaxAct vs eFile: Low-Cost Tax Filing Options Explained 2026
Last updated 09/10/2025 by
Ante MazalinEdited by
Andrew LathamSummary:
Want to keep your tax filing simple and affordable? TaxAct and eFile are both budget-friendly options, but they take very different approaches. TaxAct offers transparent pricing, supports both personal and business returns, and gives you the choice between online and desktop software. eFile keeps things ultra-low-cost with bundled federal + state pricing, but it doesn’t provide a free federal option. The real choice: do you want predictable pricing and business support with TaxAct, or the lowest bundled rates with eFile?
Compare Tax Preparation Services
Compare multiple vetted providers. Discover your best option.
Quick Comparison: TaxAct vs. eFile
Here’s how TaxAct and eFile compare on core features:
| Feature | TaxAct | eFile |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Basic Price | $0 | $0 |
| Federal Standard Price | $0 | $19.49 |
| Federal Premium Price | $64.95 | $34.49 |
| Federal Basic + State Price | $4.95 | $21 |
| State Return Price | $4.95 | $21 |
| State Return Availability | $4.95 - $44.95 | $21 |
| Filing Options | File Online, Download Software | File Online |
| Software Offerings | Web Browser-Based, Desktop Software | Web Browser-Based |
| Tax Preparation Types | Personal & Business | Personal |
| Tax Prep Differentiators | Transparent pricing, business return support, accuracy guarantee | Ultra-low-cost bundles, simple interface, pay-as-you-go approach |
| SuperMoney User Score | mostly recommended | strongly recommended |
About TaxAct
TaxAct is designed for DIY users who want low-cost, predictable pricing with both online and desktop options. It also supports business returns, making it versatile for different types of filers.
- Affordable Pricing: Competitive rates for personal and business returns.
- Business Filing: Includes support for freelancers and small businesses.
- Flexible Platform: Available online or as desktop software.
- Accuracy Guarantee: Covers penalties if the software makes a mistake.
About eFile
eFile is built for filers who want the lowest cost possible for federal and state returns. It does not offer a permanently free federal filing, but its bundled pricing makes it one of the cheapest paid platforms.
- Low-Cost Bundles: Affordable federal + state pricing.
- Simplified Filing: Easy-to-use online platform.
- Transparent Pay-As-You-Go: Clear structure for pricing.
- Personal Returns Only: No business filing options.
Ease of Use & Interface
TaxAct provides a simple DIY interface with more flexibility for business returns. eFile is even more streamlined, focused on affordability and basic personal return filing.
Support Options Compared
TaxAct offers online resources, email support, and optional phone support. eFile provides email support and an online knowledge base, but no live chat or in-person assistance.
Refund Options
Both TaxAct and eFile support direct deposit refunds. TaxAct offers more comprehensive features with an accuracy guarantee, while eFile focuses on keeping the process cheap and simple.
Key Differences (Updated 2026)
- Federal Pricing: TaxAct starts at $0, while eFile starts at $0.
- State Returns: TaxAct charges $4.95, while eFile charges $21.
- Business Returns: TaxAct supports them, eFile does not.
- Support Options: TaxAct includes optional phone support, eFile is limited to email/knowledge base.
- User Ratings: TaxAct is rated mostly recommended, while eFile is rated strongly recommended.
Who Is Each Service Best For?
- TaxAct is best for: DIY filers and business owners who want transparent pricing and flexible software options.
- eFile is best for: Filers who only need simple personal returns and want the lowest bundled pricing.
Customer Reviews & Reputation
SuperMoney reviews show TaxAct is appreciated for affordability and flexibility, while eFile is praised for its low pricing but critiqued for limited features.
- TaxAct Reviews: Praised for clear pricing and business support, though some want better support.
- eFile Reviews: Liked for affordability, but some users note fewer features and no free federal option.
Side-by-Side: Support, Refunds, Ease of Use & Reviews
| Category | TaxAct | eFile |
|---|---|---|
| Support Options | Email, online help, optional phone support | Email support, online help center only |
| Refund Options | Direct deposit refunds; accuracy guarantee coverage | Direct deposit refunds only |
| Ease of Use | Simple interface; supports personal & business | Ultra-simple, designed for personal returns only |
| Best For | Budget-conscious filers, including small businesses | Individuals wanting the lowest-cost personal filing |
| Customer Reviews | SuperMoney User Score: mostly recommended | SuperMoney User Score: strongly recommended |
Pricing Transparency
TaxAct is praised for its predictable, transparent pricing. eFile, while not free, offers some of the lowest bundled costs for federal + state filing, making it appealing for simple returns.
What’s Next
Explore their full reviews:
- TaxAct Review — Learn why it’s one of the most affordable DIY platforms with business support.
- eFile Review — See why budget-conscious filers choose eFile for simple returns.
Explore Other Tax Software Comparisons
- TaxAct vs H&R Block — DIY filing compared with premium support.
- TaxAct vs Jackson Hewitt — Affordable DIY vs in-person filing.
- TaxAct vs Liberty Tax — Transparent pricing vs local office help.
- FreeTaxUSA vs TaxAct — Two budget-friendly DIY options.
- FreeTaxUSA vs eFile — Free federal filing compared to bundled low-cost pricing.
Want to compare more? Check out our full list of tax preparation services.
Key Takeaways
- Pricing: TaxAct starts at $0, while eFile starts at $0.
- State Filing: TaxAct charges $4.95, while eFile charges $21 with bundled savings.
- Business Returns: TaxAct supports business filings; eFile is for personal returns only.
- Refund Options: Both support direct deposit refunds, but TaxAct adds an accuracy guarantee.
- User Ratings: TaxAct is rated mostly recommended, while eFile is rated strongly recommended.
FAQ
Is eFile cheaper than TaxAct?
Yes, eFile can be cheaper for combined federal + state returns, though TaxAct offers more features and business support.
Does TaxAct support business returns?
Yes, TaxAct supports both personal and business filings. eFile is only for personal returns.
Does eFile offer free filing?
No, eFile does not offer permanently free federal returns.
Which is easier to use?
Both platforms are straightforward, but eFile is more streamlined for simple returns.
Which is better for complex returns?
TaxAct is better for complex or business returns, while eFile is best for basic personal filings.
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