What is the best tax software for filing my taxes in 2023? TurboTax, H&R Block, TaxSlayer…

The Internal Revenue Service began accepting and processing 2022 tax returns 23 January and American taxpayers will have until 18 April 2023. While the agency expects most filers to get a refund it warned that they may be smaller than in the past couple of years as covid-19 relief programs have come to an end.

However, to make sure that you get all the tax credits and deductions that you have coming your way to potentially increase your refund, or barring that, paying less taxes, there are a number of tax software programs. The top providers have both free and paid versions of their services that can make the process of submitting your 2022 tax return easier. Additionally many have apps that allow you to use the software on your smartphone or even a tablet. Here’s a look at those that are considered the best in 2023.

Top tax-prep software for filing taxes in 2023

TurboTax and H&R Block lead the pack with their services and which one would work better for you depends on whether you need more hands on support submitting your 2022 tax return. H&R Block offers cheaper paid services and its free version has expanded capabilities according to NerdWallet.

However, if you need to speak with a professional, while H&R Block gives you the option to meet one in person it will cost you at least $80 either in-office or virtual appointments. TurboTax on the other hand only offers feedback from a professional via video, but until the end of March that is available for free.

But they aren’t the only ponies in town, other tax-prep software providers that top the list are Cash App Taxes (formerly known as Credit Karma Tax), TaxSlayer. These two both offer no-frills free software and while Cash App Taxes does not offer a paid premium service, TaxSlayer, like H&R Block and TurboTax, offers three higher levels of paid services depending on the needs of the filer.

Tax software for those filing in multiple states

Another provider of tax-prep services both online and at its office locations around the country including roughly 3,000 kiosks at Walmart stores is Jackson Hewitt. While the software doesn’t have a free version, for a flat $25 fee filers can use it to submit a federal tax return along with unlimited state returns.

This could be a better option for taxpayers who have to file multiple state tax returns as other services allow only one free state tax return charging a fee per each additional state. However, the software has its drawbacks such as not being able to upload files or tax forms. The bare-bones software may not be right for those who have complicated tax returns or need expert tax help.