What is the best way to file my taxes

Whether you're new to filing taxes or a seasoned pro, user experience is crucial to filling out and submitting your return quickly and with little frustration. The services we chose had to be relatively user friendly. The ability to speak with a tax expert or support representative was a big plus.

Four out of five of the best tax software offered some form of support. And if a service supported consumers with a generous accuracy and maximum refund guarantee, it was ranked higher. We also considered the Better Business Bureau rating associated with the software. BBB ratings help determine whether a business is operating responsibly and if it helps to resolve customer complaints in a timely manner.

Customer reviews were also taken into consideration. After reviewing the above features, we sorted our recommendations by best for overall tax filing, runner-up, free tax software, most affordable and best accuracy guarantee. The federal and state filing fees for the software programs mentioned above are subject to change without notice. Many programs don't charge you until you file, so there's a chance the fees can change from the time you start your return until you submit it.

Skip Navigation. Select Logo. Follow Select. Our top picks of timely offers from our partners More details. Upstart Personal Loans. LightStream Personal Loans. SoFi Personal Loans. We may receive a commission from affiliate partner links. It's safe, easy and no cost to you for a federal return. The IRS Free File Program is a public-private partnership between the IRS and many tax preparation and filing software industry leaders who provide their brand-name products for free.

It provides two ways for taxpayers to prepare and file their federal income tax online for free:. Find what you need to get started, your protections and security, available forms and more about IRS Free File below. Receive an email when the IRS has accepted your return. The IRS Free File program PPP is not a traditional contractual arrangement; this partnership represents a balance of joint responsibility and collaboration that serves the interests of taxpayers and the Federal government.

The online tax preparation software partners are part of the Free File Alliance , which coordinates with the IRS to provide free electronic federal tax preparation and filing to you. This non-profit, public-private partnership is dedicated to helping millions of people prepare and file their federal taxes online for free.

Your information is protected from any unauthorized access while it is sent to the IRS. Free File partner companies may not disclose or use tax return information for purposes other than tax return preparation without your informed and voluntary consent. Our policy prohibits the use of permanent Internet cookies. These are deleted when your Internet visit ends.

Prior year returns can only be filed electronically by registered tax preparers for the two previous tax years. The IRS does not allow electronic filing for prior year returns through self-preparation websites. You must print, sign, and mail prior year returns. You can also check the professional organizations many tax preparers belong to.

To view your balance owed, payment history or other information from your tax account, create or view your account. Tax software is a safe middle ground that offers the ability to buy consultations with a CPA if you need it.

However, they can be as simplistic and straightforward as running the numbers on whether you should itemize or not. No matter your tax situation, there is a tax software program that can help you. If the thought of digging through your finances and IRS forms makes your heart rate rise, and not in an exciting way, you might be best to seek help from a tax professional. There is nothing to be afraid of when it comes to filing your taxes but sometimes a little hand-holding and reassurance can be worth it.

Having a professional that you trust to guide you through the process, explain tax forms, and learn about your specific needs is a valuable resource. That professional can set you up for success to be able to file on your own in future years as well.

Filing with a professional will take longer than filing on your own , as they have other clients competing for their time, so make sure you schedule far in advance and get your paperwork in order prior to the meeting.

A CPA can only work as well as their client allows them to, and being organized and forthcoming about your finances can go a long way toward efficiently and correctly filing a tax return.

A word of caution: there was a major overhaul of the tax code for Whatever method you choose to file, remember that the forms, deductions, and tax brackets are very different now, especially for business owners. Also, if you choose to file yourself, whether by hand or with software, you can get free guidance from a local Taxpayer Assistance Center. The liability for your taxes does not transfer to the tax preparer or the software company; you always are ultimately responsible for their accuracy and completeness.

Make sure that you understand the process, no matter if you do it yourself or have a professional complete your taxes. There are many methods to file your taxes, not one universal best way.