The Best Tax Software For Small Businesses

Best for businesses of all sizes with complex tax returns. 

Intuit’s TurboTax offers various online and desktop software options at multiple price points. While some options are on the more expensive side compared to other tax software, the tradeoff is a number of great features, such as industry-specific deductions and walk-throughs to help improve accuracy and lower your tax liability. An easy-to-use interface makes it a breeze to prepare, file, and pay your taxes, even if you have no prior tax experience. TurboTax also supports multiple tax forms for businesses of all sizes.

All plans come backed with an Audit Support Guarantee. TurboTax also offers personalized guidance and one-on-one help from a TurboTax specialist. If you purchase a Live plan, you’ll receive year-round tax advice, on-demand advice from a CPA, and a final review of your return.

TurboTax is ideal for business owners with complex returns who don’t mind paying extra for all the bells and whistles. If you’re unsure of whether TurboTax is right for you, you can test out the online software at no cost and only pay when you file.

TurboTax Pricing

TurboTax has a wide range of desktop and cloud-based software options available at multiple price points. You can also purchase TurboTax Live, which provides you with expert tax advice and a final review before you file your return. All plans include a federal tax return. Additional fees are required for state returns.

TurboTax Features

TurboTax is a top player in the tax software industry, and it’s easy to see why. This tax software is loaded with features that help simplify filing business taxes.

Some of the features you can expect to find in TurboTax’s software include:

• 350+ deductions
• Schedule C filing
• Stocks, bonds, and other investments
• Rental properties
• Personalized audit assessment
• Electronic K-1 forms
• W-2, 1099-MISCs, 1099-INTs, and 1099-DIVs

Should I Use TurboTax To File My Taxes?

TurboTax comes loaded with features that make it easier for businesses of all sizes to prepare and file their tax returns accurately. While it may be priced higher than other tax software, TurboTax’s software — especially its Live versions, which connect you with a CPA — costs a fraction of what you’d pay to hire an accountant. If you have a simple return, consider shopping around for other options, but if you have a complicated return, you won’t be disappointed by what TurboTax has to offer.

Best for corporations, partnerships, and LLCs that want easy-to-use tax software. 

H&R Block offers numerous cloud-based and locally-installed software options for business owners. Besides products suited for freelancers, contractors, and small businesses, H&R Block’s Premium & Business Tax Software offers support and resources for corporations, LLCs, and partnerships.

Depending on the software you choose, you’ll have access to various features, including tax return storage, deduction optimization, a free state return program, support for numerous tax forms, and on-demand help from a tax expert or CPA.

H&R Block has multiple customer support options and resources for customers, including tax prep checklists, tax calculators, and an online help center.  The software also has generally positive reviews among its users for its ease of use and transparent pricing.

H&R Block Pricing

H&R Block offers a number of tax products designed for businesses of all sizes. You can choose from either cloud-based or locally-installed software. Additional add-ons are available, including unlimited help and advice from tax experts starting at $69.99 and state tax returns. In-office filing and drop-off services are also available — contact H&R Block for more details.

H&R Block Features

All H&R Block software comes with the features you’d expect from tax software, such as:

• Federal return preparation and e-filing
• Optimization of Schedule C and Schedule E
• Tax return storage for six years
• Donation optimization
• Import expenses from expense tracking apps
• Cost basis calculation

Should I Use H&R Block To File My Taxes?

H&R Block offers multiple tax products suitable for businesses of all sizes, and it is particularly suited for corporations, partnerships, and LLCs. The software’s abundant features, easy-to-use interface, support options, and resources are just some of the reasons that this is a top pick among taxpayers.

Best for freelancers, self-employed individuals, and contractors that want easy-to-use cloud-based software. 

TaxSlayer offers multiple pricing tiers for its online software, including its Self-Employed product, which is suited for freelancers, contractors, and side hustlers. TaxSlayer has gained a solid reputation among its users for its affordable and easy-to-use tax software.

TaxSlayer strikes a balance between affordable pricing and a set of features that help you file your tax return with confidence. Standout features include TaxSlayer’s credit and deduction finder, audit assistance, accuracy guarantee, and the Ask A Task Pro service. TaxSlayer’s software can also be used on any device, making it more convenient to file your taxes.

All users have access to free email and phone support. Self-Employed users get priority support to get their questions answered quickly. TaxSlayer also offers a service called Ask A Task Pro, which allows taxpayers to connect with a tax expert.

TaxSlayer Pricing

TaxSlayer has several cloud-based options, but its Self-Employed online software is designed with the freelancer in mind. This plan includes one federal return, with state returns available for an additional fee.

TaxSlayer Features

TaxSlayer isn’t the most robust tax software on the list, but it has a number of great features for the self-employed, including:

• Return prep and e-filing
• Three years of audit assistance
• Priority customer support
• Advice from tax pros
• Optimization of Schedule C deductions
• 1099 guidance
• Live chat support

Should I Use TaxSlayer To File My Taxes?

TaxSlayer’s software offers the features needed to easily and accurately file tax returns without breaking the bank. TaxSlayer’s Schedule C and 1099 support in its Self-Employed product make this a good choice for freelancers, contractors, and side hustlers. Larger businesses and taxpayers with more complicated returns will want to seek out other software options.

TaxAct offers different software to fit the needs of its customers. In addition to providing free e-filing to qualified taxpayers through its membership in the Free File Alliance, TaxAct also offers software that’s ideal for independent contractors and small businesses.

Some of the most notable features of TaxAct include the Deduction Maximizer to help you get the most out of your return, the $100K Accuracy Guarantee, and year-round tax support. TaxAct has numerous support options to help taxpayers throughout the tax prep and filing process.

TaxAct Pricing

TaxAct offers several products suitable for small business owners. You can choose from cloud-based or locally-installed options. All software includes federal return e-filing. State filings can be added for an additional fee.

TaxAct Features

TaxAct’s tax software offers a number of features, including:

• Federal return preparation and e-filing
• Deduction Maximizer
• Priority support
• Seven-year storage of returns
• Maximum refund and accuracy guarantees
• Year-round support

Should I Use TaxAct To File My Taxes?

TaxAct offers easy-to-use tax software that’s available online or as a download. While larger businesses may not find everything they need with this software, independent contractors will benefit from the step-by-step guidance, quality customer support, and TaxAct’s accuracy guarantee.

Best free tax software for self-employed taxpayers on a budget. 

Cut down on your tax-related expenses this year by signing up with FreeTaxUSA. This cloud-based software is available for the low cost of $0. Unlike other free tax software, this option is available to self-employed taxpayers.

Even though it’s free, FreeTaxUSA has a solid number of features to help you prepare and file your business taxes. Notable features include prior year imports, tax return backups, donations, and hundreds of credits and deductions. FreeTaxUSA supports numerous tax forms for all types of income — from self-employment to rental properties and investments.

FreeTaxUSA also offers support to help you navigate the tax filing process. FreeTaxUSA has received numerous positive reviews for its fast customer support times, with most users receiving a response in under an hour.

FreeTaxUSA Pricing

FreeTaxUSA has a base plan that’s free for all users. However, you can opt to upgrade your plan to receive unlimited amendments, priority customer support, and audit assistance. You can also pay an additional fee to prepare and file your state tax return.

FreeTaxUSA Features

For free software, FreeTaxUSA has a pretty good set of features that make it a solid contender with paid business tax software. Here’s what you can expect from FreeTaxUSA:

• 350+ credits & deductions
• Tax return backups
• Import prior-year tax info
• Charitable donations
• Small business income
• Rental & investment income
• Supports numerous tax forms

Should I Use FreeTaxUSA To File My Taxes?

If you don’t want to spend a fortune filing your taxes, FreeTaxUSA may be the right software for you. This cloud-based software is ideal for self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and freelancers, although businesses with more complex returns may want to seek other options. If you want additional protection and support, it may be worth investing in the Deluxe plan, which is priced less than $10.