TaxAct pricing varies by edition and filing needs. The cost to file includes federal and state e-file fees, plus optional add-ons. The main drivers are the edition chosen, number of states, and any live support or audit assistance.
Cost to file with TaxAct depends on edition, state count, and optional services. This guide presents typical ranges in USD to help buyers estimate upfront.
| Item | Low | Average | High | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Filing Fee | $0 | $0-$10 | $10 | Often included with Free edition; varies by edition |
| State Filing Fee (per state) | $0 | $10-$15 | $25 | Per-state e-file; some states are bundled |
| E-File Fee (Total) | $0-$15 | $0-$20 | $20-$60 | Includes both federal and state when applicable |
| Optional Support / Live Help | $0 | $15-$50 | $100 | Phone or chat assistance; audit defense is extra |
| Total Estimated Cost | $0-$15 | $25-$60 | $60-$100 | Assumes typical simple return with one state |
Overview Of Costs
Benefits and limits vary by edition, with most taxpayers paying modest fees for state returns. The high end reflects multiple states or added services. A typical setup includes a free federal filing and a per-state e-file charge, plus optional help if requested.
Cost Breakdown
| Item | Fees | Taxes | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Filing Fee | $0-$10 | N/A | $0-$10 | Dependent on edition; often waived with Free edition |
| State Filing Fee (per state) | $0-$15 | N/A | $0-$15 | Higher for certain states with electronic submission |
| E-File Fee | $0-$20 | N/A | $0-$20 | May be bundled with state fees in some editions |
| Optional Support | $0-$50 | $0 | $0-$50 | Live help, audit assistance, or price protections |
What Drives Price
Edition level and state count are the primary pricing levers. Higher tiers include more features and may waive some fees, while additional states add per-state charges. Tax complexity, eligible credits, and need for live support also affect the final cost.
Ways To Save
Save by choosing a lower edition if your return is simple. Bundling bundles can reduce per-state fees, and scheduling filing before peak season can sometimes unlock promotional pricing. Review whether features like import from prior years or automatic import are necessary for your situation.
Regional Price Differences
Pricing varies by region and state mix. In urban areas with more state returns, costs may trend higher due to additional state charges, while rural regions with fewer states can be lower. On average, urban users may see a 5–15% higher combined total than rural users when multiple states are needed.
Labor & Time Considerations
Most of the cost is the software fee; however, time spent preparing data can affect perceived value. A typical user spends 10–60 minutes gathering forms and last-year data. If professional help is used for a complex return, expect additional hours and corresponding fees from the service layer.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Hidden costs may include state-specific amendments or late-file penalties. Some editions restrict certain credits or forms, forcing an upgrade. Always verify which credits you can claim and whether amended returns incur extra fees.
Real-World Pricing Examples
Basic Scenario
Tax situation: Single filer, no itemized deductions, one state.
Estimated: Federal $0, State $12, E-file $0, Optional support $0. Total around $12.
Mid-Range Scenario
Tax situation: Head-of-household, standard deduction, two states, some credits.
Estimated: Federal $0, States $15 each, E-file $20, Optional support $30. Total around $80.
Premium Scenario
Tax situation: Itemized deductions, multiple states, live assistance, audit support.
Estimated: Federal $0, States $25 each, E-file $40, Optional support $100. Total around $260.
Assumptions: region, specs, labor hours.
Permits, Rebates & Timing
In most cases, no external permits are required for e-filing. Some states offer credits or prep guidance that can affect pricing. Filing earlier in the season may avoid price surges caused by demand spikes.