Alternatives · Accounting
TaxAct alternatives
As of Nov 12, 2026, the highest-graded TaxAct alternative is Hurdlr (2.8 GPA). It's also the best free one.
TaxAct compared with 4 alternatives: Drake Tax, Keeper, Hurdlr and QuickBooks Online.
TaxAct has a free plan. Paid plans start at $44.99 per tax year (download); online from $59.99, states extra. 2 of the 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 2 more offer a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 12, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a TaxAct sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| TaxActThis tool | Free plan · from $44.99/yr | Yes | Web |
| Drake Tax | Free trial · from $299.99/yr | Trial only | Web, Windows |
| Keeper | Free trial · from $199/yr | Trial only | Web, iOS, Android |
| Hurdlr | Free plan · from $8.34/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
| QuickBooks Online | Free plan · from $38/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
Price against what you get
TaxAct starts at $3.75 a month when paid by the year and scores 2.0 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 4 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.
Drake Tax, Keeper, Hurdlr and QuickBooks Online score higher without starting lower.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
How each one differs from TaxAct
Drake Tax
Professional tax preparation software for tax firms, desktop and web
- Drake Tax starts at $299.99 per tax year, first user included (Drake Tax Online).
- Drake Tax has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike TaxAct.
- Drake Tax also lists a Windows app.
- Drake Tax also covers file sharing.
- Drake Tax does not cover documents and calculator, which TaxAct does.
Suits: Tax preparers and firms filing client returns
Keeper
Expense tracking and tax filing for freelancers and contractors
- Keeper starts at $199 per year ($16.58 a month, billed yearly).
- Keeper has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike TaxAct.
- Keeper also lists iOS and Android apps.
- Keeper also covers bookkeeping and expense tracking.
- Keeper does not cover documents and calculator, which TaxAct does.
Suits: Freelancers and contractors who want deductions found automatically
Hurdlr
Mileage, expense and tax tracking app for freelancers
- Hurdlr starts at $8.34 per month, billed annually ($100 a year; $9.99 billed monthly).
- Hurdlr also lists iOS and Android apps.
- Hurdlr also covers invoicing, reports, bookkeeping and expense tracking.
- Hurdlr does not cover documents and calculator, which TaxAct does.
Suits: Freelancers and gig workers who drive for work and want mileage logged
QuickBooks Online
Cloud accounting from Intuit, from a free plan to 25-user Advanced
- QuickBooks Online starts at $38 per month, billed monthly.
- QuickBooks Online also lists iOS and Android apps.
- QuickBooks Online also covers invoicing, reports, bookkeeping, expense tracking and payroll.
- QuickBooks Online does not cover documents and calculator, which TaxAct does.
Suits: US small businesses that want their accountant working in the same books
Limits worth knowing in TaxAct
- State returns are charged separately: $54.99 each on the Free edition and $64.99 each on Self-Employed.
- Free federal filing excludes investment income, itemized deductions, rental income and self-employment income.
- Xpert Assist is shown at $45 on the pricing cards but $60 in the page's FAQ.
- It prepares and e-files taxes only; it is not bookkeeping or invoicing software.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to TaxAct?
The alternatives to TaxAct in this directory are Drake Tax, Keeper, Hurdlr and QuickBooks Online. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with TaxAct.
Is there a free alternative to TaxAct?
Yes. Hurdlr and QuickBooks Online have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which TaxAct alternatives work on Windows?
The TaxAct listing does not include a Windows app. Drake Tax lists one.
Which TaxAct alternatives work on Android?
The TaxAct listing does not include an Android app. Keeper, Hurdlr and QuickBooks Online list one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 17, 2026 to Nov 12, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.