Alternatives · Accounting
TaxBandits alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded TaxBandits alternative is FreshBooks (2.6 GPA). The best free one is TaxAct (2.4 GPA).
TaxBandits compared with 4 alternatives: TaxAct, Drake Tax, FreshBooks and QuickBooks Online.
TaxBandits has a free plan. Paid plans start at $2.75 per form for the first 10 federal 1099/W-2 forms. 2 of the 4 alternatives are free or have a free plan. 2 more offer a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from
Black Friday: is there a TaxBandits sale?
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| TaxBanditsThis tool | Free plan · from $2.75 | Yes | Web |
| TaxAct | Free plan · from $44.99/yr | Yes | Web |
| Drake Tax | Free trial · from $299.99/yr | Trial only | Web, Windows |
| FreshBooks | Free trial · from $23/mo | Trial only | Web, iOS, Android |
| QuickBooks Online | Free plan · from $38/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android |
How each one differs from TaxBandits
TaxAct
Online and downloadable tax filing for individuals and businesses
- TaxAct starts at $44.99 per tax year (download); online from $59.99, states extra.
- TaxAct also covers documents and calculator.
- TaxAct does not cover forms and payroll, which TaxBandits does.
Suits: Individuals with simple returns that qualify for free federal filing
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 TaxBandits.
- Drake Tax also lists a Windows app.
- Drake Tax also covers file sharing.
- Drake Tax does not cover forms and payroll, which TaxBandits does.
Suits: Tax preparers and firms filing client returns
FreshBooks
Invoicing and accounting for freelancers and service businesses
- FreshBooks starts at $23 per month, billed monthly.
- FreshBooks has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike TaxBandits.
- FreshBooks also lists iOS and Android apps.
- FreshBooks also covers time tracking, invoicing, reports, bookkeeping and expense tracking.
- FreshBooks does not cover forms, which TaxBandits does.
Suits: Freelancers and consultants who bill a handful of clients for their time
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 and expense tracking.
- QuickBooks Online does not cover forms, which TaxBandits does.
Suits: US small businesses that want their accountant working in the same books
Limits worth knowing in TaxBandits
- Covers US federal and state forms only; it is not general bookkeeping software.
- Volume pricing stops at 2,000 forms for 1099 and W-2, and at 1,000 for 94x, above which you contact sales.
- Add-ons are charged separately: recipient mailing from $1.85 a form and online access at $0.50 a form.
- Corrections are free only when the original 94x return was filed with TaxBandits.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to TaxBandits?
The alternatives to TaxBandits in this directory are TaxAct, Drake Tax, FreshBooks and QuickBooks Online. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with TaxBandits.
Is there a free alternative to TaxBandits?
Yes. TaxAct and QuickBooks Online have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which TaxBandits alternatives work on Windows?
The TaxBandits listing does not include a Windows app. Drake Tax lists one.
Which TaxBandits alternatives work on Android?
The TaxBandits listing does not include an Android app. FreshBooks 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 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.