TaxAct vs ClearTax

TaxAct8.8Visit ClearTax8.4Visit

Higher score TaxAct #3 in Personal Tax Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit TaxAct

vs

ClearTax #7 in Personal Tax Software 8.4/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 4 of 4 features Visit ClearTax

• TaxAct fits best

  Multi-device US filing with assistance

• ClearTax fits best

  Indian filers with investments or notices

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Side by side

Feature	TaxAct 8.8/10 Visit ↗	ClearTax 8.4/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	8.4
Ranking	#3 in Personal Tax Software	#7 in Personal Tax Software
Best for	Multi-device US filing with assistance	Indian filers with investments or notices
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Free plan + paid
Starting price	$44.99 one-time	—
Free plan	✓	✓
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Web, Android
Support	Phone, Live chat, Docs	Email, Phone, Docs · 24/7
Compliance	2FA	SOC 2, ISO 27001, 2FA
Built for	Solo, Small business	Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features TaxAct 4/4 · ClearTax 4/4
Self-employment support	✓	✓
Investment income	✓	✓
Rental income	✓	✓
Audit support	✓	✓
Specs
State filing	Paid_add_on	Not checked yet
Mobile access	Web_and_mobile	Web_and_mobile
Our review
Pros	Supports investment, crypto, rental, and self-employment returns Works across web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android Offers uploads, cross-device saving, expert help, and Audit Defense	Free DIY filing with prefilled Income Tax Department data Capital-gains imports from more than 80 brokers Paid help covers foreign, business, professional, and notice needs
Cons	State filing is an additional charge Important return types require paid plans Live expert assistance is an add-on	Complex returns move into relatively expensive paid tiers Notice management and audit services may cost extra Mobile filing is provided through the Black Android app
Our verdict	TaxAct is US tax preparation software for individuals, self-employed filers, and small businesses. It provides guided federal and state return preparation through web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with support for standard returns,… Read the review →	ClearTax is an India-focused income-tax filing and financial-services platform for individuals, investors, traders, self-employed professionals, and taxpayers with property or foreign income. Its free Self e-Filing plan supports DIY return… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• TaxAct — where it wins

  • Supports investment, crypto, rental, and self-employment returns
  • Works across web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
  • Offers uploads, cross-device saving, expert help, and Audit Defense

  Where it doesn't

  • State filing is an additional charge
  • Important return types require paid plans
  • Live expert assistance is an add-on

• ClearTax — where it wins

  • Free DIY filing with prefilled Income Tax Department data
  • Capital-gains imports from more than 80 brokers
  • Paid help covers foreign, business, professional, and notice needs

  Where it doesn't

  • Complex returns move into relatively expensive paid tiers
  • Notice management and audit services may cost extra
  • Mobile filing is provided through the Black Android app

• TaxAct8.8/10 · Free plan

  A broad US tax filing option with free entry, paid coverage, and expert help.

  Visit TaxActFull verdict →
• ClearTax8.4/10 · Free plan

  A flexible tax-filing option for Indian filers with investments, property, or notices.

  Visit ClearTaxFull verdict →