TaxAct vs TaxWise

TaxAct8.8Visit TTaxWise7.9Visit

Higher score TaxAct #3 in AI Tax Software 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 0 of 4 features Visit TaxAct

vs

T TaxWise #6 in AI Tax Software 7.9/10 Paid ✓ 0 of 4 features Visit TaxWise

• TaxAct fits best

  Broad U.S. filing with desktop flexibility

• TaxWise fits best

  Professional preparers needing broad entity support

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Side by side

Feature	TaxAct 8.8/10 Visit ↗	TTaxWise 7.9/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score	8.8	7.9
Ranking	#3 in AI Tax Software	#6 in AI Tax Software
Best for	Broad U.S. filing with desktop flexibility	Professional preparers needing broad entity support
Pricing model	Free plan + paid	Paid
Starting price	$44.99 one-time	—
Free plan	✓ (best)	—
Free trial	—	—
Deployment	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile	Cloud, Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Web, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android	Web, Windows, iOS, Android
Support	Phone, Live chat, Docs	Live chat, Tickets, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business	Small business, Mid-market
Features TaxAct 0/4 · TaxWise 0/4
AI tax guidance	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Document import	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Deduction finding	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Expert review	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Specs
Taxpayer types	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Filing support	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Return limit	Not checked yet	Not checked yet
Our review
Pros	Covers investments, crypto, rental income, and self-employment Offers web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android access Includes document uploads, progress saving, and optional expert help	Supports individual, business, fiduciary, estate, gift, and exempt returns Combines federal and state e-filing with hyperlinked diagnostics Adds eSignatures, mobile intake, research, and taxpayer payment products
Cons	State filing is an additional charge Live tax expert assistance costs extra Advanced filing needs require paid plans	Annual pricing starts at $429 No free plan is available Package capacities and return types vary by plan
Our verdict	TaxAct is U.S. tax preparation software for individuals, self-employed filers, and small businesses. Its guided federal and state return preparation covers standard returns, home ownership, investments, cryptocurrency, rental income,… Read the review →	TaxWise is paid tax preparation software for professional tax preparers and EROs. Its online edition handles cloud-based return preparation, while included TaxWise Desktop supports individual and business returns. The product combines… Read the review →

Strengths and trade-offs

• TaxAct — where it wins

  • Covers investments, crypto, rental income, and self-employment
  • Offers web, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android access
  • Includes document uploads, progress saving, and optional expert help

  Where it doesn't

  • State filing is an additional charge
  • Live tax expert assistance costs extra
  • Advanced filing needs require paid plans

• TaxWise — where it wins

  • Supports individual, business, fiduciary, estate, gift, and exempt returns
  • Combines federal and state e-filing with hyperlinked diagnostics
  • Adds eSignatures, mobile intake, research, and taxpayer payment products

  Where it doesn't

  • Annual pricing starts at $429
  • No free plan is available
  • Package capacities and return types vary by plan

• TaxAct8.8/10 · Free plan

  Broad U.S. filing coverage with web, desktop, and mobile options.

  Visit TaxActFull verdict →
• TTaxWise7.9/10 · Paid

  Broad entity support, e-filing, diagnostics, research, and intake for professional preparers.

  Visit TaxWiseFull verdict →