1. TurboTax (Intuit)
- Founders: Scott Cook and Tom Proulx
- Founded Year: 1984
- Headquarters: Mountain View, California, USA
- Product Categories: Tax preparation software, accounting software, financial services
- Description: TurboTax, developed by Intuit, is a leading tax preparation software known for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive support. Catering to individuals and businesses, it simplifies tax filing with guided steps and expert assistance, making it a top competitor to H&R Block.
- Key Features:
- Intuitive step-by-step tax filing process
- Free filing for simple returns
- Live expert support through TurboTax Live
- Seamless integration with QuickBooks
- Maximum refund guarantee
- Mobile app for on-the-go filing
- Cryptocurrency and investment tax support
2. TaxAct
- Founders: Lance Dunn, Jerry McConnell, and others
- Founded Year: 1998
- Headquarters: Cedar Rapids, Iowa, USA
- Product Categories: Tax preparation software, e-filing services
- Description: TaxAct offers affordable tax preparation software for individuals and businesses. Founded by tax professionals, it provides robust tools at lower costs than many competitors, appealing to cost-conscious filers seeking reliable tax solutions without breaking the bank.
- Key Features:
- Low-cost pricing for all tax situations
- Free federal filing for simple returns
- Import prior-year returns from other providers
- Deduction maximizer tool
- Live phone support with paid plans
- Business tax preparation options
3. TaxSlayer
- Founders: Brian Rhodes and others
- Founded Year: 1965 (as a tax preparation firm; software launched later)
- Headquarters: Augusta, Georgia, USA
- Product Categories: Tax preparation software, tax filing services
- Description: TaxSlayer started as a family-owned tax firm and evolved into a popular software provider. It offers affordable, easy-to-use tax solutions for individuals, self-employed filers, and small businesses, competing with H&R Block on price and accessibility.
- Key Features:
- Budget-friendly pricing tiers
- Free federal and state filing for simple returns
- Self-employed tax support with expert access
- Military filing at no cost
- Mobile app for tax preparation
- Audit support included
4. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
- Founders: John Hewitt
- Founded Year: 1982
- Headquarters: Jersey City, New Jersey, USA
- Product Categories: Tax preparation services, tax software
- Description: Jackson Hewitt is a major tax preparation service with a strong in-person presence, rivaling H&R Block’s retail model. It offers both online and office-based filing, focusing on personalized service and maximum refunds for a wide range of taxpayers.
- Key Features:
- Nationwide network of tax offices
- Online tax filing option
- Maximum refund guarantee
- Year-round tax support
- Drop-off and virtual filing services
- Affordable flat-rate pricing
5. Liberty Tax
- Founders: John Hewitt
- Founded Year: 1997
- Headquarters: Virginia Beach, Virginia, USA
- Product Categories: Tax preparation services, tax software, franchise opportunities
- Description: Liberty Tax, founded by tax industry veteran John Hewitt, provides tax preparation through a franchise model. It competes with H&R Block by offering in-person and online services, emphasizing customer service and accessibility for individuals and small businesses.
- Key Features:
- Extensive franchise network
- Online and in-office tax filing
- Free double-check of prior returns
- Refund advance loans
- Multilingual support
- Small business tax services
6. FreeTaxUSA
- Founders: Not publicly detailed (privately held)
- Founded Year: 2001
- Headquarters: Orem, Utah, USA
- Product Categories: Tax preparation software, e-filing services
- Description: FreeTaxUSA offers a cost-effective alternative to H&R Block, providing free federal tax filing and low-cost state filing. It targets budget-conscious users with straightforward software that supports a variety of tax situations without premium pricing.
- Key Features:
- Free federal tax filing for all users
- Low-cost state filing ($14.99)
- Supports complex tax forms
- Audit assistance available
- Import prior-year data
- Simple, no-frills interface
7. Cash App Taxes
- Founders: Initially by Credit Karma (acquired by Square, Inc., now Block, Inc.)
- Founded Year: 2016 (as Credit Karma Tax; rebranded later)
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, USA
- Product Categories: Tax preparation software
- Description: Cash App Taxes, formerly Credit Karma Tax, is a free tax filing service acquired by Block, Inc. It competes with H&R Block by offering no-cost federal and state filing for simple returns, integrated with the Cash App platform.
- Key Features:
- Completely free federal and state filing
- Easy integration with Cash App
- Supports basic tax situations
- Mobile-first filing experience
- No income restrictions for free filing
8. Avalara
- Founders: Rory Rawlings, Jared Vogt, Scott McFarlane
- Founded Year: 2004
- Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, USA
- Product Categories: Tax compliance software, sales tax solutions
- Description: Avalara specializes in automated tax compliance for businesses, distinguishing itself from H&R Block’s consumer focus. It provides cloud-based solutions for sales tax, VAT, and corporate tax, serving companies needing scalable tax management tools.
- Key Features:
- Automated sales tax calculation
- Integration with e-commerce platforms
- Multi-jurisdiction tax compliance
- Real-time tax rate updates
- Exemption certificate management
- Detailed reporting tools
9. Vertex
- Founders: Ray Westphal and others
- Founded Year: 1978
- Headquarters: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Product Categories: Tax technology, compliance software
- Description: Vertex offers advanced tax technology solutions for businesses, competing with H&R Block in the corporate tax space. Its robust software automates tax processes across industries, focusing on accuracy and compliance for complex transactions.
- Key Features:
- Enterprise-level tax automation
- Global tax compliance support
- ERP system integrations
- High-volume transaction processing
- Tax content updates
- Audit-ready reporting
10. Drake Software
- Founders: Phil Drake
- Founded Year: 1977
- Headquarters: Franklin, North Carolina, USA
- Product Categories: Tax preparation software, accounting tools
- Description: Drake Software targets tax professionals rather than individual filers, offering a competitive alternative to H&R Block’s professional tools. It provides comprehensive tax prep software with a focus on efficiency and support for preparers.
- Key Features:
- Tailored for tax professionals
- Unlimited e-filing included
- Multi-state return support
- Data import from prior years
- Client management tools
- Extensive training resources
