H&R Block and TaxSlayer are top online tax services, according to CNET

It’s tax season! If you’re ready to file your Internal Revenue Service and New York State returns, you can use online software to guide you and answer common questions

If you aren’t still waiting for statements and are comfortable filing online, completing your tax returns before the April 15 deadline will help you avoid refund delays or penalties. (You can also buy and download software if you prefer.)

CNET reviewed the top online tax software options for ease of use, guidance, pricing and more to help you find the best service for your situation. Here we offer two of our best choices for most people:

H&R Block

Best free online experience

CNET’s Take: H&R Block is our pick for the best free online filing experience, thanks to the amount of IRS forms included in the option. Its paid tiers are also cheaper than TurboTax. H&R Block also makes it easier to switch from TurboTax, with Direct Import, which lets you use just your cellphone number.

While not quite as smooth as its top competitor, H&R Block features a well-designed, interview-style system that helps users avoid potential mistakes. Help screens and FAQs are comprehensive, though almost too in-depth, which could overwhelm some users.

Another big appeal of H&R Block is its brick-and-mortar presence. If you decide midway that you’d rather not do it yourself, H&R Block has about 9,000 offices across the United States where you can make an appointment or drop off your taxes for a professional to complete.

H&R Block offers four tiers for filing returns in 2024 — Free Online, Deluxe, Premium and Self-Employed — in addition to in-person assistance at a branch and online help from a “live tax pro.” If you can justify paying for H&R Block’s Deluxe, Premium or Self-Employed tiers, you’ll also gain access to H&R Block’s AI Tax Assist tool. The artificial intelligence chatbot is a delight to use, but it’s not perfect.

TaxSlayer

Best for freelancers and for gig workers

CNET’s Take: TaxSlayer’s online software won’t wow you — its help and support options are basic at best — but it’s our top pick for freelancers and gig workers looking to file taxes on a tight budget. TaxSlayer’s self-employed tier provides tax preparation support from a tax professional versed in self-employment taxes, as well as services like year-round tax payment reminders and audit defense that lasts three years.

TaxSlayer offers four levels of service — Simply Free, Classic, Premium and Self-Employed — that range from free to $53 to file a federal return under current promotional pricing. To use TaxSlayer’s live chat feature and access a tax pro, you must pay for its Premium tier.

Simply Free has many restrictions, including a $100,000 cap on taxable income, and you can’t claim dependents with the free version. It does include a free state return, however, which is notable since its paid tiers charge $40 per state return. TaxSlayer’s interface and help and support content aren’t as polished as other top competitors, but they’re a bargain for self-employed filers.