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Compare by how much credit support you need, not by brand
Filing help is generally tiered around complexity — here's how the tiers typically differ when multiple credits are in play.
How this table is built.
- What credit situations the tier typically supports
- Whether the tier includes a guided credit interview or just a general form
- Whether documentation review or professional judgment is included
- General price range you should expect to see
| Filing help type | What it typically covers | Credit guidance included | General price range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free filing tier | One or two straightforward credits, like a basic EITC or a single dependent's Child Tax Credit | Basic guided questions, limited depth | Free federal is common; state and add-ons often extra |
| Paid tier with credit support | Multiple credits — education, energy, dependent care — with more detailed interview questions | Fuller guided interview covering most common credits | Typically a mid-range paid tier, plus state |
| Professional-assisted filing | Complex or interacting credits, business credits, or a suspected missed credit from a prior year | A person actively reviews your documentation and asks follow-up questions | Typically the highest cost, reflecting individualized review |
This table describes general patterns across filing help options, not the exact current price or feature set of any specific product — always confirm current pricing and coverage directly with the provider before choosing.
Next step
Where to look at each tier
How we make money: some links here are partner or affiliate links and we may be paid a fee at no cost to you. It never changes what we write or how options are ordered — see our disclosure and methodology.
Partner
1-800Accountant
Professional CPA help for business credits and more complex credit situations.
See 1-800Accountant →Partner
Credit Karma Tax
A free federal filing option worth checking before you pay for anything.
See Credit Karma Tax →