Best tax software
4 models · updated 2026-07-07
The verdict
TurboTax leads — 3 of 4 models rank TurboTax the top pick.
Not unanimous: ChatGPT picks H&R Block.
As of 2026-07-07, ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and Grok collectively rank TurboTax #1 for tax software on ModelsAgree by aggregate score. The models' case: The most polished guided interview in the category, broadest form coverage (self-employed, investments, rental, multi-state), seamless import of W-2s/1099s/prior returns. The models' main caveat: Slash its premium pricing and stop the aggressive upsell/"free" bait-and-switch that pushes users into paid tiers. The strongest alternative is H&R Block — Best overall mix of guided filing, broad form coverage, transparent help options, strong DIY software, and access to real tax pros or offices when a. Not unanimous: ChatGPT picks H&R Block. Source: https://modelsagree.com/best/best-tax-software (modelsagree.com, CC BY 4.0).
Combined ranking
- 1GPT #2Claude #1Gemini #1Grok #1
The most polished guided interview in the category, broadest form coverage (self-employed, investments, rental, multi-state), seamless import of W-2s/1099s/prior returns and crypto, plus live expert review (TurboTax Live) and audit support; handles the most complex situations with the least user confusion.
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Claude The most polished guided interview in the category, broadest form coverage (self-employed, investments, rental, multi-state), seamless import of W-2s/1099s/prior returns and crypto, plus live expert review (TurboTax Live) and audit support; handles the most complex situations with the least user confusion.
Gemini Exceptional step-by-step guided interview process, comprehensive form coverage for all tax situations, and robust access to live CPA support.
Grok State-of-the-art intuitive Q&A interface with broadest coverage of deductions/credits/situations, advanced AI + live expert support, and strong accuracy/maximum refund guarantees that top independent tests like PCMag.
GPT Best user experience, strongest interview flow, excellent import tools, broad support for investors, freelancers, crypto, rentals, and complex returns
Where it falls shortper GPT Reduce aggressive upsells and total filing cost
per Claude Slash its premium pricing and stop the aggressive upsell/"free" bait-and-switch that pushes users into paid tiers.
per Gemini Lower the cost of its premium tiers and eliminate aggressive upselling during the filing process.
per Grok Lower base pricing and sharply reduce aggressive upselling to improve accessibility and value for typical users.
- 2GPT #1Claude #3Gemini #2Grok #3
Best overall mix of guided filing, broad form coverage, transparent help options, strong DIY software, and access to real tax pros or offices when a return gets complicated
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GPT Best overall mix of guided filing, broad form coverage, transparent help options, strong DIY software, and access to real tax pros or offices when a return gets complicated
Gemini Clean and transparent digital interface combined with the unique advantage of in-person support at physical offices and strong self-employed filing tools.
Claude Strong guided software comparable to TurboTax with more generous free-tier form coverage, plus a unique nationwide network of physical offices for in-person help and the ability to hand off mid-return to a pro.
Grok Strong DIY tools combined with seamless live professional assistance options (chat, remote, in-person), excellent contextual help, and reliable performance across simple to complex returns with good mobile support.
Where it falls shortper GPT Lower paid-tier and state-filing prices
per Claude Reduce mid-tier pricing and trim its own upsell prompts to clearly undercut TurboTax on value.
per Gemini Simplify the pricing tiers and lower the fees associated with state return filings.
per Grok Deliver clearer upfront pricing transparency and more competitive rates for self-employed or investment-heavy returns to expand DIY appeal.
- 3GPT #3Claude #2Gemini #3Grok #2
Free federal filing for virtually every form including self-employment, investments, and rental income, with only a low flat fee for state — by far the best value for complex returns; accurate, no-gimmick, and supports prior-year imports.
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Claude Free federal filing for virtually every form including self-employment, investments, and rental income, with only a low flat fee for state — by far the best value for complex returns; accurate, no-gimmick, and supports prior-year imports.
Grok Exceptional value with free federal filing across virtually all forms and situations plus very low state fees, while delivering robust coverage for self-employment, investments, and complex returns without paywalls.
GPT Best value for most confident filers, free federal filing, low-cost state returns, broad form support, and far less pricing friction than the big brands
Gemini Unbeatable value by offering completely free federal filing for all major tax situations, including investments and self-employment.
Where it falls shortper GPT Add a more polished guided experience and stronger live expert support
per Claude Modernize the dated UI and add stronger automated document import (auto W-2/1099 photo/PDF capture) to match the big players' onboarding speed.
per Gemini Upgrade its dated, text-heavy interface to a modern, more visual step-by-step wizard.
per Grok Add a more polished guided interview experience and stronger contextual help to better serve users who prefer step-by-step hand-holding over form navigation.
- 4GPT #5Claude #4Gemini #4Grok #4
Low flat pricing across tiers (Classic covers all major forms including self-employment) makes it the best budget pick for confident filers; fast, lightweight, and includes free phone/email support even at lower tiers.
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Claude Low flat pricing across tiers (Classic covers all major forms including self-employment) makes it the best budget pick for confident filers; fast, lightweight, and includes free phone/email support even at lower tiers.
Gemini Highly affordable flat-rate pricing for all tax forms paired with a fast, straightforward navigation system.
Grok Competitive low pricing paired with standout priority customer support and expert guidance, plus solid features well-suited for self-employed and freelancers according to Forbes and other 2026 reviews.
GPT Competitive pricing, flexible plans, useful support options, and good coverage for common tax situations including self-employment
Where it falls shortper GPT Improve the guided workflow and error explanations for less experienced filers
per Claude Improve the guidance/explanations and help content so less-experienced filers aren't left guessing on deductions and credits.
per Gemini Expand and improve the depth of its context-sensitive help resources and tooltips.
per Grok Modernize the interface with stronger AI-powered deduction discovery and smoother navigation to raise ease-of-use scores against premium leaders.
- 5GPT #4Claude —Gemini —Grok #5
Solid balance of price, form coverage, accuracy tools, and support for homeowners, investors, landlords, and self-employed filers without TurboTax-level cost
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GPT Solid balance of price, form coverage, accuracy tools, and support for homeowners, investors, landlords, and self-employed filers without TurboTax-level cost
Grok Excellent accuracy and penalty protection guarantees, clear intuitive navigation with useful tools like Deduction Maximizer, and reliable comprehensive coverage at good value.
Where it falls shortper GPT Modernize the interface and make help feel less add-on dependent
per Grok Expand integrated live expert/AI support options and increase brand visibility through stronger marketing to boost user preference and adoption.
- 6GPT —Claude #5Gemini #5Grok —
Genuinely 100% free for both federal AND state with no tier upsells, covering most common situations including some self-employment and investment income — unbeatable for the price.
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Claude Genuinely 100% free for both federal AND state with no tier upsells, covering most common situations including some self-employment and investment income — unbeatable for the price.
Gemini Completely free federal and state tax filing with an intuitive, mobile-optimized experience for simple to moderate returns.
Where it falls shortper Claude Add multi-state filing, broaden support for complex forms (e.g., multiple state returns, certain K-1s), and offer real human support to remove the deal-breakers for advanced filers.
per Gemini Add support for complex forms, enable automated 1099 imports, and introduce live expert assistance.
Rank history
Just missed the top 5
GPT Cash App Taxes — excellent free option but too limited for complex returns and not broad enough for every state or situation · Jackson Hewitt Online — useful flat-price filing and office backup, but the software experience is less polished than the top five
Claude TaxAct — solid mid-range coverage and accuracy guarantee, but pricing has crept up to near-TurboTax levels without matching its polish or support
Gemini TaxAct — priced too closely to premium competitors without providing the equivalent level of interactive guidance or live support · Wealthsimple Tax — highly rated pay-what-you-want platform that is excluded from the top five because it only supports Canadian tax returns
Grok Cash App Taxes — completely free federal + state with fast UX but shallower help and less suited for complex/high-support needs per PCMag
By model
ChatGPT
- 1.H&R Block
- 2.TurboTax
- 3.FreeTaxUSA
- 4.TaxAct
- 5.TaxSlayer
Claude
- 1.TurboTax
- 2.FreeTaxUSA
- 3.H&R Block
- 4.TaxSlayer
- 5.Cash App Taxes
Gemini
- 1.TurboTax
- 2.H&R Block
- 3.FreeTaxUSA
- 4.TaxSlayer
- 5.Cash App Taxes
Grok
- 1.TurboTax
- 2.FreeTaxUSA
- 3.H&R Block
- 4.TaxSlayer
- 5.TaxAct
Common questions
What is the best tax software according to AI models?
TurboTax leads. 3 of 4 models rank TurboTax the top pick. The current top 3: TurboTax, H&R Block, FreeTaxUSA. Ranked by asking ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok the same buying question and merging their top-5 picks, updated 2026-07-07. Source: modelsagree.com.
Which tax software did each AI model pick first?
ChatGPT: H&R Block. Claude: TurboTax. Gemini: TurboTax. Grok: TurboTax.
Do the AI models agree on the best tax software?
Not unanimous. ChatGPT picks H&R Block.
How is this tax software ranking made?
ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok are each asked the same buying question in a fresh session with no system steering. Their top-5 answers are merged (rank 1 = 5 pts … rank 5 = 1 pt) into the consensus ranking, re-polled on demand and tracked over time.
More on how polling works: full methodology →
Cite this ranking
ModelsAgree, “Best tax software” — merged ranking from ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini & Grok, polled 2026-07-07. https://modelsagree.com/best/best-tax-software (CC BY 4.0)
Tracked by ModelsAgree · rank 1 = 5 pts … rank 5 = 1 pt · re-polled on demand