eSmart Tax Software Review

eSmart tax preparation software is the online arm of Liberty Tax, a company that specializes in providing tax preparation assistance through its thousands of local offices scattered across the country. eSmart offers 4 products each with an increasing degree of tax preparation features for those with basic to advanced tax filing requirements.   

Platform

Online

Versions

Free
Basic
Deluxe
Premium

Plans and Features

Free Edition (State Filing $29.99 Additional)

• Recommended for simple returns, Form 1040EZ and Schedule B
• ACA forms
• Free chat
• Free tech support
• Prior year return access
• W-2 download
• Credit maximizer
• Child and dependent care
• Competitor import
• Import last year’s info
• State tax preparation

Basic Edition - $34.95 (State Filing $36.95 Additional)

• Recommended for families and self employed
• All Free Edition features
• Itemized deductions
• Health savings accounts
• Interest and ordinary income
• Business expenses and depreciation

Deluxe Edition - $45.95 (State Filing $36.95 Additional)

• Recommended for investors
• All Basic and Deluxe Edition features
• Sole proprietor income
• Specialized deductions for operating a home office

Premium Edition - 59.95 (State Filing $36.95 Additional)

• Recommended for business owners
• All previous Edition features
• Income from rental/ real estate
• Gain, profit and loss, corporation
• Sale of home

Features

eSmart lets you work with previous online tax returns from a variety of tax preparation software. This makes it easy for you to switch to their services without requiring major work to re-enter your previous information. eSmart has also made strides in improving user interface, the walkthrough process is now friendlier and overall costumer experience improved.  

Data import

• Previous year’s tax returns
• W-2 and 1099
• Import tax forms from other services

Accuracy

• 100% accuracy guarantee
• Tax filling errors alerts
• Tax reviews

Refunds

• Direct deposit to your bank account
• Use deductions to pay for tax preparation services

Support Services

Expert support available
Live chat support
Email

eSmart Tax Preparation Software Summary

While eSmart tax preparation services do not particularly standout from its major competitors, its big advantage could be seen in its numerous retail locations that let tax payers work personally with tax professionals. This service is provided by its partner Liberty Tax. Live chat and its online resources could give first time tax filers an easier time accomplishing their tax returns. The service is also on the cheaper side of all the providers we evaluate.