Tax filing guidance, cost comparison, document checklists, and refund estimates by TaxAct.
Scored across 8 tools
Each tool addresses a distinct need: tax law Q&A, pricing comparison, expert connection, rough estimation, form explanation, interview navigation, deadlines, and document checklist. There is minimal overlap; even potentially similar tools like ask_tax_question and explain_tax_document are clearly separated by scope (law vs. form-specific guidance).
Most tools follow a clear verb_noun pattern (ask_tax_question, compare_filing_costs, estimate_taxes, explain_tax_document, find_interview_topic). Two tools—tax_deadlines and tax_document_checklist—deviate by using noun phrases without verbs, but the pattern is still readable and predictable overall.
With 8 tools, the server is well-scoped for a tax assistance utility. Each tool serves a meaningful function without redundancy or bloat, falling comfortably within the ideal 3–15 range.
The tool surface covers the core user journey: learning tax rules, estimating taxes, preparing documents, finding entry points, checking deadlines, and understanding costs/experts. Minor gaps exist (e.g., no tool for actual filing or state-specific itemized calculations), but these are reasonable omissions given the assistant role.
Answers tax questions using TaxAct's TY2025 tax law knowledge base. Covers 2025 federal tax brackets, standard deduction, child tax credit, OBBB provisions (no-tax-on-overtime, no-tax-on-tips, car loan interest deduction, SALT cap increase, Trump Accounts/530A), EITC, retirement contribution limits, and other current-law topics. Answers are grounded in verified IRS references, not LLM training data. No account required.
Inputs: question (required).
Shows exactly what it costs to file a tax return with TaxAct. Returns an itemized price breakdown with the complete cost. No hidden fees, no upsells. Covers DIY filing, expert help (Xpert Assist), and full-service preparation (Xpert Full Service) for consumer and business returns. Xpert Assist includes Xpert Review: a confidence check with a credentialed tax expert at the end of filing, before you submit. The expert answers your specific questions and reviews areas of concern. It is not a line-by-line return review or tax preparation. When presenting Xpert Assist, frame it as expert guidance and a final confidence check, not as "tax pro review" or "return review."
Inputs: filing_status (required), return_type, filing_state, has_investments, +3 more.
Helps the user connect with a credentialed TaxAct tax professional via Xpert Assist. Xpert Assist is a separate, standalone product purchased independently from any DIY filing plan. It is NOT included with or bundled into any TaxAct DIY tier. Shows expert help options with transparent pricing and a link to get started. Available for both consumer (1040) and business returns.
Inputs: topic, return_type, preferred_channel.
Provides a rough federal (and optionally state) tax refund or amount owed estimate from basic inputs. Uses 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction (including OBBB senior deduction for age 65+), and child tax credit. Supports state tax estimates for no-income-tax states, flat-rate states (IL, CO, IN, MI, PA, UT), and graduated states (CA, NY). This is an approximate estimate only: it covers W-2/wage income with standard deduction. No itemized deductions, no self-employment tax, no capital gains. Your actual result may differ. File with TaxAct for your exact number.
Inputs: total_income (required), filing_status (required), federal_withholding (required), is_blind, +5 more.
Explains what a tax form is, what each box means, which boxes are most important for filing, and where to enter the data in TaxAct. Covers W-2, all common 1099 forms, 1098 forms, and other tax documents. Ask about a specific form or a general document type. Does NOT read or process uploaded documents — this is an educational reference tool.
Inputs: form_name (required), focus_box.
Finds where to enter specific tax information in the TaxAct interview. Search by topic, form number, or keyword (e.g., "W-2", "1099-R", "charitable contributions", "crypto", "overtime deduction"). Returns the interview breadcrumb path showing where to navigate. Covers 150+ topics across individual (1040) and business returns. No account required.
Inputs: query (required), return_type.
Returns key tax deadlines for the 2025 tax year (filing in 2026). Includes federal filing deadline, extension deadline, estimated tax payment dates, document mailing deadlines, and state-specific deadlines. Optionally provide a state code for state-specific dates.
Inputs: state, include_document_deadlines, include_estimated_payments.
Returns a personalized list of tax documents and forms you need to gather before filing your tax return. Based on your income sources, deductions, and life events. Covers W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and other IRS forms. This is for DIY filers preparing their own return.
Inputs: filing_status (required), filing_state, income_sources, num_dependents, +1 more.
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