How we make this list: we compare pricing pages, product documentation and public user reviews. Ratings come from G2, Capterra or Trustpilot, with the date we checked them.
Key takeaways
- TurboTax Business, H&R Block Business and TaxAct Business are the DIY trio for filing Form 1120S yourself, priced from $99 to $180.
- Drake Tax is professional-grade software that detail-oriented owners can buy directly for complex returns.
- Bench, Collective, Pilot and 1-800Accountant bundle bookkeeping with S corp tax filing so the return is built on clean books.
- Taxfyle matches you with a vetted CPA or EA for one-off filing without a year-round commitment.
- If your S corp has multiple states, payroll complexity or prior-year messes, done-for-you beats DIY on total cost.
Quick comparison
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free plan |
|---|
 TurboTax Business | Owners comfortable preparing their own 1120S | $180 (one-time) | No |
 H&R Block Business | DIY filers who want human backup nearby | From $99 | No |
 TaxAct Business | Online S corp filing at a consumer price | $169.99 (federal) | No |
 Drake Tax | Owners who want professional-grade control | See website | No |
 Bench | Owners who want books and taxes handled together | $300/month ($2,880/year) | No |
 Collective | Solopreneurs who want the S corp run for them | See website | No |
 1-800Accountant | Owners who want year-round planning, not just filing | See website | No |
 Taxfyle | One-off S corp filing by a vetted pro | See website | No |
 Pilot | Growing S corps that need finance beyond taxes | See website | No |
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
The best s corp tax software
Starting price$180 (one-time)
Free planNo
TurboTax Business is the default DIY pick for S corps. The desktop software walks through Form 1120S with the same interview style that made TurboTax famous, covering income, deductions, balance sheet items and K-1 preparation for shareholders. It also handles partnerships, C corps, multi-member LLCs, estates and trusts, so entity changes do not force a software switch.
Importing last year's return saves real setup time, and Quick Employer Forms create W-2s and 1099s for the shareholder-employees every S corp must pay. Industry-specific deduction walkthroughs catch the vehicle, home office and travel write-offs owners miss.
The honest limits are the desktop-only format and the depth ceiling. There is no online version for business returns, state e-filing costs extra, and genuinely complex situations like multi-state apportionment or basis calculations may need a pro. At $180 one-time, it is the cheapest credible way to file an 1120S yourself.
What we like- The most guided 1120S interview in DIY software
- Imports prior-year TurboTax returns
- Handles partnerships, C corps and trusts too
Watch out for- Desktop only, no online business filing
- State returns cost extra
- Guidance thins out on complex shareholder situations
#2
H&R Block Business
Best for: DIY filers who want human backup nearby
Visit hrblock.com
Starting priceFrom $99
Free planNo
H&R Block Premium & Business undercuts TurboTax on price while covering the same forms: 1120S, 1120, 1065, 1041 and 990, plus payroll forms 940 and 941 and W-2 and 1099 creation. Five free federal e-files and one state program download come in the box, which matters when you are filing the 1120S plus your personal 1040.
The real differentiator is the office network. When the software cannot answer a shareholder basis question, nearly 9,000 H&R Block offices offer in-person help, and Tax Pro Review adds expert review to the DIY return. No other DIY option pairs software with a physical tax office.
The catches are the Windows-only desktop format and state limitations: business state e-filing works in only six states. For a straightforward single-state S corp, the value is unmatched. Complex multi-state filers should confirm state support before buying.
What we like- The cheapest DIY 1120S option
- Five free federal e-files included
- 9,000 offices for in-person help when stuck
Watch out for- Windows-only desktop software
- Business state e-filing limited to six states
- Interface less polished than TurboTax
#3
TaxAct Business
Best for: Online S corp filing at a consumer price
Visit taxact.com
Starting price$169.99 (federal)
Free planNo
TaxAct Business is the rare consumer-priced tool that files S corp returns online. The 1120S edition runs $169.99 federal with guided prep, automatic K-1 creation and allocation, trial-balance import and business deduction walkthroughs. Partnership and C corp editions cost the same, and an S corp plus personal 1040 bundle runs $284.99.
The online format is the point. TurboTax forces business filers onto desktop software; TaxAct lets you prepare and e-file the 1120S from a browser. Xpert Assist adds unlimited live tax-expert help, and a full-service option has TaxAct's experts prepare the return for you.
Watch the state fees: $69.99 per business state return means multi-state S corps pay significantly more than the headline. Support is value-tier rather than white-glove. For a single-state S corp owner comfortable with lighter guidance, it is the best online DIY value.
What we like- Files 1120S online, no desktop needed
- Per-entity pricing keeps it affordable
- Bundles with personal 1040 available
Watch out for- Less hand-holding than TurboTax
- State returns $69.99 each add up fast
- Owned by private equity with a value-first support model
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Drake Tax is what thousands of CPA firms use to prepare 1120S returns, and individuals can buy it directly. That means the same diagnostics, K-1 reporting, e-filing and form coverage the pros get: over 7,700 federal and state forms, AI-powered data extraction and linked trial-balance tools.
Pay-per-return pricing makes it accessible: packages start around a few hundred dollars for a block of returns rather than the thousands professional suites charge. Support has a genuine cult following among preparers.
The honest warning is the learning curve. Drake assumes you understand tax forms; it will not hold your hand like TurboTax. For an owner with accounting background or a side practice preparing returns for others, it is unmatched value. For a first-time S corp filer, start with TurboTax or hire out.
What we like- Full professional tax software with 7,700+ forms
- Pay-per-return pricing available
- Legendary support reputation
Watch out for- Built for tax pros, with a real learning curve
- Overkill for simple S corps
- Pricing is quote-based
#5
Bench
Best for: Owners who want books and taxes handled together
Visit bench.co
Starting price$300/month ($2,880/year)
Free planNo
Bench solves the actual problem behind most S corp tax pain: messy books. A dedicated bookkeeper reconciles your accounts monthly, and licensed tax professionals file the business and personal returns from clean numbers, with up to four advisory calls a year. The full-service tax plan runs $300 a month or $2,880 a year.
The bundle math works when you need both sides. Bookkeeping alone starts at $199 a month, so adding tax filing and advisory for the step up is reasonable against hiring a bookkeeper and a CPA separately. Catch-up bookkeeping is free on annual plans, which rescues owners years behind.
The catch is obvious: $3,600 a year dwarfs $180 DIY software. If your books are already clean and your return is simple, Bench is overkill. If tax season currently means a shoebox of statements and panic, the done-for-you model pays for itself.
What we like- Done-for-you bookkeeping plus S corp tax filing
- Licensed tax pros and year-round advisory
- Bring-your-own-books option
Watch out for- $300 a month is far more than DIY software
- Monthly commitment required
- Best value only if you need the bookkeeping too
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Collective exists for a specific person: the freelancer or consultant who elected S corp status and wants every administrative piece handled. Formation, bookkeeping, payroll for the required reasonable salary, quarterly estimates and the 1120S plus personal return all run through one membership.
The specialization is the value. S corp compliance has traps, reasonable salary rules, basis tracking, accountable plans, that generalists miss. Collective's team handles them as routine, and the dashboard keeps the solo owner informed without drowning them.
The limits are scope and price transparency. It is built for solopreneurs, so growing teams outgrow it, and pricing requires a consultation. For the one-person S corp, it is the closest thing to an outsourced back office.
What we like- Purpose-built for one-person S corps
- Handles formation, payroll, bookkeeping and taxes
- Trusted by 12,000+ solopreneurs
Watch out for- Designed for solo owners, not teams
- Quote-based pricing
- Less flexibility than assembling your own stack
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
1-800Accountant pitches itself as the opposite of the once-a-year tax scramble: a year-round process combining planning software with a dedicated team that tracks your estimated savings and filing status continuously. Tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, advisory and audit defense all sit under one roof.
For S corps, the planning angle matters most. Quarterly estimates, reasonable salary reviews and entity strategy get attention before year-end, when changes are still possible. The team model means bookkeeping, payroll and tax stay coordinated.
The caveats are the sales-led process and variability. Pricing requires a consultation, and experiences vary with the assigned team, so vet your specific accountants. Owners who want a proactive firm relationship rather than software will find the model familiar.
What we like- Proactive tax planning throughout the year
- Full bookkeeping, payroll and advisory bench
- Handles S corps as routine
Watch out for- Quote-based pricing with sales-led onboarding
- Service quality varies by assigned team
- Annual commitment typical
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Taxfyle is the marketplace answer to S corp filing: describe your return, get matched with a licensed CPA or enrolled agent, upload documents through the app, and a pro prepares and files the 1120S. With over 7,200 US-based professionals and 100,000-plus returns prepared, the network has seen every S corp situation.
The model fits owners who do not need year-round service. One complex year, a first 1120S, a multi-state mess, a prior-year cleanup: hire the expertise for that return and go back to DIY or your regular setup after. Security controls include SOC 2 compliance and encryption.
The trade-offs are variability and effort. Pricing depends on the job, you still do the document gathering, and next year means a new pro unless you rebook. For targeted expertise without commitment, it beats cold-calling CPA firms.
What we like- Matched with a licensed CPA or EA for your specific return
- No year-round commitment
- 7,200+ US-based pros on the platform
Watch out for- Pricing varies by job complexity
- You still gather and upload everything
- Less continuity than a retained firm
#9
Pilot
Best for: Growing S corps that need finance beyond taxes
Visit pilot.com
Starting priceSee website
Free planNo
Pilot serves S corps that have outgrown basic bookkeeping: startups and growing small businesses that need accrual accounting, tax compliance and strategic finance advice together. The 50/50 model pairs software dashboards with bookkeepers, tax preparers and former CFOs who answer the harder questions.
For an S corp raising money or scaling headcount, the value is the finance function, not just the return. Clean accrual books, tax planning and cash-flow modeling come from one team, and the financials stand up to investor diligence.
The honest fit check is stage. A solo consultant's S corp does not need CFO advisory; Bench or Collective cost less. But the S corp with ten employees and growth plans gets a finance team for less than one hire.
What we like- Bookkeeping, tax and CFO advisory in one service
- US-based team trusted by 3,500+ businesses
- Investor-ready financials
Watch out for- Priced for growth-stage companies
- Overkill for simple single-owner S corps
- Quote-based pricing
How we chose
We compared vendor pricing pages, product documentation and feature lists against public reviews on G2, Capterra and Trustpilot, plus small-business tax discussions on Reddit and Bogleheads. We favored tools with current verifiable pricing, a genuine 1120S capability and a clear fit for US small-business owners. DIY software prices were verified on vendor pages; service providers are quote-based by nature. We did not test any platform hands-on. Tax law changes constantly, so confirm current prices and consult a professional for your specific situation.
What to check before you buy
Start with the DIY-or-done decision. If your books are clean, your S corp is single-state and you understand basis and reasonable salary rules, DIY software saves thousands. If any of those fail, a service costs less than the mistakes.
Check state coverage before paying. Business state e-filing varies wildly: H&R Block supports six states for business e-file, TaxAct charges per state, and multi-state apportionment may need a pro regardless of software.
Count the full filing set. The 1120S is one return; add K-1s per shareholder, the owner's personal 1040, state returns, payroll filings and possibly local taxes. Price the whole package, not the headline.
Finally, mind the reasonable salary rule. The IRS requires S corp owners who work in the business to take W-2 wages, and payroll must run all year. Whatever you choose for the 1120S, make sure payroll is handled: it is the most common S corp compliance failure.
Beyond the return: running the S corp year-round
The 1120S is April's problem; the S corp is a twelve-month commitment. Quarterly estimated payments, payroll tax deposits, shareholder distributions recorded correctly and basis tracked annually all determine whether the return is easy or miserable. The best S corp tax software is the one paired with clean books and running payroll. If yours are not, fix that before shopping for filing software.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tax software for S corp?
For DIY filing, TurboTax Business and H&R Block Business lead, with TaxAct Business the best online value. Owners who prefer done-for-you should look at Bench, Collective or 1-800Accountant, and one-off complex returns fit Taxfyle's CPA marketplace.
How much does S corp tax software cost?
DIY software runs $99 to $180 for the federal 1120S, plus state fees. Done-for-you services start around $300 a month for bookkeeping plus tax filing. A local CPA typically charges $800 to $2,500 for an 1120S depending on complexity.
Can TurboTax file an S corp return?
Yes, TurboTax Business (desktop) prepares and e-files Form 1120S, including K-1s. Note that TurboTax Online does not handle business returns; you need the desktop Business edition, currently $180.
Do I need a CPA for my S corp taxes?
Not legally, but consider one when the return involves multiple states, significant shareholder transactions, basis complications or prior-year errors. The software handles routine 1120S filings well; professionals earn their fee on judgment calls.
What forms does an S corp need to file?
The corporation files Form 1120S annually and issues Schedule K-1 to each shareholder. Shareholder-employees need payroll filings (Forms 940 and 941, W-2s), and most states require a separate S corp or composite return.
Is H&R Block or TurboTax better for S corps?
H&R Block Business costs less (from $99) and adds in-person office support, while TurboTax Business ($180) offers more polished guidance. Both handle the 1120S; choose H&R Block for value and backup, TurboTax for the smoothest interview.
Sources we checked (12)
- https://turbotax.intuit.com/
- https://www.hrblock.com/
- https://www.taxact.com/
- https://www.drakesoftware.com/
- https://bench.co/
- https://www.collective.com/
- https://1800accountant.com/
- https://taxfyle.com/
- https://www.pilot.com/
- https://turbotax.intuit.com/small-business-taxes/cd-download/
- https://smallbusinesstools.org/i/taxact-business
- https://www.upcounsel.com/s-corporation-tax-software
Is your product missing or out of date?
We review this list regularly. Vendors can request a listing, send updated pricing or ask about featured placement.
Shihab Mia · Founder, Rankite
Shihab has 5+ years in B2B and SaaS SEO. He writes Rankite's software buying guides from pricing pages, documentation and public user reviews. More about Shihab.