Make an informed choice
Choosing your next tool
Compare the balance of software and people
Deduction combines a conversational AI assistant with a tax team. The closest alternatives differ in how much work you perform, how documents and expenses are gathered, and when a human professional enters the process. Compare the workflow for your actual return and entity rather than a generic advertised starting price. All three options below concern US tax preparation, but supported situations and filing arrangements need individual confirmation.
Three tax preparation alternatives
FlyFin combines AI-assisted expense and deduction review with CPA preparation and filing. It is relevant when a freelancer or self-employed person wants to connect expense accounts and review suggested classifications throughout the year. The official product describes accepting or rejecting suggestions and consulting a CPA. Confirm the supported filing year, forms and current fee in the app; some public homepage copy refers to older filing years. No advertised savings figure should be treated as your expected result.
Keeper connects ongoing bookkeeping and expense review with tax filing. Its current filing page describes account connections, potential business expense suggestions, and review and signature of every return by a tax professional. It is useful to compare when gathering work-related transactions is the main difficulty. Check the professional service included, supported tax situations and trial conversion terms. A suggested business expense still requires your accurate explanation and supporting records.
TurboTax Expert Assist follows a guided preparation process in which you answer questions and can request expert help and a final review. TurboTax also distinguishes Expert Full Service, where an assigned expert prepares the return. These are different levels of responsibility and effort. Ask which route covers your forms and what extra state filing or service charges apply. An “expert” label should not be assumed to mean every preparer has the same credential.
| Option | Workflow emphasis | Confirm before starting |
|---|---|---|
| FlyFin | Expense review with CPA filing | Filing year, forms and current fee |
| Keeper | Bookkeeping connected to reviewed filing | Supported situations and professional service |
| TurboTax Expert Assist | Guided self-preparation with expert help | Assist versus Full Service responsibilities |
Check the handoff and approval
Ask how missing documents, uncertain classifications and questions for a professional are handled. Establish who prepares, who reviews and who submits the return. Keep a copy of what you supplied and resolve discrepancies before approval; an AI conversation alone does not establish that a filing is complete.
Compare the complete service cost
Review federal and state coverage, entity eligibility, year-round advice, amendments and additional services in the agreement. A free conversation or trial may not include professional preparation. Confirm the total for your circumstances before investing substantial time in uploads or switching from an existing preparer.