ask_tax_question
ClaudeAnswers 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.
compare_filing_costs
ClaudeShows 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."
connect_with_expert
ClaudeHelps 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.
estimate_taxes
ClaudeProvides 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.
explain_tax_document
ClaudeExplains 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.
find_interview_topic
ClaudeFinds 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.
tax_deadlines
ClaudeReturns 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.
tax_document_checklist
ClaudeReturns 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.
