TaxBuddy vs ClearTax: Which ITR Filing Platform is the Best in 2025?
- Simran Sahni
- Jul 19, 2023
- 12 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Choosing the right ITR filing platform in 2025 can make all the differences between a smooth e-filing experience and a stressful one. There are 2 top competing ITR filing platforms in India: TaxBuddy and the other is ClearTax. Both the platforms offer all types of services to salaried professionals, freelancers, and businesses. However, their features, support systems, and post-filing services or notice handling facility differ significantly.
TaxBuddy is a preferred choice of taxpayers because of its AI-driven automation and expert-assited filing. It pre-fills ITR forms using PAN and Aadhaar data. This in turn reduces human errors. AI-driven automation in TaxBuddy combined with expert-assisted filing, enhances accuracy and efficiency. Moreover, TaxBuddy offers quick turnaround time, and free post-filing support. On the other hand, ClearTax offers a more DIY-oriented experience with a user-friendly interface and add-on expert services. This comparision breaks down key differences between the features, pricing plans, automation, and post-filing support, to help you decide which platform will suit you in 2025.
Table of Contents
Feature-wise Comparison of TaxBuddy vs ClearTax
Here’s a feature-by-feature comparison to help you decide:
eature | TaxBuddy | ClearTax |
Google Reviews | 16,000+ reviews | 1,955 reviews |
Google Ratings | ⭐ 4.9 / 5 | ⭐ 4.7 / 5 |
App Installs (Play Store) | 10 Lakh+ | 5 Lakh+ |
Free Tax Notice Assistance | ✅ Post-filing notice assistance included | ❌ Not included |
Timely Follow-ups | ✅ Within 30 minutes | ✅ Usually within 1 hour |
ITR Filing & Tax Planning | ✅ Self-filing & End-to-end expert assistance available | ✅ Self-guided or paid expert help |
Notice Management & Appeal | ✅ Included | ❌ Limited |
GST & TDS Filing | ✅ Available | ✅ Available |
Accounting & Bookkeeping | ✅ Optional add-on | ❌ Not available |
Tax Calculators | ✅ Yes (Integrated with ITR filing) | ✅ Yes |
PF Withdrawal Assistance | ✅ Included | ❌ Not available |
HUF Filing Support | ✅ Available | ❌ Not available |
Average Response Time | ⏱️ ~30 minutes | ⏱️ ~1 hour |
Video Call Filing / Virtual CFO | ✅ Available | ❌ Not supported |
TaxBuddy vs ClearTax: Which ITR Filing Platform is Better for Salaried Individuals in 2025?
For salaried individuals, the best ITR filing platform is the one which offers a simplified Form 16 upload, automatic data entry, accuracy in tax computations, and a quick expert assistance as and when required during the ITR filing process.
TaxBuddy has developed its platform that serves the above needs of the salaried taxpayers. It uses an AI-powered system to read and extract data from Form 16. Thereby automating the ITR form filling process such as population of salary income, deductions TDS, and employer details. This step minimizes the manual intervention thereby reducing human errors, especially for those employees who are claiming deductions like HRA, LTA, and Section 80C investments.
If expert-assisted filing is chosen, upon submitting the details, the return is automatically prepared. However, reviewed and finalized by the qualified tax expert. This review ensures compliance with amendments in Income Tax law and accuracy in deductions and claims made by the salaried individuals. This makes TaxBuddy very effective for salaried individuals with varying income sources or those unsure about eligible deductions.
While ClearTax also supports uploading of Form 16. The process, however, largely relies on manual intervention and review by the user. Though the platform offers a smooth experience for normal salary structures, it may require further steps for individuals with reimbursements, allowances, and deductions outside the purview of normal default options.
Which Offers Better Support: TaxBuddy vs ClearTax? Does ClearTax or TaxBuddy help after filing ITR?
To answer this question many aspects are to be considered. While filing the income tax return, tax expert’s support plays an important role especially while handling income mismatch issues, delay in receiving income tax refund, addressing queries related to capital gains, and also handling uninvited income tax notices. The quality and accessibility of tax expert’s support affects the overall user experience.
TaxBuddy’s Approach to Support
TaxBuddy is primarily built on an expert-assisted filing model. If a user subscribes to an expert-assisted filing plan, he will be connected to a qualified tax expert who will file his income tax return from start to finish. Following is the process:
Dedicated point-of-contact (unlike ticketing system over other filing platforms).
Direct call, email, and chat support over WhatsApp also.
Post-filing assistance: Notice is handled free of cost.
Therefore, even after filing the return, TaxBuddy continues to provide support with Form 26AS mismatches, demand notices under Section 143(1), and delay in refunds. Thus, the TaxBuddy’s platform assures that the support is proactive rather than reactive.
ClearTax’s Approach to Support
ClearTax is primarily designed on a DIY model, with limited support of experts. For assisted filing, users have to opt for premium pricing plans. The standard filing process includes:
Chatbot or email-based support.
Paid access to CA support if return is complex.
Limited or no assistance for income tax notices unless an income tax notice plan is purchased.
ClearTax can suit those users who are comfortable with filing their own ITR with limited or no support. But users who are looking for assistance while filing their ITR, the support experience may fall short.
Summary Table of TaxBuddy vs ClearTax Support Comparison
Support Feature | TaxBuddy | ClearTax |
Human Expert Support | Included with assisted ITR filing plans | Paid add-on |
Post-Filing Support (e.g., Notices) | Free if filed via platform | Paid |
Dedicated Contact (Phone/Chat) | Yes | Limited (mostly chat/email) |
Refund & Demand Assistance | Included | Not available in basic plan |
Ideal For | Users needing proactive expert guidance | Users comfortable with self-service tools |
TaxBuddy vs ClearTax: Pricing and Plans Comparison (2025)
Selecting the right tax filing platform is not just about features and support, it is also about who is providing transparent and fair pricing. Below is a detailed comparison of the latest 2025 self-filing and expert-assisted income tax filing plans of TaxBuddy and ClearTax.
Self-Filing Plans: TaxBuddy vs ClearTax
Income Type / Profile | TaxBuddy (DIY Plan) | ClearTax (DIY Plan) |
Salary + 1 House Property | ₹699/year | ₹399 – ₹999 (Salaried / Self-employed Basic) |
Salary + Multiple House Properties | ₹799/year | ₹638 – ₹2,129 (Salaried Pro) |
Business / Professional Income | ₹1,599/year | ₹638 – ₹2,129 (ITR-4) |
Capital Gains (Indian) | ₹1,999/year | ₹788 – ₹2,629 |
Capital Gains (Foreign + Indian) | ₹1,999/year | ₹1,274 – ₹4,249 |
F&O / Speculative Income | ₹2,999/year | ₹5,499 (Trader Plan) |
Crypto Income | ₹2,999/year | ₹5,799 |
NRI / Foreign Income | ₹3,799/year | ₹1,574 – ₹5,249 |
Form 16 Upload + Auto-fill | Yes | Yes |
Post-filing Notice Assistance | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included |
Upgrade to Expert Help | Yes (at any time) | Yes |
The prices are exclusive of taxes. TaxBuddy offers more features under each type of plan. While ClearTax splits the pricing plans across different slabs.
Expert-Assisted Filing Plans: ClearTax vs TaxBuddy
Income Type / Profile | TaxBuddy (Assisted Plan) | ClearTax (Expert Assisted Plan) |
Salary + 1 House Property | ₹999/year | ₹1,999/year |
Salary + Multiple Properties | ₹1,099/year | ₹2,129/year |
Business / Professional Income | ₹2,499/year | ₹4,999/year |
Capital Gains (Stocks/Property) | ₹2,999/year | ₹3,499/year |
F&O / Intraday Trading | ₹4,499/year | ₹4,999/year |
Crypto Income | ₹4,499/year | ₹6,499/year |
NRI with Indian Income | ₹4,499/year | ₹6,499/year |
Resident with Foreign Income | ₹4,499/year | ₹6,499/year |
Audit (Balance Sheet + P&L) | ₹1,000 extra if needed | Not included in base plan |
RSU / ESOP / DTAA Filing | Included in ₹4,499 plan | Only in higher-end plans |
Post-Filing Notice Assistance | Included in all assisted plans | Not clearly mentioned |
Form 16 Auto-fill (AI-enabled) | Included | Included |
It can be seen from the above table, TaxBuddy’s assisted pricing plans cover more income types/categories under less price. Thus, offering better clarity, transparency and cost efficiency. Whereas, ClearTax pricing plans vary based on complexity.
Summary:
TaxBuddy offers transparent pricing, and grouped or bundled plans. TaxBuddy is ideal for users with multiple income sources, capital gains, or foreign income.
Whereas, ClearTax uses a tiered pricing approach, suitable for basic use. However, it becomes expensive for advanced scenarios.
TaxBuddy includes post-filing support and tax expert’s assistance if an expert-assisted plan is selected. Whereas, ClearTax’s plans may require additional payment or upgrades for income tax notices, audits, and other complex support.
Which Platform Handles Complex ITRs Better? Which platform is better for Crypto or F&O traders?
When you come across complex tax situations, whether you are dealing with capital gains, F&O trading, foreign income, or crypto investments, having the right platform to support you is important. Both TaxBuddy and ClearTax offer powerful tools for ITR filing, but each excels in different areas when it comes to dealing with complex income tax filings.
TaxBuddy: Handling Complex ITRs with Expert Assistance
TaxBuddy excels when it comes to extensive support for complex tax situations. The following are the reasons:
Expert-Assisted Filing: For complex cases like capital gains, F&O trading, cryptocurrency, or foreign income, TaxBuddy’s expert-assisted filing provides dedicated CA support throughout the process.
AI-Powered Automation: TaxBuddy uses AI technology to simplify extraction of data from forms like Form 16. The AI also helps auto-filling of forms for capital gains or stock investments. This ensures accuracy and efficiency.
End-to-End Filing with Post-Filing Support: Unlike ClearTax, TaxBuddy offers complete post-filing support. This includes assistance with income tax notices, tax mismatches under Section 143(1) and so on. Thus, TaxBuddy is a solid choice of taxpayers for complex tax situations.
Multi-Source Income Integration: Whether you have multiple Form 16s, capital gains, F&O trading, or crypto income, TaxBuddy integrates all the types of incomes into a single plan. Thus, making the filing process simple and accurate.
ClearTax: Handling Complex ITRs with Expertise
ClearTax also provides options for handling complex tax filings, but with some limitations:
Separate Plans for Different Types of Income: ClearTax offers separate plans based on income categories such as capital gains, F&O trading, crypto, and so on. This makes it difficult for users with multiple sources of income to distinguish between the best plan. Moreover, the premium pricing varies with the difficulty involved.
Self Filing Tools: If you are a pro in managing your taxes and also filing them, ClearTax offers DIY tools. Through this you can file your capital gains, self-employed income, and so on. These tools are self-guided and ideal for taxpayers comfortable for filing their taxes independently.
Post-Filing Support: Though ClearTax offers expert help, it is not as detailed or as easily available as TaxBuddy’s. If you are opting for capital gains, F&O trading, or crypto income plan, ClearTax’s assistance is often available only in premium plans.
Summary Table: Which Platform is Better in Handling Complex ITRs?
Complex Income Type | TaxBuddy | ClearTax |
Capital Gains (Stocks/Mutual Funds) | Supported with full expert assistance. | .Supported, but requires plan upgrade |
F&O / Intraday / Speculative Income | Supported with CA assistance and P&L review. | Supported, but at a higher cost. |
Cryptocurrency Income | Supported with expert guidance. | Available in higher plans. |
Foreign Income / NRI | Included in ₹4,499 plan. | Separate plan, priced at ₹6,499+ |
Post-Filing Support | Free assistance for notices and discrepancies. | Limited in some plans. |
Key Takeaways:
For dealing with complex ITRs, TaxBuddy is a solid choice due to its inclusive support. The tax experts at TaxBuddy provide expert assistance throughout the filing process for all types of income, if you have opted for assisted filing options, including the post-filing support.
On the other hand, ClearTax is useful for simpler cases. Users need to subscribe to higher plans for complex income types, such as capital gains, F&O, and crypto income.
Income Tax Notice Help: TaxBuddy vs ClearTax
Taxpayers relax after filing the ITR. However, they become worried upon receiving an income tax notice. Handling such notices is an important aspect of the ITR filing process. The level of support taxpayers receive while handling the IT notices is what differentiates everything.
TaxBuddy's Tax Notice Support
TaxBuddy offers substantive post-filing support. If taxpayers receive income tax notice after filing ITR through their platform, they provide free support. They provide free assistance to taxpayers in replying to Section 143(1) notices or any other discrepancies flagged by the Income Tax Department. This support includes:
Tax expert’s support on how to respond to notices.
Notice replies from qualified CAs.
Support in filing revised returns or rectifications.
Thus, the above aspects makes TaxBuddy an ideal choice for those who want peace of mind during the entire tax filing process.
ClearTax's Tax Notice Support
On the other hand, ClearTax does not include post-filing notice support in their plans. If you receive a notice after filing, you have to manage yourself or upgrade to more premium plans of ClearTax.
The lack of integrated post-filing support is a limitation of ClearTax for users who may need additional help to handle notices or discrepancies.
Which Platform Offers More Value in 2025?
While choosing the platform that offers more value to the users, there are factors that influence this decision. Such factors include: support, pricing, and the range of services available through the platform while filing.
TaxBuddy’s Value Proposition
Comprehensive services: With AI-powered automation, TaxBuddy offers expert assistance, post-filing support, and managing complex income types (e.g., capital gains, F&O trading, crypto).
Fixed pricing: All-inclusive pricing ensures you are not surprised with hidden charges for premium features or post-filing support. It is pertinent to note, that the prices are exclusive of taxes only.
Value for complex returns: If a taxpayer has multiple sources of income, or you are expecting issues such as tax notices or mismatches, TaxBuddy is of more value with its end-to-end support.
ClearTax’s Value Proposition
Affordable entry: ClearTax offers competitive pricing for basic filings. It is a good choice for simple IT returns (ITR-1 or salary income).
Add-on flexibility: ClearTax offers tiered pricing serving different needs. However, these get costly if you need assistance for capital gains, trading income, or post-filing support.
DIY Option: ClearTax is ideal for users comfortable with DIY filing and who don’t need support while filing ITR.
Summary
Choose TaxBuddy if you are looking for comprehensive, value-packed ITR filing services that go beyond just filing. This is especially if you are dealing with complex tax scenarios.
Choose ClearTax if you have simple tax filing. Also, you are looking for a cost-effective DIY solution with optional add-on support.
TaxBuddy vs ClearTax: Which One Should You Choose in 2025?
Though the ITR can be filed through the e-filing portal of the Income Tax also, it is not very easy to understand. Choosing between the top ITR filing platforms: TaxBuddy vs ClearTax largely depends on your tax filing needs and the complexity of your taxation. Here is a final breakdown of which platform is best for you based on features, pricing plans and support.
Best for DIY Filers: ClearTax
If you can file your ITR by yourself and have few income sources like salary or capital gains, ClearTax can be a choice. It is affordable and user-friendly. This makes it ideal for first-time filers or those with simple tax situations.
Best for Complex Tax Filers: TaxBuddy
If you have multiple sources of income, such as capital gains, F&O trading, or cryptocurrency, and also you want expert support throughout filing, TaxBuddy is the better option. TaxBuddy’s AI-powered automation and expert-assisted filing options ensures your ITR filing is handled with care, thereby minimizing errors and ensuring compliance.
Moreover, the post-filing support offered by TaxBuddy with notices and refund issues, adds an additional value for those who want assisted ITR filing.
Which One to Choose?
If you are a DIY filer looking with few income options, choose ClearTax.
Choose TaxBuddy if you need expert assistance, have multiple and complex income sources, or want post-filing support to address tax notices or other issues after filing.
FAQs
Q1. Which platform is better for salaried individuals: TaxBuddy or ClearTax?
TaxBuddy is a solid choice for salaried individuals with multiple deductions or multiple Form 16s. Its AI-powered Form 16 parsing and expert assistance make it ideal for hassle-free filing. ClearTax works well for simpler filings but requires manual verification for complex scenarios.
Q2. Is TaxBuddy really AI-powered?
Yes, TaxBuddy uses AI technology to automate the extraction of data from Form 16 and other documents. This helps in minimizing manual errors and speeds up the filing process.
Q3. How much does TaxBuddy cost for self-filing?
TaxBuddy offers affordable self-filing plans starting at ₹699 per year for salaried individuals with one house property. Pricing increases based on the complexity of the return (e.g., multiple properties, capital gains, and so on).
Q4. Does ClearTax offer post-filing support?
No, ClearTax does not provide post-filing support in its paid plans. For assistance with notices or income mismatches, users would need to upgrade to a higher plan.
Q5. How does TaxBuddy handle complex tax scenarios like F&O trading or capital gains?
TaxBuddy provides expert assistance for complex tax filings, including F&O trading, capital gains, and cryptocurrency income. It includes tax expert’s review, and post-filing notice handling, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Q6. Which platform offers better value for NRI tax filing?
Both TaxBuddy and ClearTax offer specialized plans for NRIs, but TaxBuddy is more affordable at ₹4,499/year for all NRI-related income types. It also includes post-filing support for notices, which ClearTax does not.
Q7. Is it easier to file taxes with ClearTax or TaxBuddy?
ClearTax offers a user-friendly DIY filing experience, ideal for simple returns. However, if you have more complex income or need post-filing assistance, TaxBuddy is a solid choice due to its expert assistance and AI tools.
Q8. Can I switch from ClearTax to TaxBuddy if I need more support?
Yes, you can always upgrade to TaxBuddy if you need expert assistance or more comprehensive support for complex income sources like capital gains or foreign income.
Q9. How does TaxBuddy help with tax notices?
TaxBuddy offers free post-filing support for users who receive a tax notice. This includes expert assistance, drafting replies, and guidance on rectifications, which is not available with ClearTax unless you purchase premium add-ons.
Q10. What is the price difference between ClearTax and TaxBuddy for capital gains filing?
For capital gains, TaxBuddy charges ₹2,999/year for the assisted plan, while ClearTax charges ₹3,499/year for similar assistance. TaxBuddy offers better value due to its all-inclusive support.
Q11. Which platform is better for cryptocurrency tax filing?
Both TaxBuddy and ClearTax offer plans for cryptocurrency tax filing, but TaxBuddy is more affordable at ₹4,499/year and includes post-filing support for discrepancies. Thus, TaxBuddy is a better choice for cryptocurrency investors.
Q12. Can TaxBuddy handle business income and professional fees?
Yes, TaxBuddy offers a comprehensive plan for business and professional income at ₹2,499/year, including support for multiple income sources like business profits, agriculture income, and capital gains.
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