TaxAct MCP Server

What is TaxAct MCP Server?

TaxAct MCP Server is TaxAct's official hosted MCP connector that lets Claude compare TaxAct filing costs, estimate a 2025 refund, answer tax questions and list the documents you need, with no TaxAct account required.

TaxAct is US tax preparation software for individual (1040) and business returns. Its MCP server is built for planning and learning, not filing: Claude can pull TaxAct- and IRS-grounded information into a conversation, but preparing, reviewing and e-filing a return still happens in TaxAct's own software. TaxAct states that the connector is not linked to your TaxAct or other financial accounts, and that your data is not saved or used to train models.

How to use TaxAct MCP Server?

There is nothing to install and no API key or sign-in. The server URL is:

https://mcp.taxact.com/mcp

TaxAct documents setup for Claude Desktop. Other MCP clients can connect with the same URL using their standard remote (Streamable HTTP) server format.

Claude Desktop and claude.ai

TaxAct's steps: open Claude Desktop, go to Settings > Connectors > Add custom connector. In the Name field type "TaxAct", paste https://mcp.taxact.com/mcp into the URL field and click Add. Start a new conversation and try "How much would it cost to file my taxes if I'm single in California?" To remove it, delete or disconnect the connector in the same Connectors settings.

Claude Code

claude mcp add --transport http taxact https://mcp.taxact.com/mcp

Cursor

Add the server to ~/.cursor/mcp.json (or a project's .cursor/mcp.json):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "taxact": {
      "url": "https://mcp.taxact.com/mcp"
    }
  }
}

VS Code

Add it to .vscode/mcp.json:

{
  "servers": {
    "taxact": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://mcp.taxact.com/mcp"
    }
  }
}

Key features of TaxAct MCP Server

• Official, hosted by TaxAct; no TaxAct account, login or API key needed.
• Itemized TaxAct pricing for DIY filing, Xpert Assist and Xpert Full Service, for consumer and business returns.
• Rough federal (and optionally state) refund or amount-owed estimates using 2025 tax brackets.
• Answers grounded in TaxAct's tax year 2025 knowledge base and IRS references.
• Points to where each topic or form is entered in the TaxAct interview, across 150+ topics.
• Not connected to your tax return, bank accounts or financial logins.

TaxAct MCP Server tools

The server exposes eight tools, which fall into three groups.

Costs and expert help. compare_filing_costs returns an itemized price breakdown for filing with TaxAct across DIY, expert help and full-service options. connect_with_expert shows how to reach a credentialed TaxAct tax professional through Xpert Assist, which is a separate product purchased on its own, not bundled into any DIY tier.

Estimates and planning. estimate_taxes gives an approximate refund or amount owed from basic inputs: W-2 wage income with the standard deduction (including the OBBB senior deduction for 65+) and the child tax credit. It also estimates state tax for no-income-tax states, flat-rate states (IL, CO, IN, MI, PA, UT) and graduated states (CA, NY). It does not handle itemized deductions, self-employment tax or capital gains. tax_document_checklist builds a personalized list of W-2s, 1099s, receipts and other forms to gather, and tax_deadlines lists federal and state dates for the 2025 tax year (filing in 2026).

Tax knowledge. ask_tax_question answers current-law questions such as brackets, standard deduction, EITC, retirement limits and OBBB provisions like no tax on tips or overtime. explain_tax_document explains what each box on a W-2, 1099 or 1098 means; it does not read uploaded documents. find_interview_topic returns the breadcrumb path to where something like "1099-R" or "crypto" is entered in TaxAct.

Use cases of TaxAct MCP Server

• Compare costs before filing: "How much would it cost to file my taxes if I'm single in California?"
• Quick refund check: "I earned $72,000 in W-2 wages, I'm married filing jointly with two kids. Roughly what refund should I expect?"
• Get organized: "I have a W-2, some freelance income and a mortgage. What documents should I gather?"
• Understand a form: "What does box 12 on my W-2 mean?"
• Find your way in the software: "Where do I enter charitable contributions in TaxAct?"

Troubleshooting TaxAct MCP Server

• The connector errors or is unavailable: TaxAct suggests checking your network and Claude Desktop updates. You can still use taxact.com for filing and account needs.
• The estimate looks wrong: estimate_taxes covers only wage income with the standard deduction. Itemized deductions, self-employment tax and capital gains are not included, so file with TaxAct for an exact number.
• Claude cannot read your tax form: explain_tax_document is an educational reference and does not process uploaded files.