Quick verdict
- Choose ClearTax if you want the most polished self-file experience and the best automation for capital gains and multiple incomes.
- Choose EZTax if price is your priority. It covers most return types, including cheaper assisted filing, at lower cost than most rivals.
Both file a correct return. The difference is polish versus price.
Comparison table
| ClearTax | EZTax | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Polished self-file, capital gains | Budget filers, cheap assisted help |
| Form 16 auto-read | Yes | Yes |
| Capital gains | Strong | Supported |
| Interface | Very polished | Functional, less slick |
| Assisted filing | Yes, higher priced | Yes, lower priced |
| Pricing (indicative) | Free tier + paid from ~₹1,000 | Free / low-cost |
| Support | Chat + expert plans | Good for the price |
Prices are indicative for AY 2026-27 and change near the deadline. Confirm current pricing on each platform.
Features
ClearTax leads on automation and polish. It reads your Form 16, imports broker statements, computes capital gains cleanly, and compares old and new regime side by side. The flow is smooth enough for a nervous first-timer.
EZTax covers the same core ground, self-file and assisted, across most income types, but with a less modern interface and a bit more manual work. What it lacks in shine it makes up for in price.
The difference: ClearTax feels more finished; EZTax feels more affordable. Both get you filed correctly.
Pricing
This is EZTax’s main advantage. Its self-file and assisted plans typically undercut ClearTax, and its cheaper expert help is genuinely useful for cost-conscious filers who still want a hand.
ClearTax has a free tier but the plan most people need is paid, from around ₹1,000 and rising near the deadline. See the ClearTax pricing guide.
For lowest cost, EZTax wins. For automation that saves time, ClearTax’s fee earns its keep.
Ease of use
ClearTax is the smoother, more guided experience and the safer pick for a first-time filer. EZTax is usable and clear but less polished, with a slightly more dated feel and a little more manual entry.
Example. Deepak, on a tight budget, had a salary plus some FD interest. EZTax filed his return correctly for less than a paid ClearTax plan would have cost, and the extra polish would not have changed his outcome. For a straightforward return where budget matters, EZTax was the sensible choice.
Support
EZTax offers solid support for its price, including affordable assisted filing. ClearTax offers chat and expert plans, generally at a higher price point. If you want cheap expert help, EZTax leads. If you want a broader premium support tier, ClearTax has more.
Best for
- Budget is the deciding factor: EZTax.
- You want cheap assisted help: EZTax.
- Capital gains and multiple incomes, want smooth automation: ClearTax.
- First-time filer who wants the gentlest flow: ClearTax.
- Simple salary return, lowest cost: EZTax, or the free government portal.
Pros and cons
ClearTax
- Pros: polished, strong automation and capital gains handling, gentle for beginners.
- Cons: pricier; paid plan needed for most returns.
EZTax
- Pros: low prices, cheaper assisted filing, covers most income types.
- Cons: dated interface, less automation, more manual work.
Final verdict
If price is your priority, choose EZTax. It files a correct return for less, and its cheap assisted option is real value. For a budget-conscious filer we would happily recommend it.
If you want the most polished experience and the best automation, choose ClearTax, especially if you have capital gains or several income sources where its features save real time.
If ClearTax fits your needs, file your ITR on ClearTax. We may earn a referral reward at no extra cost to you. If budget rules the decision, EZTax is the smarter pick.
FAQ
Is ClearTax or EZTax better?
Neither overall. ClearTax is better for polish and automation, especially with capital gains. EZTax is better if price is your priority, including cheaper assisted filing.
Which is cheaper, ClearTax or EZTax?
EZTax is generally cheaper for both self-file and assisted plans.
Is EZTax good for capital gains?
It supports capital gains, but ClearTax’s automation and import feel smoother. For heavy investment activity, ClearTax is easier.
Which is better for a first-time filer?
ClearTax, for its gentler guided flow. EZTax is fine too, just less polished.
Is there an even cheaper option?
Yes, the government portal at incometax.gov.in is free for all returns, though it offers no guidance. For a simple return it costs nothing.
