Return policy comparison · 2026
Bark vs E-file.com
Policy data verified July 21, 2026 (Bark) and July 24, 2026 (E-file.com)
Bark
B
3.2 / 5.0 · Good
Winner
E-file.com
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
The verdict
E-file.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Bark's B (3.2/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus return shipping varies.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
BarkE-file.com
Return window · worth 2.0
Restocking fee · worth 1.0
Return shipping · worth 1.0
Holiday window · worth 0.5
Transparency · worth 0.5
Key terms side-by-side
| Bark | E-file.com | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | 60 days (money-back guarantee, phone monitoring plan) | ✓ 90 days (before you print, view, or file your return) |
| Free returns | — | ✓ Yes (before use) |
| Restocking fee | — | None |
| Return shipping | — | Not applicable - digital tax software, no shipping. |
| Holiday extension | — | None published |
| Non-returnable | — | Purchases become non-refundable once you print the return, view the PDF, or file it; no refund if the IRS rejects your return (correct and retransmit instead) |
| Watch-out items | — | — |
E-file.com tip
Don't click to view or print your PDF until you're sure you want to keep the software - that single action locks you out of a refund, even if you haven't actually filed with the IRS yet.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, Bark or E-file.com?
E-file.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against Bark's B (3.2/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return shipping: free returns (incl. by mail) versus return shipping varies.
What is Bark's return window?
Bark's return window is 60 days (money-back guarantee, phone monitoring plan).
What is E-file.com's return window?
E-file.com's return window is 90 days (before you print, view, or file your return).
Does Bark or E-file.com offer free returns?
Bark: see full policy. E-file.com: Yes (before use).