Return policy comparison · 2026
E-file.com vs PrepScholar
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
E-file.com
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
PrepScholar
C
2.0 / 5.0 · Mediocre
The verdict
E-file.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against PrepScholar's C (2.0/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 5-day window (extremely restrictive).
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
E-file.comPrepScholar
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
| E-file.com | PrepScholar | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days (before you print, view, or file your return) | 5-day risk-free trial (120 hours after diagnostic test); score/refund guarantees vary by program |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (before use) | — |
| Restocking fee | None | — |
| Return shipping | Not applicable - digital tax software, no shipping. | — |
| Holiday extension | None published | 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) | Tutoring hours already used are non-refundable; the Complete Prep software fee is deducted from tutoring refunds if you've used the software 10+ hours |
| Watch-out items | — | College admissions consulting: full refund only within 3 days of your first session, partial refund (minus $200/hour used) through day 7, no refund after 7 days |
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.
PrepScholar tip
The 5-day trial clock doesn't start when you pay — it starts once you finish the initial diagnostic test, so take that test right away if you want the full trial period to actually try the program.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, E-file.com or PrepScholar?
E-file.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against PrepScholar's C (2.0/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus 5-day window (extremely restrictive).
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).
What is PrepScholar's return window?
PrepScholar's return window is 5-day risk-free trial (120 hours after diagnostic test); score/refund guarantees vary by program.
Does E-file.com or PrepScholar offer free returns?
E-file.com: Yes (before use). PrepScholar: see full policy.