Return policy comparison · 2026
E-file.com vs ScholarshipOwl
Policy data verified July 24, 2026 by the Thrifle team
Winner
E-file.com
A-
4.0 / 5.0 · Very Good
ScholarshipOwl
C-
1.5 / 5.0 · Below Average
The verdict
E-file.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against ScholarshipOwl's C- (1.5/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus window not published.
Score breakdown
Five axes, 5.0 points total — the same deterministic grader behind every Thrifle policy page.
E-file.comScholarshipOwl
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 | ScholarshipOwl | |
|---|---|---|
| Return window | ✓ 90 days (before you print, view, or file your return) | No returns (digital service - all sales final, except unused most recent billing cycle) |
| Free returns | ✓ Yes (before use) | No |
| Restocking fee | None | None |
| Return shipping | Not applicable - digital tax software, no shipping. | Not applicable - digital service |
| 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) | All payments except the most recent billing cycle if the service was never logged into or used; Future Minds Fund donations are always non-refundable |
| 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.
ScholarshipOwl tip
The only refund path is for the most recent billing cycle, and only if you never logged in at all during that cycle - so if you're canceling, do it before you check the site again after being billed.
Frequently asked questions
Who has the better return policy, E-file.com or ScholarshipOwl?
E-file.com has the more generous return policy in 2026, grading A- (4.0/5.0) against ScholarshipOwl's C- (1.5/5.0). It wins 2 of 5 scoring axes; the biggest gap is the return window: 90-day window (above average) versus window not published.
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 ScholarshipOwl's return window?
ScholarshipOwl's return window is No returns (digital service - all sales final, except unused most recent billing cycle).
Does E-file.com or ScholarshipOwl offer free returns?
E-file.com: Yes (before use). ScholarshipOwl: No.