Tax Software

[leo8877]

Hey all, I'm thinking about using a tax software this year to do my taxes and was looking for anyone's recommendations or comments on their experience using them.  Any input is appreciated.  Thank you.

[Arkon]

For the past 7 or 8 years now I have used Turbo Tax.  I can't say my taxes are super complex, I am married, have two kids and a mortgage.  Don't tend to have a ton of deductions.  Turbo Tax has always been very easy to use and I can get my taxes done relatively quickly.  If you are a Costco member there is a coupon for Turbo Tax for the next two weeks I believe.

[corruptrelic]

I've used I-Can E-File the last two years without any problems.. free and easy to use. Does all the numbers automatically for you but it is browser-based versus downloadable software.

http://www.icanefile.org/

[kratz]

Turbo Tax online... used it for 10 years or something like that.

[Chaz]

I've gone with TaxAct online for the last five or six years.  No complaints, and it's usually under $20 for both state and federal efiling.

[Teggy]

Yeah, I have used OLT.com for the past 4 or 5 years, which also is under $20. However, my taxes have not been that complicated. This year I'm going to have to fill out an actual 1040 instead of a 1040A, so we'll see how it goes.

[Laner]

This is a modified blog post from a couple of years ago:

I use TaxAct.com , as they allow you to file for free in many cases.  

The two best-known online tax preparation packages are H&R Block’s TaxCut and Intuit’s TurboTax.  Unless your tax return is a very simple one (only a W-2, for example), you have to pay for their upgraded services in order to file. But the good news is that you can go through the entire process first for free, regardless of the complexity of your return.  You don’t pay until you file.

There is a third online filing service, TaxACT.  And they let you file for free  – sounds pretty good, right?  It is.

So why bother even bringing up TaxCut and TurboTax?  Because the ability to doublecheck your work is always a good thing, especially when money or a potential IRS audit is on the line.

For example, last year I was working on my tax return with TaxCut.  As I approached the final stages, TaxCut said I owed much more than I anticipated.  So I went to the TurboTax website, entered all my information there, and realized that I had neglected to enter my state sales tax deductions – while the option was there in TaxCut, it wasn’t as obvious as it was in TurboTax.

I eventually found the appropriate section in TaxCut, adjusted my numbers and all was well. Being able to doublecheck my work saved me several hundred dollars.

This year I went through the entire process with both TaxCut and TurboTax’s web-based programs, checking my work with each program, then did my actual filing with TaxACT.  So I was able to have another set of eyes look over my return, if you will, and it didn’t cost me a cent to file.

Pretty good deal, if you ask me.

[godhugh]

TurboTax Online for me. Can't wait to file this year...full year of employment, no back taxes to pay, second kid with accompanying medical bills, big education expenses = massive refund.

[pr0ner]

Another vote for TurboTax here.

[rickfc]

I have to look to be sure, but I'm almost 100% positive that I used free TurboTax online last year.

[naednek]

so what's different between turbo tax online and the retail box version?  Are you just paying up front?

[rshetts2]

Turbo tax for me as well.  I have a rental property so I need the premiere version to max out the deductions.  I went with a standard tax program a few years back and found out I lost a large amount of money due to deductions it didnt include.

The thing about tax software is it really depends on your needs.  Still among the ones Ive used, Ive found Turbo Tax to be the most intuitive, gave me the best return and is very easy to use.  Tax Cut was the one I used previously and I regret the purchase.  Saved a few dollars up front but lost hundreds on the return.

[rickfc]

so what's different between turbo tax online and the retail box version?  Are you just paying up front?

I used the free online version.  The box version you pay for.  H&R also does a free online version.

[naednek]

so what's different between turbo tax online and the retail box version?  Are you just paying up front?

I used the free online version.  The box version you pay for.  H&R also does a free online version.

So if you e-filed using turbo tax online, they don't charge?  That doesn't seem right, or make sense.

[Teggy]

so what's different between turbo tax online and the retail box version?  Are you just paying up front?

I used the free online version.  The box version you pay for.  H&R also does a free online version.

So if you e-filed using turbo tax online, they don't charge?  That doesn't seem right, or make sense.

Most places that are "free" either mean that it's free to use the software but you pay $8 or so to actually file (sometimes Federal is free and they charge for state).

[rickfc]

so what's different between turbo tax online and the retail box version?  Are you just paying up front?

I used the free online version.  The box version you pay for.  H&R also does a free online version.

So if you e-filed using turbo tax online, they don't charge?  That doesn't seem right, or make sense.

Most places that are "free" either mean that it's free to use the software but you pay $8 or so to actually file (sometimes Federal is free and they charge for state).

This.  It's free to file federal, and since there's no state tax in Texas, it's totally free for me.

[theohall]

[sarcasm]
Do you really have to go around the globe to use Turbo Tax?  Why the heck do they need a GPS system to tell you how to use it?
[/sarcasm]

Ad writers should actually think about what they put in their advertisements, because Turbo Tax is a fine program, but every time I see that ad, smartass mode kicks in and I think that line above.

[stessier]

Another Turbo Tax online vote.  Married, 2 kids, mortgage, & some stock sales. 

I tried both Tax Act and Turbo Tax last year to see the difference.  I'd used Turbo Tax for the previous 6 years, so that might have influenced my results.  I found Turbo Tax was much better at hand holding and making sure I entered everything correctly.  YMMV.

Before that I had always just done it by hand.  Really, if it was just married I'd probably still do it that way.  Basic returns are pretty easy if you don't mind reading directions.

[gellar]

I used TurboTax and H&R Block Online back when I did my taxes myself.  Both seemed to get the job done fine.

I do have to say though, if your taxes are any sort of complicated, I strongly recommend going with a CPA.

[EngineNo9]

I used TurboTax and H&R Block Online back when I did my taxes myself.  Both seemed to get the job done fine.

I do have to say though, if your taxes are any sort of complicated, I strongly recommend going with a CPA.

Why do you have a star by your name?

[CeeKay]

I used TurboTax and H&R Block Online back when I did my taxes myself.  Both seemed to get the job done fine.

I do have to say though, if your taxes are any sort of complicated, I strongly recommend going with a CPA.

Why do you have a star by your name?

cause he's special.

[gellar]

I used TurboTax and H&R Block Online back when I did my taxes myself.  Both seemed to get the job done fine.

I do have to say though, if your taxes are any sort of complicated, I strongly recommend going with a CPA.

Why do you have a star by your name?

cause he's special.

EXTRA. SPECIAL.

[Morgul]

I have been using www.freetaxusa.com for years.

It is free (10 bucks for state) 

I just log in each year, change the little numbers around from my w2, and hit enter.

[Pyperkub]

so what's different between turbo tax online and the retail box version?  Are you just paying up front?

I used the free online version.  The box version you pay for.  H&R also does a free online version.

So if you e-filed using turbo tax online, they don't charge?  That doesn't seem right, or make sense.

It's true, but it's for 1040EZ (and "simple") returns only.  Feds only (fee for State).

[Pyperkub]

FWIW, Amazon has the Business version of Turbo Tax for $94 right now.  I think I had to pay at least $99 last year, if not $129 (which is retail right now), so I'm going to hop on this quick.  But for Turbo Tax Premier, it's cheaper to get from Turbo Tax right now ($49), vs Amazon (cheapest is $63, retail is $75).

[Gratch]

For the past 7 or 8 years now I have used Turbo Tax.  I can't say my taxes are super complex, I am married, have two kids and a mortgage.  Don't tend to have a ton of deductions.  Turbo Tax has always been very easy to use and I can get my taxes done relatively quickly.  If you are a Costco member there is a coupon for Turbo Tax for the next two weeks I believe.

This.  Typically only takes me a couple hours to get everything done.

[Hrothgar]

Don't forget that if you itemize deductions or have a 'complex' tax return, the IRS won't accept your filing until mid to late February.  Linky.