prepping

You've got just over a month to file your annual tax return, meaning the time has come to start shopping for a deal on tax software.

I have something of a love/hate relationship with TurboTax, but it's been my go-to product for the last several years. Warts aside, it gets the job done.

And today it'll get it done a little cheaper. For a limited time, you can save up to $20 on TurboTax Online. That means $34.99 for for TurboTax Online Premier and $54.99 for TurboTax Online Home and Business. Both versions include … Read more

Cooking is an action sport. Oh sure, there are plenty of options for those who go the less dynamic route, but when it comes to prepping ingredients, activity is usually necessary. Certainly kitchen gadgets do their best to make life easier for those who choose to chop, slice, and dice, yet still there usually remains a need for direct involvement from the chef. Sometimes, however, it is the smallest of features on a gadget or appliance that lends the biggest hand.

The Hamilton Beach 70730 Bowl Scraper Food Processor ($49.99) is like having a third (blade-proof) hand in the … Read more

We've all heard the famous quote before: Nothing is certain in life but death and taxes. And while you could try to avoid your taxes, Uncle Sam is probably going to make your life even more miserable if you do.

Rather than suffer the consequences of illegal action, we suggest you get a jump on your taxes with one of the four tax prep solutions we have thoroughly tested out for you: TurboTax (Web|Windows|Mac), H&R Block (Web|Windows|Mac), TaxAct (Web|Windows), and CompleteTax (Web-only). Oh, and--by the way--in the course of our testing, we … Read more

There are numerous tax prep solutions available for those who want a little help filing without having to turn to an actual accountant. Each one has benefits and pitfalls. In the case of CompleteTax, the benefit is that it offers the most options for filing without paying a dime. Of course, you are going to have to sacrifice something, and in this case it's any user-friendly, clear, or detailed instructions.

But more on that shortly. First, there are some important things to note if you're keeping an eye on your wallet. For one, CompleteTax provides three ways to … Read more

For the past several years, TurboTax has impressed us with its clear language and simple step-by-step tax prep, and Intuit's offering for the 2010 tax year is no exception. The software continues to offer a straightforward and streamlined interface with a few feature improvements worth noting. Sure, you'll pay a little more for TurboTax than its competitors, but its ease of use could make it worth it for some.

The first thing we want to point out is that TurboTax comes in four versions--Basic, Deluxe, Premier, and Home & Business--each of which offer both an online prep option … Read more

Editors' note: For more information on TaxACT Free Edition Online, read our review of the TaxAct Deluxe Edition. The Free version does not allow importing of last year's TaxACT return, offers fewer tools, and does not include state filing.

Editors' note: For more information on TaxACT Ultimate Bundle, read our review of the TaxAct Deluxe Edition. The Ultimate Bundle includes state filing.

Editors' note: For more information on TaxACT Ultimate Bundle, read our review of the TaxAct Deluxe Edition. The Ultimate Bundle includes state filing.

Editors' note: For more information on TaxACT Free Edition Online, read our review of the TaxAct Deluxe Edition. The Free version does not allow importing, offers fewer tools, and does not include state filing.