taxact

Taxes 2010: Four tax prep solutions compared

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

Tax prep at its most basic

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.

Entry-level tax prep

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

Tax prep at its most basic

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

Tax prep at its most basic

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.

Tax prep at its most basic

When it comes down to it, the actual content of rival tax prep applications is nearly identical. So fear not. TaxAct's significantly lower price point doesn't necessarily translate into shoddier tax return calculation. We got virtually the same result using the other major programs available. (Disclaimer: this result may not apply to every tax scenario.) What you do sacrifice in TaxAct are the glossy graphics and the extensive FAQ database. On the plus side, the service has added audit support and a new Answer Center, which offers a variety of straightforward help files that are easily searchable.

Because … Read more

Tax prep at its most basic

When it comes down to it, the actual content of rival tax prep applications is nearly identical. So fear not. TaxAct's significantly lower price point doesn't necessarily translate into shoddier tax return calculation. We got virtually the same result using the other major programs available. (Disclaimer: this result may not apply to every tax scenario.) What you do sacrifice in TaxAct are the glossy graphics and the extensive FAQ database. On the plus side, the service has added audit support and a new Answer Center, which offers a variety of straightforward help files that are easily searchable.

Because … Read more

Taxes 2009: TurboTax vs. H&R Block vs. TaxAct

We know, tax time is the pits, but if it makes you feel better, we did ours six times while researching the pros and cons of TurboTax (Windows|Mac|Online), Tax Act (Windows|Online), and H&R Block At Home (Windows|Mac|Online), formerly called H&R Block Tax Cut. So we know a thing or three about taxes. (And we hate them six times more than you do.)

Obligatory disclaimer: We tested both the online and desktop versions of the Deluxe version of TaxAct, TurboTax, and H&R Block At Home (called Ultimate Bundle in TaxAct, since it includes the State return). We prepared our Federal and California state taxes online and on a Windows 7 computer, using our real W-2s and tax forms, so our experience may not reflect your personal situation.

What you need to know about tax prep software

Which one?: Most software comes in four levels of guidance covering simple returns (the 1040 EZ form) to the complex. Most people go with Deluxe, which walks you through deductions for things like home owners and renters, investment income, dependents, and charitable donations. Premier or Premium adds on home ownership, rental property, and more complicated investments and deductions; Business keeps an eye on small-business owners after going through personal investments and deductions. E-filing versus printing: E-filing can net you a refund in as few as 8 days, whereas refunds on tax forms you print and mail can take up to 6 weeks. Most programs include at least one free Federal e-file for one tax return, but additional e-filing costs rack up after that. Many packages charge extra to e-file State returns or returns for additional family members. Online and desktop: All three programs offer online and desktop versions. H&R Block At Home and TurboTax support Windows and Mac; TaxAct is Windows-only. Online versions mostly mirror desktop versions, but with minor differences. Desktop software is typically licensed for up to five free Federal e-files (you can print off as many as you'd like), while online tax prep usually includes one free Federal e-file. Online tax returns are encrypted and stored on the provider's Web servers. Desktop returns are stored locally on your computer.

TurboTax vs. TaxAct, vs. H&R Block At Home: What's the difference?

When it comes down to it, the actual content of the tax interview--the questions and sections that the tax apps guide you through--is nearly identical in these competing programs, including the online and desktop variations. Clarity in language, extra tools, and help and support features are key differentiators, not to mention the price. We sum these up below. See more pricing charts here. Read full reviews on TurboTax, TaxAct, and H&R Block At Home.

… Read more

Entry-level tax prep

When it comes down to it, the actual content of rival tax prep apps is nearly identical. So fear not. TaxAct's significantly lower price point doesn't necessarily translate into shoddier tax return calculation. We got virtually the same result using TaxAct, Intuit's TurboTax, and H&R Block At Home (Disclaimer: this result may not apply to every tax scenario.) What you do sacrifice in TaxAct is the glossy graphics, the straightforward help files, and the extensive FAQs and audit support of the other two DIY apps apps.

Because of the striking similarity of the desktop and … Read more