Tax prep software

[New Englander]

I'm going to do my taxes using one of these three programs.
TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct. If anyone has used any of these programs, describe what you like or don't like about it.
My taxes are not complicated and last year cost $200 to do. Asking for opinions.

[retiredguy123]

I have always used Turbotax and like it. I purchase the program, but many financial organizations allow you to use it online for free, such as Vanguard and some banks.

[bandsdavis]

I'm going to do my taxes using one of these three programs.
TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct. If anyone has used any of these programs, describe what you like or don't like about it.
My taxes are not complicated and last year cost $200 to do. Asking for opinions.

I have used Turbo Tax for many years. Started using the Home and Business version when my wife was self-employed and we had some things like stock options to consider, then dropped to Deluxe, and this year used Basic. Not a bad word to say about it. Very intuitive, at least the way my brain works, and it's about as straightforward as it can be. Walks you thru step by step. If you are a FL resident and therefore won't file a state return, the basic is probably enough for you, even with itemized deductions. You can compare the different versions easily on any site that sells them. Got mine thru Amazon this year. This is the first year we have not itemized due to the tax law changes.

[dewilson58]

Turbo Tax




My children use TaxHawk

[Rapscallion St Croix]

I have used this for years. Sixteen bucks and easy as can be. You need Microsoft Excel to use it as it is a spreadsheet. Has an income page which you fill in and it automatically fills out the 1040. Try it for free. It has all the schedules most people would need.

DJI Computer Solutions - Tax Assistant for Excel (http://www.djicomputer.com/TaxAssistant.htm)

[Fredster]

I'm going to do my taxes using one of these three programs.
TurboTax, H&R Block, or TaxAct. If anyone has used any of these programs, describe what you like or don't like about it.
My taxes are not complicated and last year cost $200 to do. Asking for opinions.

If your taxes are not complicated I would suggest either Turbotax or Credit karma tax.
I used Turbotax for a few years, but this year I switched to Credit karma since it was easier to navigate.

Free Tax Filing Online - $0 State/Federal | Credit Karma Tax(R) (https://www.creditkarma.com/tax)

[retiredguy123]

I would make sure that you buy a product that actually incorporates all of the tax laws, updates the software, and guarantees that the tax return is prepared and filed according to IRS regulations. It looks like some of these programs only guarantee that the calculations are accurate. Turbotax does everything including the electronic filing process, or printing out a complete and ready to mail paper return. It will also transfer data from this year's return to next year's return.

[rjm1cc]

I use TurboTax and it is ok. No experience with other vendors.
I would use the interview option.
Try to evaluate the answers (change in tax) you get as you input data. If the answer does not seem correct check how you answered the question.

[mtdjed]

I use HR Block deluxe. For me it works well. Handles IRA's, stock trades including capital gains and losses and MRDs. I suspect they all do about the same. Using the same one each year simplifies the entries. I think the cost was $34 this year.

[retiredguy123]

FYI, if you pay estimated taxes or owe taxes, the easiest way to pay is to set up a free account on EFTPS.COM. The site is authorized by the IRS. It takes me about 60 seconds to make a tax payment that transfers money from my checking account to the IRS. Way better than mailing checks.

[mokey]

I have used H&R block in the past. I have switched to Turbo because it lets me import from our broker. Also use the site that lets you pay your estimate taxes on line. You can set up all 4 payments at the same time and they pay them as they come due.

[queasy27]

I've used H&R Block online for many years and am completely satisfied. They have a free version for simple returns. Past returns are stored in your account and new ones are autofilled with existing information to save time.

I've had complicated returns and simple ones and Block can handle both. It's quite easy to use. They file the returns and keep you updated when they're accepted. You can pay online if you owe money or specify where refunds should be deposited. Fees are very reasonable. You can pay extra (like $50, I think) to have one of their tax pros review the return to make sure everything was entered correctly.

[New Englander]

From what I've been reading online, TurboTax is the most user friendly. Especially for a person like me who has never done his own tax return. :pray:

[biker1]

Why bother. You can do it directly on the IRS website in less than a minute with electronic withdrawal.


FYI, if you pay estimated taxes or owe taxes, the easiest way to pay is to set up a free account on EFTPS.COM. The site is authorized by the IRS. It takes me about 60 seconds to make a tax payment that transfers money from my checking account to the IRS. Way better than mailing checks.

[New Englander]

FYI, if you pay estimated taxes or owe taxes, the easiest way to pay is to set up a free account on EFTPS.COM. The site is authorized by the IRS. It takes me about 60 seconds to make a tax payment that transfers money from my checking account to the IRS. Way better than mailing checks.

I don't pay estimated taxes or owe anything.

[JohnN]

I used to use Turbo Tax for many years. I also do my kids taxes so I've got 3 to do and they used to offer 5 free filings. A few years back, they cut it to 1 free filing so I changed to H&R Block Deluxe since they have state returns too. Basically about the same as far as functionality. If your taxes are simple , I'd choose one of the free offers, regardless I'd absolutely suggest doing them yourself instead of paying.

[collie1228]

I've used Turbotax or HR Block for many years now, and they both do the job. I use Block right now as it is cheaper than Turbotax. In fact, I bought it this year on Ebay and saved an extra $20.00. I have to use the business/premium version as I'm doing an estate tax, and the normal personal tax version doesn't do 1041 forms. Either company's software will download the other company's tax records from your previous year, so that shouldn't be a consideration.

[New Englander]

Thanks to all who who answered. I've decided on TurboTax.

[retiredguy123]

Excellent choice.

[valuemkt]

I've used turbo tax for years. In addition to itemizing deductions, I file Schedule C, schedule D, Schedule E, K-1s and and all sorts of things .. It logs in and automatically updates stock transactions, keeps track of year to year depreciation etc .. it would cost me a fortune to have a CPA do it .. and I have no reason to change brands ..

[JerryLBell]

At one point, TurboTax was deliberately installing malware on users PCs. That turned me off on them so bad that I've never used them since. I've used H&R Block's software several times (including when it had a different name) and never had a problem. In fact, I just used them to do my taxes yesterday. It was $20 to download and included the fee for eFiling.

Note that you can do your taxes for free online (assuming they are simple enough) by going to IRS.gov and clicking on the link to the free tax prep page. To eFile, your income has to be below something like $56000 but you can still use it even if your income is higher than that. I tried using it and didn't know what to select in a couple of drop-down lists and couldn't find an explanation on their site to clear it up for me and so gave up and went H&R Block. Your experience may be different.

[tophcfa]

Have been using turbo tax deluxe for as long as I can remember. It's a very good product. I am old school and don't like the e-file option, I still print out our returns and mail them in.

[N44125]

Another vote for TurboTax.

[biker1]

I suspect one the major advantages of e-filing is the elimination of possible mistakes by human handling of your return. The IRS may need to do manual entry of your paper return. Perhaps they have OCR but someone will still have to handle your return. If you have a refund due, you may receive it faster. I have been e-filing for years and have never had an issue.

Have been using turbo tax deluxe for as long as I can remember. It's a very good product. I am old school and don't like the e-file option, I still print out our returns and mail them in.

[saratogaman]

H & R Block on-line software worked well...and it's free. Did mine early last week, e-filed and refund was deposited in my local bank account yesterday.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I don't know if you all have this where you are but up here in Connecticut there are several places that provide free tax filing assistance from AARP. You just have to be a member (which I assume most Villagers are).

[Fraugoofy]

I don't know if you all have this where you are but up here in Connecticut there are several places that provide free tax filing assistance from AARP. You just have to be a member (which I assume most Villagers are).And snow.. UConn has snow...

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[Regor]

I use free tax usa . com They have all the forms for free. I get a small ($25) 1099-MISC that turbotax and other want to charge me for. It requires a Schedule C and in Turbo Tax that requires purchasing their program ($35). I have already got my refund using Free Tax.

[champion6]

I have used TaxACT for about 10 years - began with the downloaded version, now use the online version. Very easy to use, very thorough, very reasonable cost. It has helped me through the stages of being employed, retiring, moving, living from retirement income. I will continue to use it.

[New Englander]

Right now on Amazon, you can get TaxAct online (Federal Only) for $10.