Tax prep software
 

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 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.

Turbo Tax
 

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.

Turbo Tax




My children use TaxHawk

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

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)

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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:

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

I don't pay estimated taxes or owe anything.