5 best tax return filing programs: an overview

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Preparing for the tax season is already in full swing, and if you have a laptop and an Internet connection, you can use the software to prepare your tax return. Even better, if you have the right to use free tax services.

Consider in detail the 5 of the most popular programs for the preparation of tax returns, including paid and free services.

TurboTax

TurboTax is perhaps the most famous tax program on the market. The program offers great opportunities, for example, to enter your W-2, tying it to a phone or tablet. In addition, if you are to be audited, TurboTax offers one free consultation. You can also synchronize data on the Internet with other devices and access them anywhere, anytime, even on the beach.

Another cool feature of TurboTax is SmartLook, which is included with most products. With SmartLook, a live TurboTax expert answers your questions and even draws on the screen to make sure his answers are clear.

Price: Depending on the software version, preparing a tax return can cost you from $ 0 to $ 127 or even more. Here are more specific numbers.

Electronic versions

• Federal Free Edition: $ 0, plus $ 0 for state returns - intended for those who use the forms 1040EZ or 1040A;
• Deluxe: $ 34.99, additional $ 36.99 per state - is intended for those whose taxes include a mortgage or property tax, donation of franchises, etc.
• Premier: $ 54.99, additional $ 36.99 per state - intended for applicants with investment and rental property;
• Home and Business: $ 89.99, additional $ 36.99 per state - designed for small business owners and independent contractors who use Schedule C.

Downloadable and CD Versions

• Basic: $ 29.99, additional $ 39.99 per state, plus $ 24.99 for state e-file; free federal e-file;
• Deluxe: $ 59.99, one free state, $ 39.99 for each additional state; $ 24.99 to e-file the state return;
• Premier: $ 89.99, one free state, additional $ 39.99 per state; $ 24.99 to e-file state return;
• Home and Business: $ 99.99, one free state, additional $ 39.99 per state; $ 24.99 to e-file state return.

Pros:

• Complex software with a lot of bells and whistles;
• Having a “live chat” for help;
• Additional audit.

Cons:

• Software costs are higher than some competitors;
• The program may allow incomplete tax forms and missing information;
• Some forms and graphics may not be supported.

Credit Karma

Credit Karma, a free credit platform, today offers free collateral to create a tax return. No inbound limit, no expiration date, no increase in amounts, no hidden fees. This software is designed for use by people who have previously subscribed.

Credit Karma's offer is so new that drawing up a tax return is best for people with simple declarations.

Prices

The company claims that the whole process is absolutely free.

Electronic versions

• Free: For 1040EZ, 1040A or 1040.

Pros:

• Is free;
• Customer support.

Cons:

• Some features are not supported;
• Registration is required Credit Karma.

H & r block

The software offers many great features, such as linking a photo to your W-2 to enter your financial information. H&R Block also offers a guarantee to ensure you get the maximum refund on your tax return. Like TurboTax, you can download the software or file online or visit their office.

H&R Block offers free unlimited chat support. If you decide to visit your local office to prepare your tax return, you can count on an interest-free service if your refund is $ 1 or less.

Price:

Electronic versions

• Free: Free federal and state returns - intended for persons who first file a tax return or simple tax returns;
• Deluxe: $ 34.99 federal, $ 36.99 for each state return - intended for homeowners with deductions;
• Premium: $ 54.99 federal, $ 36.99 for each state - intended for investors or small business owners.

Downloadable software versions

• Basic: $ 19.95, $ 39.95 state; $ 19.95 state for additional state e-file;
• Deluxe and State: $ 34.95; includes one state plus $ 19.95 for additional state e-file;
• Premium: $ 64.95; one free state $ 19.95 for additional state e-file;
• Premium and Business: $ 79.95; one free state $ 19.95 for additional state e-file.

Pros:

• Interest free advance on returns;
• Help;
• Available offices.

Cons:

• High price;
• May not support all shapes and graphics.

TaxACT

TaxACT is the cheapest online tax filing software. The program has a simple 3-level price structure. The company guarantees price freezing, which means that no matter when you send your declaration, you will not pay more than the price that was relevant at the time of its preparation. TaxACT also guarantees the accuracy of your return.

TaxACT is a good option if you have a relatively simple tax return and don't require outside help in the preparation process. As support, the company answers your questions online and by email. email, if the chat was not working at the time of contacting.

Price:

Electronic versions

• Free: Free federal and state returns and e-filing - designed to perform simple declarations using 1040EZ and 1040A;
• Plus: $ 15, plus $ 25 per state return - intended for those who have mortgage loans, investments, charitable donations and much more;
• Premium: $ 30, plus $ 25 per state return - intended for freelancers, contractors and those who are not for hire.

Downloadable versions:

• Free: Five free federal returns; state return is $ 25;
• Plus: $ 40; includes one state return; e-file additional;
• Premium: $ 55; includes one state return; e-file additional.

Pros:

• Low price;
• Extremely available for private entrepreneurs, freelancers and contractors;
• Fix price.

Cons:

• No online help - answers come only by email;
• In the past tax year, the mobile version was flawed.

TaxSlayer

TaxSlayer is another affordable return preparation program. You can prepare your tax report from either your laptop or mobile device. You can choose not to pay upfront and instead select the option to “Deduct program and filing costs from your tax refund.”

TaxSlayer offers guarantees of accuracy and maximum return.

Price:

Check the prices for this affordable option for filing a declaration.

Electronic versions

• Basic: Free, plus $ 19.99 for state return - intended for registrars using the form 1040EZ;
• Classic: $ 12.99, plus $ 19.99 for state return - includes all the main forms and graphics; you can import last year's taxes;
• Premium: $34.99, plus $19.99 for state return - includes all Classic features plus additional customer service.

Pros:

• Lower price;
• Supports all forms and graphics, in accordance with PC Magazine;
• The cost of the software can be deducted from the refund.

Cons:

• No user interface, according to PC Magazine;
• No online chat. Help is provided only through email.

Jackson Hewitt

Jackson Hewitt offers online tax preparation software, including a free federal version. Unlike some less expensive products, Jackson Hewitt offers unlimited help in online chat.

The company offers a guarantee of accuracy and promises to pay the IRS fines and interest if its calculations are wrong. Jackson Hewitt offers an interest-free advance of up to $ 1 300 return.

Price: paid versions are not the cheapest, but they come with a lot of extras.

Electronic versions

• Free: Free, plus $ 29.99 for state return - designed for simple declarations;
• Basic: $ 39.95, plus $ 39.95 for state return - for recent graduates and newlyweds;
• Deluxe: $ 54.95, plus $ 39.95 for state returns — best suited for families, homeowners, and investors;
• Premium: $ 74.95, plus $ 39.95 for state returns - intended for private entrepreneurs and individuals with complex tax returns.

Pros:

• Unlimited live chat;
• Different pricing policies;
• The highest interest-free advance on the return.

Cons:

• High price;
• Navigation glitches.

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