TaxACT Online Ultimate Bundle Review
($17.95 for both federal and state tax returns) TaxACT is reasonably priced and offers instructional multimedia videos at the start of each section, a feature that helps you navigate the tax impact of events like marriage, divorce, and the birth of a child. You can also buy a TaxACT CD or download for $19.95, which lets you print and mail multiple copies, but there are no free updates so you'll have to buy the software each year.
($17.95 for online federal and state returns, $19.95 for download). TaxACT is less well known than TurboTax and H&R Block At Home, but is rapidly gaining popularity as a more affordable option for filers with simple returns. A TaxACT review by TopTenReviews places this software program third in its comparative rankings of online tax software for the 2009 tax year, citing its straightforward interview screens and full set of features.
TaxACT's focus is on providing plenty of online tax information for customers. For one, there are informational videos offered at the beginning of each section, and if you get stuck, TaxACT features a help center that you can search by keyword to get more information. There's also an index of basic tax information for you to peruse if you get confused or have an unusual tax question. TaxACT's streamlined format also minimizes your data entry time by pre-filling information you've entered in previous sections and transferring data from your federal return to your state return. A TaxACT review posted by a user on Freetaxsoftware.net notes appreciatively that the software brought new deductions to her attention, which easily paid for itself by doing so. TaxACT is also one of the only tax prep software providers that offers a FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) worksheet that can help you complete the form faster.
One of the most common complaints about TaxACT, however, is that it may be less useful if you own a home or need to report investment income. Also note that the downloadable version doesn't work for Mac users. This is a reasonably priced tax prep program, but beware you don't inadvertently agree to have your refund deposited on a TaxACT Endeavor prepaid MasterCard; miffed users have registered numerous complaints about these cards in TaxACT reviews on ConsumerAffairs.com. So play it safe and have the money sent directly to your bank.
Other Recommended Tax Preparation Software
TaxSlayer Extreme
($14.90 for both federal and state tax returns) This online software product boasts some of the lowest prices in the industry: $14.90 to e-file both federal and state tax returns. TaxSlayer includes several tools to guide you through the process, including a step-by-step deduction finder, video tax tips, and a feature that helps you figure out the tax implications if you've recently experienced a major life change, such asmarriage, birth of a child, or home sale. Read more »| TaxSlayer.com |
H&R Block at Home
(Federal e-file is FREE, $29.95 for state return) Experts rate this product (formerly H&R Block TaxCut) highly for its interview-style process, information sections, and error-checking feature. Federal e-filing is free and a state return costs $29.95; an additional $19.95 lets you speak with, or email questions to, a professional tax advisor. This product handles simple and more complicated returns (e.g., for homeowners, investors, and people who itemize deductions). Read more »|
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OnePrice Taxes
($7.95 for federal, $7.95 for state; $14.95 for both) Another inexpensive alternative, OnePrice Taxes offers one of the simplest user interfaces. Expert reviewers like the easy navigation from section to section and appreciate "Explain This" buttons that provide user-friendly filing tips. This basic program doesn't have a lot of extra features and is best for simple returns. Read more »
