OnePrice Taxes Review
($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.
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($14.95 for state and federal). If you plan to file only one return and you're not opposed to doing it online, OnePrice Taxes is a great deal. Its interface is one of the easiest to use, although a OnePrice Taxes review on Toptenreviews says the navigation would be even simpler to manage if there were a "back" button.
OnePrice Taxes offers few extra features but it works well for beginning tax filers with simple returns. Although the company insists the product is also suitable for filers with complex finances, OnePrice Taxes reviews on Amazon claim otherwise, providing specific examples of tax issues that OnePrice's software could not accommodate, such as reporting dividends or carrying over investment losses.
Pricing is one area in which OnePrice Taxes really stands out. You can buy federal and state tax prep and e-file packages separately for $7.95 or save 95 cents by buying them together. The company prides itself on charging one upfront price and promises never to prompt you for upgrades or to surprise you with hidden fees. Whichever package you select, writes an appreciative user in a OnePrice Taxes review on CNET, this software is cheaper than the competition.
OnePrice Taxes recently expanded its offerings with the addition of a downloadable version that you can try out for free. It's available for $29.95 for both Windows and Mac users for the 2009 tax year, and you don't have to pay until you e-file. This is the only company among our top picks that offers a download version of the software that you can try for free before purchasing. It's also one of the only packages that works with Macs.
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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TaxACT Online Ultimate Bundle
($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. Read more »
