Tax software
 

Well, its that time of year, again. I am certain that members of the PeachParts forum have a higher % of paying their taxes than many in our government!

So what is the best software?
Are the on-line services to be preferred or avoided?
I have used Turbo Tax for several years, but don't feel any particular loyalty to it.
What is the best product for long form 1040 with Schedule A type of return?

I'm also going to be filing my taxes on my own and I would like to do it with some software :o

This will be the first time that I am doing it by myself. This will certainly be an adventure.

I just use Turbo tax, mostly because I've used it before and it carries over my old info. I buy the disc and the state software, as opposed to doing it online. Mine is simple because my business in inactive at the moment.

It's a piece of cake with any software, just fill in the blanks and answer the questions (unless you have something unusual).

I always use TurboTax Deluxe since it includes the state forms. I wouldn't recommend the "deduction maximizer" version unless you have lots of varied deductions. Otherwise, you spend a lot of time answering questions that don't apply to you.

The best tax software is LaCerte, however, unless you're an accountant with a multitude of clients, you won't be buying it.

This software makes Turbotax look like a kid's toy.

I like Turbo Tax, but it seems to have tripled in price this year for the CD version. I don't have a lot of trust in the online version.

These prices seem to be similar to what I remember from last year?

http://www.turbotax.com/lp/ty09/ppc/hp.jsp?ven=gg&kw=turbo+tax&cid=ppc_gg_b_stan_rt_ff_btt+nm+spc&priorityCode=4515800000

Interesting. That's about half of what I see it priced at in the stores.

TurboTax, with coupon from Costco.

Thanks, all.

You pretty much confirmed my preconceptions.

I just download Tax Act, which is free for the Federal version ( and FL has no state income tax :D). I have been using it for several years, so I can't compare it to Turbo Tax, but it seems as easy as it basically could be. I have no idea if it's any more or less accurate, but it works....

Rick

I use H & R block free tax preparation on their website:

http://www.hrblock.com/taxes/products/31.html

I find it comparable to turbo tax, which I used to use.

Danny

I still throw my stack of stuff on my accountant's desk and let him sort it out.:o

You may not know that the IRS in cooperation with several major software vendors has had a free file program for about the last 7 or 8 years. It will become available 1/15/10 ...tomorrow. For the most basic of young people's returns, I suggest you consider it. Nothing's cheaper than free. :)I have used it in the past for my kids, when they were in HS and college.
Our firm's software developer...CCH Prosystems (one of the biggies)...was participating in the program back then. The finished products were identical. Simple to use and you can't beat free. IIRC, there are income limits to the "free" use. Then they can charge based upon complexity. I'm not sure if you can file state returns thru that portal nowadays. But most states have their own efiling programs. Here's the link.
http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html

Couple of tips.
If this is the first time you are filing, make sure you are on the same page as your parents with regard to who is claiming you as a dependent. You or mom & dad. And make sure you have all your info w-2's etc, before you file. (Think of all the places you may have worked during the year.) There will always be woops moments. ;)You can't file amended returns on-line.

If you are fortunate enough to have investments with a brokerage house, have patience. Their reportings are often corrected once or twice during the filing season.

Make sure you print and copy your return for your records. When I used the IRS, you could not download the data to a local file. You could only print it and were not able to retrieve it further. Maybe they have changed.

Welcome to the world of harassed taxpayers. :D:D