Choosing the Right Tax Software for You

With so many tax software programs on the market,program still offers the state and federal tax software
many people are foregoing tax professionals andand the free e-filing that the pricier options give you.
preparing their own taxes. However, choosing theIf you are confident that you won't run into anything out
software program that best fits your needs can be aof the ordinary during your tax preparation, this
daunting task.software will undoubtedly serve you well.
Do you need tax software made for a business or anIndividuals whose adjusted gross income is less than
individual? How much can you afford to spend on$50,000 have a very inexpensive option- filing for free
software? Spend some time comparison shopping,on the IRS website. This is only for your federal taxes,
and you'll be able to make an informed choice.however.
Best Tax Software For Complicated ReturnsYou'll need to handle your state taxes on your own,
Intuit TurboTax Premier is frequently rated the top taxeither with a professional or with a software program.
software program for people who have complexLuckily, despite what many think of the IRS, their
returns. This software allows you to deal withwebsite is very easy to navigate, even for people
complicated issues such as multiple stock sales,who have never filed their own taxes before. With this
mortgage refinancing, rental expenses and income, andmethod, you won't have a hard copy of your return,
business deductions.other than what you print out.
This tax software can prepare W-2 and 1099 formsIf you don't feel comfortable leaving everything to
for your employees, and it also helps those filingcyberspace, you might want to forego the website
Schedule C. This program includes all of the federaland use a software program, even if you have to
tax software, and offers step-by-step instructions onspend a little money for it.
how to download the software for your home state.Still Afraid of Going It Alone?
You can also e-file with the government for free, usingIf you're worried about making mistakes, or if you think
this program.that you may get fed up halfway through the process,
The program walks you through each step of theH&R Block TaxCut Premium is a great program for
process, so it is nearly impossible to skip a step oryou. The program runs about $40, but if you decide at
forget something, which is great for less experiencedany point during the process that you simply can't
software users.manage on your own, just take your copy of the tax
TurboTax Premier runs about $60, but is well worth itsoftware to your nearest H&R Block storefront.
if you have a complicated return. Intuit also makes aThey will credit you the price of the software towards
version called TurboTax Deluxe, which offers theyour tax preparation. Also, TaxCut Premium offers a
same state and federal tax software, but is gearedsafety net for those unlucky 1 percent who face
towards someone without capital gains, employees, oraudits each year.
other business considerations.Even if you complete the process all on your own, and
If you don't need those features, at about $35, thise-file your return if you are selected for an audit, H&R
software is a better value. Both TurboTax programsBLock's Worry-Free Audit Support ensures that a live
are known for having thorough customer service, so iftax professional will personally help you prepare for
you're new to using tax software, it might be worthyour audit.
your while to spring for one of these programs.As you can see, tax software is available to help
Tax Software on a Budgetanyone who wants to try their hand at filing their own
If you have a very simple, straightforward return, youtaxes. Choose the software program that's right for
might try TaxAct Ultimate. Selling for about $20, thisyou, and you'll be shocked at how easy it can be!