Tax Preparation Software - Recommendations?

**cyfanatic** · 02-17-2012, 09:58 AM

Thinking about preparing my own taxes this year...anyone have suggestions as to the best/worst tax preparation websites/software?

Not 100% sure if I am going to do this...but thought I would look into it.

Thanks.

**iahawkhunter** · 02-17-2012, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by cyfanatic

Thinking about preparing my own taxes this year...anyone have suggestions as to the best/worst tax preparation websites/software?

Not 100% sure if I am going to do this...but thought I would look into it.

Thanks.

I use TurboTax and have found it to be helpful. I can't compare to other programs/services since I haven't used anything else.

**3TrueFans** · 02-17-2012, 10:01 AM

I'e always used TurboTax, but I've never tried something else. TurboTax has all my info now so I don't care to switch since I haven't had any issues.

**ISUAgronomist** · 02-17-2012, 10:02 AM

Paper, pencil, eraser, and calculator.

**cyfanatic** · 02-17-2012, 10:03 AM

Originally Posted by ISUAgronomist

Paper, pencil, eraser, and calculator.

I used to do it that way...and enjoyed it to be honest! I don't trust myself anymore...figure the software has to be better than I am...but maybe not?

**ISUAgronomist** · 02-17-2012, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by cyfanatic

I used to do it that way...and enjoyed it to be honest! I don't trust myself anymore...figure the software has to be better than I am...but maybe not?

I don't have difficult taxes to prepare and haven't been impressed with the software/websites. Seems like they miss some easy things that they shouldn't. I give them a chance but still end up going the "old" route.

**twojman** · 02-17-2012, 10:08 AM

Turbotax is expensive unless you are doing a 1040 EZ. I used to use TaxCut from H&R Block. I now use taxact.com which I believe is an Iowa company. For like $20 I can prepare and eFile Federal and State taxes.

**cyfanatic** · 02-17-2012, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by twojman

Turbotax is expensive unless you are doing a 1040 EZ. I used to use TaxCut from H&R Block. I now use taxact.com which I believe is an Iowa company. For like $20 I can prepare and eFile Federal and State taxes.

Do you feel TaxAct is easy to use?

**IcSyU** · 02-17-2012, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by ISUAgronomist

I don't have difficult taxes to prepare and haven't been impressed with the software/websites. Seems like they miss some easy things that they shouldn't. I give them a chance but still end up going the "old" route.

E-file for the win.

I did mine Wednesday night with Turbo Tax. Solid software...especially when it was free.

I would avoid places like H&R Block, Liberty Tax, etc. like the plague. You're going to overpay for someone who more than likely has no more knowledge of taxes than you do.

**ISUAgronomist** · 02-17-2012, 10:12 AM

Originally Posted by IcSyU

E-file for the win.

I did mine Wednesday night with Turbo Tax. Solid software.

I always make sure my withholdings are just low enough that I pay in a small amount (no free loans to the gov't

) so e-file provides no benefit for me.

**dmclone** · 02-17-2012, 10:15 AM

Turbotax

**2020cy** · 02-17-2012, 10:16 AM

I love Tax Act and they keep your info from year to year so you don't have to re-enter a bunch of info. Reasonable price and they walk you right through the return, unless you have some crazy stuff going on, they should be good to go.

**cyfanatic** · 02-17-2012, 10:28 AM

Part of me wants to use TaxAct because it is an Iowa company...my taxes are nothing special I don't think. Married, own a home, had first child this past year...guessing the process is very basic for me.

**Cyclonepride** · 02-17-2012, 10:28 AM

Turbo tax has worked well for me. Seems to have everything that you could need, and helpful advice if you don't understand anything. It also imports basic information from year to year, and imports financials from your investments easily if you need to do that.

**cyfanatic** · 02-17-2012, 10:30 AM

The reviews I have read make it sound as if TurboTax is the best out there but there are strong reviews for TaxAct as well as H&R. The concern I have with TaxAct is that they charge you to contact customer assistance? Probably wouldn't have to do this...but still...