EmailBest Reviewed
Tax Preparation Services
- Best storefront tax preparation service H&R Block *Est. $150
- Best alternative to storefronts IRS Free File Program *Est. $0
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Best alternative to storefronts
- Free preparation for federal tax returns
- Free e-filing
- Choice of software titles
- Only for filers with 2008 AGI below $54,000
- State filing may cost extra
The only review source we found that goes into great depth about the IRS Free File Program is About.com's guide to taxes, who compares this service to packaged software from Intuit and TaxACT. We also found some informational articles about using the Free File Program.
The IRS Free File Program uses software from third-party vendors like TurboTax, and is available via the IRS website for the large number of filers whose adjusted gross income is less than $54,000 (for the 2008 tax year). Preparation of state taxes isn't always free, however, and not everyone is comfortable preparing their taxes online. Experts say this can be a better option than using tax preparation chains like H&R Block (*est. $150 and up) or Jackson Hewitt (*est. $100 and up) because it will save you money. In addition, these chains don't always have the best reputations for the quality of their preparers, and ancillary financial products such as refund anticipation loans carry high fees and interest rates.
Our Sources
1. About.com
William Perez, About.com's tax planning guide, reviews four tax preparation software programs along with the free services available from the IRS Free File program, based on an assessment of their cost, ease of use, speed and accuracy. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Top 5 Tax Software, William Perez, Feb. 8, 2008
In this roundup of tax software, Kathy Yakal makes the argument for using the government's Free File Program. Also included are reviews of the commercial software that's been adapted for the Free File Program.
Review: The Top Tools For Tax Season, Kathy Yakal, Jan. 20, 2009
This blog post provides details of the Free File Program, along with a workaround for those with higher incomes to avoid paying the $8 e-file fee for those with incomes higher than $56,000.
Review: Tuesday Tax Tip: Use IRS Free File to e-File for Free (Even with a High Income), Jan. 20, 2009
Tax Preparation Services Runners Up:
1 pick including: ConsumerAffairs.com, SmartMoney.com…
