Compare Tax Preparation Software
Updated March 2013
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Can Import Data From:
Tax help included
State software and e-file offered
Type
Price
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Best tax software for complex returnsPros: intuitive interview process, free phone or chat help from experts, good for complex returns, iPad version availableCons: added features not useful for basic filers, charges extra to e-file a state returnnot avail.N/AN/AFor desktop software: Windows XP or higher, Mac OS X 10.6.8 (64-bit) or higher; For online version: Windows XP SP2 or higher, Mac OS X 10.4 or higher, compatible with iPad, Android, Kindle and ChromebookW-2, 1098, 1099, last year's TurboTax return (Windows CD/download version adds PDF or tax data files from TurboTax, H&R Block At Home or TaxACT), Mint.com (online and Windows CD/download versions only) and charitable donations from ItsDeductible. Boxed/dowExperts by phone or live chatState prep included with desktop software; e-file $20 extra (both total $37 extra with online version)Tax preparation software*Est. $75 -
Best tax software for mostPros: free phone or chat help from experts, good for all but the most complex returns, guidance for charitable contributions, itemized deductions, iPad version availableCons: inappropriate for complicated returns, charges extra to file a state returnN/AN/AFor desktop software: Windows XP or higher, Mac OS X 10.6.8 (64-bit) or higher; For online version: Windows XP SP2 or higher, Mac OS X 10.4 or higher, compatible with iPad, Android, Kindle and ChromebookW-2, 1098, 1099, last year's TurboTax return (Windows CD/download version adds PDF or tax data files from TurboTax, H&R Block At Home or TaxACT), Mint.com (online and Windows CD/download versions only) and charitable donations from ItsDeductible. Boxed/dowExperts by phone or live chatState prep included with desktop software; e-file $20 extra (both total $37 extra with online version)Tax preparation software*Est. $50
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Best tax software for simple returnsPros: fast and accurate, free phone or chat help from experts, free DocVault app to log receipts, invoicesCons: less sophisticated import, help features than rivals, download/CD version isn't Mac-compatible, audit Defense costs extranot avail.N/AN/AFor desktop software: Windows XP or higher; for online version Windows XP or higher, Mac OS X 10.0 or higher, iPad compatibleW-2, last year's TaxACT return, PDFs of TurboTax or H&R Block At Home returns, Schedule K-1 data from TaxACT 1065 or 1120S returns, GainsKeeper, stock transaction information from brokerage companies and TradeLog (CSV files)Experts by email and phoneBoth includedTax preparation software$20
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Best free tax preparationPros: prepares, files your federal return for free, inexpensive state filing, open to anyone, regardless of income, free email help from expertsCons: little guidance for complex tax topics, download/CD version isn't Mac-compatiblenot avail.N/AN/AFor desktop software: Windows XP or higher; for online version Windows XP or higher, Mac OS X 10.0 or higher, iPad compatibleW-2, last year's TaxACT return, PDFs of TurboTax or H&R Block At Home returnsExperts by email (one year of phone help costs $8)State prep and e-file $15 extraTax preparation softwareFree
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Best tax app for tabletsPros: great layout, free phone or chat help from experts, allows you switch between tablet and computer, free DocVault app to log receipts, invoices, etc.Cons: early users report crashes, imports fewer kinds of financial data than other appsnot avail.N/AN/ACompatible with iPad (iOS 3.2 or later) and Android (1.5 or later)W-2, last year's TaxACT return, Schedule K-1 data from TaxACT 1065 or 1120S returns, GainsKeeper, stock transaction information from brokerage companies and TradeLog (CSV files)Experts by email and phoneState prep and e-file $10 extraTax preparation app$10
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Best smartphone tax appPros: fast, easy for simple returns, snap a photo of your W-2 to import it, free email help from tax expertsCons: costs $25 to file from the app, photo-snap feature is sometimes inaccurate, photo-snap works only with iOS/Android phones, not tabletsnot avail.N/AN/ACompatible with iPhone, iPod touch and iPad (iOS 4.3 or later), Android 2.1 and upW-2 (by importing or snapping a photo -- feature not available on tablets)Experts by phone or live chatBoth includedTax-preparation app$25 to file (free download)
