EmailBest Reviewed
Tax Preparation Software
- Best tax software for complex returns Intuit TurboTax Premier Federal + State 2008 *Est. $75
- Best tax software Intuit TurboTax Deluxe Federal + State 2008 *Est. $50
- Tax software for simple returns TaxACT 2008 Ultimate *Est. $20
- Free online tax preparation IRS Free File Program *Est. $0
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Best tax software
- Good for basic returns
- Extra help for charitable contributions and itemized deductions
- Includes state software
- Inappropriate for complicated returns
- Expensive
February 2009. The Deluxe version of Intuit TurboTax tax preparation software won't be of much help if you're dealing with multiple stock sales or mortgage refinancing -- that's when you need the Premier version (*est. $75) -- but reviewers say it does a good job with basic federal and state tax preparation. TurboTax Deluxe features videos and extra help for itemized deductions (Schedule A) and charitable contributions, but no advanced help for investments or rental property income. The even cheaper Basic version of TurboTax (*est. $30) only covers federal income taxes, and does not include the charitable contribution tool; for the money, reviewers prefer TaxACT 2008 Ultimate (*est. $20). There's also a free version of TurboTax available online, which is similar to the Basic desktop version. There are no income limits if you log on directly through TurboTax.com. The IRS provides links to free software applications as well, but you can only use them if your adjusted gross income is under $56,000.
Intuit TurboTax tax preparation software doesn't suffer for attention from reviewers; we were especially impressed with comparative tests of this software by PC Magazine and About.com's guides to taxes and financial software. User reviews at Amazon.com are also helpful.
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Our Sources
Yakal compares H&R Block TaxCut Premium, Intuit TurboTax Premier and TaxACT Deluxe + State for the 2008 tax year, concluding that TurboTax retains a tiny edge over TaxCut. Other versions are also discussed.
Review: The Top Tools for Tax Season, Kathy Yakal, Jan. 20, 2009
2. About.com
Elmblad, About.com's guide to financial software, reviews the 2008 versions of TaxCut and Intuit TurboTax. She says that TurboTax provides better help and guidance while Tax Cut is the better value. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: TaxCut vs. TurboTax: Which Tax Software to Buy for Tax Year 2008, Shelley Elmblad, Jan. 27, 2009
3. About.com
Tax professional William Perez, About.com's guide to taxes, reviews and ranks four tax-preparation software programs, including an unspecified version of Intuit TurboTax and TaxCut, and compares them to 10 free services available through the IRS Free File program. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Top 5 Tax Software, William Perez
4. Amazon.com
While several reviews at Amazon.com complain of TurboTax's rising costs and fees, the most helpful reviews note that it provides the best features, namely solid guidance and help as well as the ability to compare last year's taxes.
Review: Turbo Tax Deluxe Federal + State + eFile 2008, Contributors to Amazon.com
Tax Preparation Software Runners Up:
3 picks by top review sites.
H&R Block TaxCut 2008 Premium Federal + State + e-file [OLD VERSION]
 from Amazon.com New: $3.79 In Stock.
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