TaxACT Online Ultimate 2010

Discontinued

Reviewed

February 2011

Pros

Fast and accurate
Good for straightforward returns or confident filers
Inexpensive
Includes free state tax prep and e-file
Includes all electronic federal tax forms

Cons

Tax advice isn't as easy to understand as rivals'
Imports fewer document types than rivals
Download version isn't Mac compatible

Where to Buy

$17.95 at TaxAct

Our Analysis

March 2012: A new version of this software is available. Please see our review of TaxACT Online Ultimate 2011 (*Est. $18).

February 2012: TaxACT tax preparation software is quick and accurate, according to reviewers, but it isn't as sophisticated as more expensive tax software like TurboTax Deluxe 2010 (Discontinued) or TurboTax Premier 2010 (Discontinued). However, if you have a fairly straightforward tax return or don't require much handholding, reviewers say TaxACT Online Ultimate 2010 is a bargain: It includes free state tax prep and e-filing, something you won't get with even the costliest versions of TurboTax or H&R Block At Home.

If you don't need state software, you can save more by opting for TaxACT Deluxe 2010 (*Est. $10), which omits it. There's also a less sophisticated TaxACT Free Edition that experts say is the best choice among free tax software. The online versions of TaxACT are most popular with reviewers; there are also downloadable and boxed versions you can install on your desktop, but they're Windows-only.

We found the best reviews of TaxACT Online Ultimate 2010 at PCMag.com which tests and compares this tax preparation software to market leader TurboTax and other tax-prep rivals. CNET and The New York Times conduct equally thorough tests on slightly different versions of TaxACT, but their findings apply to the Online Ultimate version as well. MarketWatch.com compares brands of tax software based on their features.

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TurboTax Deluxe Federal + e-File + State 2010 - [Old Version]

from Amazon.com

New: $59.95 $5.75

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

TurboTax Premier Federal + e-File + State 2010 [Download] [OLD VERSION]

from Amazon.com

New: $89.95 $84.99

In Stock.

Average Customer Review:

Our Sources

1. PCMag.com Details/Subscribe

TaxACT Online Ultimate "is the best buy available" for tax-savvy users, tester Kathy Yakal says. However, she adds that it doesn't import documents or explain things as well as TurboTax, which remains her top choice.

Review: TaxACT Online Ultimate Bundle 2010, Kathy Yakal, Jan. 28, 2011

2. CNET

CNET tests TaxACT Deluxe, which lacks only the free state-file option you get with TaxACT Ultimate. Tester Jasmine France says TaxACT doesn't look as polished, explain things as simply or import as many types of documents as TurboTax, but this cheaper software "might be just right for tax prep whizzes who want to fly through a tax return with few distractions and minimal guidance."

Review: TaxACT Deluxe Edition, Jasmine France, Feb. 4, 2011

3. The New York Times

Tim Gray tests the boxed version of TaxACT, and his main complaint about the software -- that it doesn't work on Macs -- doesn't apply to the online version, which works on Macs and PCs. For straightforward returns, Gray says TaxACT will work as well as pricier software from H&R Block or TurboTax.

Review: Tasting Three Flavors of Tax Software, Tim Gray, Feb. 12, 2011

4. MarketWatch.com

MarketWatch.com's Eva Rosenberg lists TaxACT as one of her top five tax software choices, based on its features.

Review: Five Top Online Tax-Prep Services, Eva Rosenberg, Jan. 28, 2011

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