TurboTax Deluxe 2011

TurboTax Deluxe tax preparation software won't be of much help if you're dealing with multiple stock sales or rental property income -- that's when you need TurboTax Premier 2011 (*Est. $75) instead -- but reviewers say it does a good job with most common federal and state tax issues, including tax breaks for things like home mortgages and child care. TurboTax Deluxe features videos and extra help for itemized deductions (Schedule A) and charitable contributions, but no advanced help for investments, etc. The Deluxe version includes unlimited free help from tax experts via online chat; with Premier, you can call experts on the phone, too. In test after test, TurboTax strikes critics as easier to use than its main rival, H&R Block at Home tax software.

TurboTax Deluxe is available as boxed/downloadable software for your desktop or as an online service. The desktop version includes five free federal e-files and one free state software download, but you'll pay an extra $20 to e-file a state return. TurboTax Deluxe Online costs less, but it includes only one federal e-file and no state software; you'll pay an additional $37 to prepare and e-file your state tax return. All versions are compatible with Windows and Mac. The cheaper TurboTax Basic 2011 only covers federal income taxes and does not include the charitable contribution tool; for the money, reviewers prefer TaxACT Online Ultimate 2011 (*Est. $18), which – unlike TurboTax – includes free state e-filing.

TurboTax tax preparation software wins test after test. Download.com reviews the Deluxe version, and other sources -- including PCMag.com, PC World and About.com -- recommend TurboTax based on their tests of other versions. Amazon.com offers plenty of user reviews for the deluxe version.