Tax Preparation Software Information

We found many sources with good advice, but we also found many that are dangerously out of date. Any review that doesn't specifically apply to the current tax year is apt to provide misinformation. That's true even if it was completely accurate when written. Here are some of the best sources:

The home page for the IRS Free File Program provides links to participating websites. Keep in mind that you must access these sites from the IRS.gov page in order to obtain free services.

An article in Reuters by Jim Finkle entitled "H&R Block Battles Intuit in Tax Software War" details how TurboTax's price increases and early missteps may have cost Intuit business.

This informative article printed on the website of the Santa Rosa, Calif., Press Democrat by Eileen AJ Connelly entitled "Off-the-Shelf Tax Software Safe for Most" addresses some of the concerns that taxpayers may have with using tax-preparation software rather than paying a professional.

Julie Jason's article in The Advocate of Stamford, Conn., covers the benefits of filing your taxes with the IRS Free File program. See "E-file is the Quickest, Safest Way to Get a Tax Refund" from Jan. 15, 2009.

"The Color of Money: E-file is the Way to Go for Filing" by Michelle Singletary in the Green Valley (Ariz.) News and Sun outlines changes to the IRS Free File program, namely that electronic filing will now be made available to all taxpayers regardless of income. Singletary points out, though, that those with an adjusted gross income above $56,000 will not be able to use guided software for free, only electronic forms.

Consumer Reports provides solid information on a variety of tax topics including tips for e-filers, the pros and cons of free tax help, finding tax breaks and more. Many of these articles are available for free.

An MSNBC article, "High Tech to High Touch: Tax Prep Made Easier," (Feb. 7, 2008) introduces all the ways to prepare taxes and briefly suggests which filers are best suited to each method.

The Bankrate.com article, "Tax-filing Chore: Should You Do it Yourself or Hire a Professional?" reprinted in The Seattle Times (Jan. 6, 2008) is very similar to the MSNBC article above.

Bankrate's 2009 Tax Guide is also useful.

The IRS has good information, including an article on "Highlights of 2008 Tax Law Changes"

An article in Kiplinger's Personal Finance, "What's New for Tax Savings?" (Dec. 2008), discusses recent changes.

Intuit, H&R Block and 2^nd Story Software offer helpful charts that compare the various versions of their own programs:

Intuit TurboTax

2^nd Story Software TaxACT

H&R Block TaxCut