INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Years ago, many folks needed an accountant to do their taxes, with the daunting task of figuring out which tax forms to collect from the
local public library, needing to calculate the tax burden on those dreaded tax tables, knowing on which line to enter all those numbers, not
mention the difficulty of making an itemized list
can turn even a novice tax filer into a DIY accountant
These programs ask a series of questions as part of an interview process, and then do the heavy lifting to put all the correct numbers into
the right boxes, and even transmit your return electronically
Here are five great choices to cater for your tax needs1
positions itself as a bargain tax solution, offering prices that undercut the competition across multiple tiers
but only for 1040EZ forms
The more popular Classic tier includes all major Federal tax forms, and includes a W-2 import for a dirt cheap $24, but the State forms are
an additional $4.95 fee, which should be fine for most users.The offerings top out at $47, and cover the specific needs of the
There is an online guide to assist users in choosing the best version of the program for their needs
live chat on the higher tiers
undercutting the prices of the bigger players.TaxAct starts with a free tier, which is fine for filing a Federal 1040EZ return, although the
State is $17 additionally
There are five tiers in total, topping out at the Premium tier for $69.95 which covers all situations, although the State return at this
level adds an additional $39.99
There is also mobile app support for calculating returns on the go, and you can even use your smartphone camera to capture your W-2 income
With four tiers, it can handle just about any return
While it includes a Federal eFile, adding a State return adds a hefty $39.95, and for a State eFile it's an additional $19.95.Unless you
live in that few handful of states with no State income tax, such as Florida, most users are better served with the next tier up, Deluxe,
which for $54.95 is better value as it includes both the Federal and State return, although the State eFile still adds an additional $19.95
in-person hand-holding is needed to get the job done - for an additional cost
software company Chipsoft
return, but not a full 1040
The full 1040 requires a step up to the Deluxe tier, which goes for $59.99, and the State return adds $39.99 to the package
your taxes done for free does sound like an attractive offer
complicated tax situations such as an Earned Income Credit, or a K-1
Adding a State return tacks on an affordable $12.95 fee
There is a higher Deluxe tier offered, which adds Audit Assist, Priority Support and can handle amended returns, but true to the cheapskate
