Each year, more and more tax preparation options become available. You can now even do your taxes via your smartphone, with the Snaptax app from TurboTax. The IRS has its ownonline tax preparation program, calledE-File. Most of the major tax preparation services also offer online alternatives to filing your taxes, and integrate with E-file. Let’s take a look at some of the options.
TurboTax claims you’ll “get your biggest tax refund, guaranteed!” TurboTax offers a number of products at different price levels, from the Free Edition for 1040EZ and simple tax returns all the way up to the Business Edition for Corporations, Partnerships and LLCs, for $149.95. Most of the programs offer step-by-step guidance and TurboTax Total Assurance, which promises the maximum refund, 100% accurate calculations, and free audit support. TurboTax’s most popular program seems to be the Deluxe package, recommended for returning customers, and imports your previous year’s return. Deluxe preparers are asked some simple questions online, and are matched with eligible deductions. All plans also include free E-file with the IRS.
eTax.com, offers a quick return, simple process, maximum refund guarantee, free customer support, affordability, and safety and security. eTax claims you can submit your return in three easy steps. A wizard guides you through some simple question to calculate your refund. Then, you file your return via E-file or mail. Finally, you receive your refund in as little as 8 days. eTax also offers multiple packages, depending on your filing status, ranging from single or married taxpayers with or without dependents, single or married taxpayers with deductions and credits, to advanced returns including investments, AMT and small businesses and schedule C filers.
H&R Block offers multiple packages and tiers as well. The Free Edition allows you to E-file your federal return for free, with a fee to file your state return. The Basic plan includes an import of your previous year’s return, step-by-step guidance, and a double check for errors. The Deluxe Plan is recommended for returning users, and includes the import of your W-2, 1099, and previous year’s return, and matches for deductions. The final package is for the self-employed, and features schedule C guidance, tax law and planning resources, tax calculators and rental income assistance. All programs include free federal E-file, and an extra charge to file state.
Tax Slayer touts itself as “America’s Best Value in Tax Software,” and based on the prices, this seems to be the case. Tax Slayer is very straightforward with three plans: Free, Classic, and Premium. They also offer a special Military Free edition. The Free edition is intended for 1040 EZ users, includes a deduction finder, refund calculator, and email support. The Classic Edition includes all major forms and schedules, a deduction finder, and an import of the previous year’s return. The Premium Edition is billed as the “most popular and versatile,” includes all the features of the Classic Plan, live phone support, prior year comparisons, and audit assistance.
Any of these online tax options can help save some time, stress, and mistakes with your tax return. Shop around and do some research as prices vary, but you’ll find these services will make the process go much smoother, and help you get your refund much faster. Unless you owe, that is!
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