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MiddletownJournal.com

The "big three" in tax preparation software

By HANK EZELL

Cox News Service

February 13, 2005

If you want to do it yourself, and do it on your own computer, there are three major software packages.

Most repeat users choose to stay with the same program from one year to the next. But if you're shopping around, there are things beyond price and system requirements to think about.

More tax tips: This year's basics  Making the most of deductions   Don't-even-think-about-it deductions   Do-it-yourself tax preparation   Resources for quick help   Filing for free   Choosing a tax preparer  1.7 million unclaimed refunds  Recent Hank columns: Prompt filers will receive tax refunds quicker than ever  A new year calls for a new financial plan  Now's the time to assess spending, saving habits  More "Bank on Hank"

One is which versions include help with state tax returns. Sometimes you have to pay for that separately.

Check also for rebates or discounts. Some retailers and computer stores use tax software as a loss leader.

Online, one place to compare prices is www.zdnet .com.

Here is a look at the major competitors, with some thoughts from reviewers:

•  TurboTax, www.turbotax.com. Often the the choice for complicated tax returns or for do-it-yourselfers who need lots of hand-holding. It's rated best of the year by the nonpartisans at pcmag.com.

For full reviews of this and the other programs, www.pcmag.com/category2/0,1738,4831,00.asp

•  H&R Block TaxCut, www.taxcut.com. Reviewers like its guidance features, help system, prices and free software with some versions.

•  TaxACT, www.taxact.com. Recommended by pcmag.com for taxpayers who have "fairly simple 1040s or are very finance-savvy." The standard version is free, though you pay to file returns electronically.

Read more "Bank on Hank" columns