With tax season just around the corner, it’s time to gather up those tax documents and decide who will do your taxes. While many people opt to hire tax professionals, a growing number of people are choosing to do their taxes themselves with the help of tax software. There are a variety of programs designed to meet the needs of individuals and small businesses. But what is the best tax software?
TurboTax
TurboTax is a well-known software with a number of programs depending on the need. The TurboTax Suite has a Quicken Home and Business bundle that goes with it. As its name indicates, this bundle takes care of taxes for both the home and business. Whether you have a small business with employees or a home-based business, TurboTax can help determine what business deductions you can take. TurboTax can help figure out what personal deductions can be taken, too, such as the Earned Child Income Credit, mortgage interest, and more. The unique “audit trigger” feature has recently been added to alert the user that the information being entered might trigger a tax audit. Another helpful feature of TurboTax is their online blog that offers tax tips and the latest news regarding completing taxes. Right now, the TurboTax Suite can be purchased online at 20% off. With all its features, TurboTax is a dependable and respected tax software program.
eSmart Tax
eSmart Tax may be lesser known, but this software has some great options, starting with a free software for basic taxes. If all you need to file is form 1040EZ, then you can take advantage of eSmart’s Basic deal online for free. ESmart offers free online chat support with all of their services. For just $19.95, the Deluxe software will help itemize deductions. If you have dependents, a mortgage, and other itemized deductions, then the Deluxe may be the better option. Another step up, at $39.95, is the Premium package. This software takes care of not only your home but your business taxes, too. A plus with this software is that it doesn’t have to be downloaded onto your computer. Everything is filled out and completed online—with support! With eSmart’s website claiming “Biggest Refund, Guaranteed!” their eSmart Tax software is definitely worth checking into.
Image Credit: 401(K) 2013, (CC BY-SA 2.0), via flickr
H&R Block
Like TurboTax, H&R Block is a well-known and trusted name. This respected company’s online reviews rate an impressive 4.5 out of 5. On the site, there is a “help me choose” option. Basically, the user is asked three questions: whether you want to do your taxes yourself, do them with support, or get a professional to help you do them. If you decide you want a tax professional to help, the site will even refer you to a local H&R Block office. As far as online software, the choices of Basic, Deluxe, and Premium appear to be similar to those offered by eSmart Tax. Beyond the Premium option, there is also a Premium and Business for those who own a small business. Different from eSmart, the software does have to be downloaded. The prices for each package are a little higher, too, but, with all the services the website seems to offer, the cost may be worth it. ESmart even guarantees accurate calculations, promising to pay IRS fees if there are errors. Representation in case of an audit is also guaranteed. Taking advantage of H&R Block's promo codes to purchase one of H&R packages may be worth it for your peace of mind.
Even Amazon!
Even Amazon, the website that seems to have everything, offers discounts on a variety of tax software that can be downloaded. Check out Amazon discounts on a wide variety of TurboTax and H&R Block software. These are all excellent software programs that are tailored to meet your needs. It’s time to get together your receipts and tax information, choose your software, and get busy!
