Posted by Teresa/FL on 2/26/09 11:17am
Msg #278792

Opinions re: tax software

I have always used Turbo Tax to prepare my return(s), but am considering using Tax Cut instead this year since there is a $20 difference in the price (I use the Home & Business because I file both a business and personal return).

I am looking for opinions from any of you who have used BOTH programs.

Would you recommend one over the other or is there very little difference?

TIA for any responses.

Reply by HARRY_PA on 2/26/09 11:32am
Msg #278793

I have used Taxcut for years and have found it to be more than satisfactory. I have never used TurboTax. This year I tried an online progam, TaxAct. I found it to be comparable, but far cheaper with free state and federal e-filing. All seem to have free federal versions available on line but they are pretty basic. With the deluxe version of TaxAct including 5 years electronice document storage, my total was $22.90. If interested their site is taxact.com.

Best of luck,

Harry

Reply by PAW on 2/26/09 1:01pm
Msg #278798

I bought my TT H&B through PriceGrabber.com for $54.99 which is about $30 under MSRP. So you may want to check out the internet before you purchase at a brick & mortar store.

Reply by notaryinmo on 2/26/09 4:42pm
Msg #278821

I've used TaxAct and Turbo Tax in the past. I prefer TaxAct because in my opinion, it's much user friendly and less expensive. However, since I now am part owner of a tax office, I use the software we have.

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/26/09 6:39pm
Msg #278840

I personally use Tax Cut. I began using it when if first came out more years ago than I care to remember. I know several people that use Turbo Tax and are just as happy with it as I am with the other. It seems that the person's preference is usually based upon what they used first.

I don't know about the online ones. I personally have issues with spending a lot of time filling out online forms. I might have a small concern about security, but my major issue is this: It seems that my neck of the woods has power outages and internet outages more than a normal amount. I have had to go to a friends house across town several times during the past year with my laptop to download the docs when my internet went down or even better, last week, the power went out, and I had to power up my generator to download and print docs at home. Perhaps someone here can answer what happens when in a middle of a form what happens when you suddenly lose your connection.

Reply by John_NorCal on 2/26/09 7:35pm
Msg #278860

Glenn, have you considered .....

a battery back up to allow you time to save your work when your power goes out?

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 2/26/09 8:16pm
Msg #278861

I have one so local documents are no problem, but

when the internet drops just when you are ready to send an online form, you are screwed. Old wiring is gradually being replaced with fiber optics by Verizon, but it will be a while before they make it to my neighborhood. Cable isn't a reliable option.

Reply by Cari on 2/26/09 8:34pm
Msg #278863

I did my taxes last year with Tax Cut (H&R Blck software)

and the IRS rejected it - it turned out I owed $$$....it ended up being the software...and yes, I had the 'updated' version.

Turbo Tax is good, and I've used it in the past, but because of the cost, I opted to use something different.

Now I use Tax Act to prepare returns and I love it!

Reply by Teresa/FL on 2/26/09 9:51pm
Msg #278867

Thanks for all your replies

I think I will stick with Turbo Tax since that is what I am used to. My business return is due by 03/15 and it doesn't look like it's worth the $20 difference to switch to Tax Cut.

Reply by John/CT on 2/27/09 8:24am
Msg #278883

I have been a long-time user of TurboTax with good results ... especially no "friendly" notice from the IRS that I'm being audited. And ... the price is right, if you know where to look. The Home & Business version is now available on eBay for $52, which includes a free State return and free Federal eFile. PM me if you can't find it, and I'll give you the Item Number.

Reply by Teresa/FL on 2/27/09 11:49am
Msg #278916

Thanks John/CT - I checked eBay last night n/m