Best Time To Buy Tax Software

Best Time To Buy Tax Software

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TurboTax, H&R Block, Cash App Taxes, Jackson Hewitt, TaxSlayer, TaxAct and FreeTaxUSA all make our list of best tax software. Here's what you need to know about each software's features, experience and prices to decide which works best for you.

Expert support from TurboTax Live can supplement any of the TurboTax products, as can TurboTax Audit Defense. TurboTax's comprehensive benefits come with a higher price tag than other tax software, but peace of mind could be worth the cost.

A nifty photo capture lets you quickly upload your W-2 to H&R Block and get your tax return rolling. Its online software also lets you upload files like multiple 1099 forms, schedules A and C, gifts to charity and medical expenses, among a list of many items.

The lack of file importing and an unusual desktop login process might discourage some users from trying the service, but once you're into the software it works like most programs: A simple, interview-style process collects information about your tax situation and uses it to populate IRS forms.

Cash App Taxes also lacks professional tax support, making it best for users confident in handling their own taxes. The software also requires the installation of the Cash App mobile app on a tablet or phone -- veteran users of the payment service who already have the app installed should give it a look.

FreeTaxUSA is a mostly free online tax software option. Your federal returns are free (no matter how complicated your tax situation is), but you'll need to pay to file state tax returns. It offers options for importing previous tax returns and filing an amended tax return. The Deluxe version includes priority live chat, customer support and access to its tax specialists and audit service. These tax professionals should be able to address all your specific income tax return questions -- from what paperwork you need to how to understand an audit notice and write a response to the IRS.

TaxSlayer gives you no-frills tax preparation at a low cost -- its full-featured software will entice filers on a tight budget. Its free version may be too restrictive for many, but the top Self-Employed tier includes self-employment tax advice from a pro for much less than competitors.

TaxAct's online tax filing software is straightforward and more affordable than top competitors. Its major distinction is its $100,000 Accuracy Guarantee and Maximum Refund Guarantee, which promise to get you an accurate refund and the maximum allowable by law. If it fails to do so, TaxAct will refund you up to $100,000 to cover the difference between your actual and potential refund, your software costs and any associated legal or audit costs.

It doesn't have the feature set of other online tax software options, but TaxAct offers comparable service at a discounted price. Its standout feature is a Deduction Maximizer that reviews your completed return for possible tax deductions you may have missed. TaxAct's professional tax assistance service Xpert Assist is also available for free for taxpayers.

Jackson Hewitt Online offers free IRS audit assistance and a Lifetime Accuracy Guarantee® to protect against unexpected penalties or interest. Its stripped-down service comes with some drawbacks, though. Its website lags behind competitors -- there's no option to upload files or tax forms -- and it's also light on support.

Online tax software can help you file your taxes by guiding you through the process and double-checking to make sure you've filled out all of the necessary tax forms for your filing status and situation.

Most tax software options offer one of two types of systems: interview-based filing or form-based filing. Interview-based filing prompts you to answer questions about your finances and then inputs your answers into the correct tax forms. This is best if you're new to filing your taxes or if you want guidance along the way. Most tax software, TurboTax, TaxSlayer and H&R Block, for instance, use a type of interview-style interface.

Tax software can simplify the tax filing process and guide you through the process. While online tax software can help you file your tax return faster -- and receive your refund even quicker -- each software option has its own benefits and drawbacks to consider.

If you have a fairly simple tax return, meaning you have a W-2 and don't need to itemize your taxes, you may find tax software easy and helpful. While tax software can also help you tackle more complicated returns -- those with self-employment income, itemized deductions and multiple real estate properties and other investments -- you might find it difficult to navigate even the most user-friendly tax software. In this case, we recommend reaching out to a certified public accountant or visiting a tax preparer in person.

Note: Don't pay for tax software before checking to see if you qualify for free filing options. If you have a simple tax return, you may be able to file your taxes with online software for free. Some tax software, like FreeTaxUSA or TaxSlayer, offer free filing options for simple returns. If your adjusted gross income is under $73,000 for 2022, you may also qualify for free tax filing under the IRS Free File program. Seniors, those who speak limited English and filers with disabilities may also qualify for free filing services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program or Tax Counseling for the Elderly.

Almost all of CNET's best tax software selections for 2023 include free options for simple tax returns. However, some of those free options only include your federal tax return -- you'll occasionally need to pay extra to file state tax returns.

Be careful to check for restrictions before you start the process of using free tax software at any of the providers. For example, TurboTax's Basic plan only allows simple tax returns with 1040 forms -- no unemployment income, stock sales or any itemized deductions like mortgage interest. H&R Block's Free Online adds a few more forms like Schedules 1 and 3, but you'll still need to take the standard deduction.

Federal tax returns for 2022 are due on April 18, 2023. Most state returns are also due on April 18, but some states have different deadlines. If you need more time to file, you can request an extension with most online tax software by April 18. If your extension is approved, you'll have until Oct. 15, 2023, to file your 2022 taxes.

The beauty of well-designed tax software is that most filers won't need to pay extra for expert help. All of the answers you need should only be a few clicks away, and if you need technical assistance (help with the software, not tax-related issues), support should be easily accessible.

If you find yourself constantly wanting to speak with a human tax expert or if you know your tax situation is complicated, you may be better off selecting tax software with tax expert support or simply hiring a CPA, or certified public accountant, on your own.

Keep in mind, however, that it depends a lot on your individual filing situation, your withholdings and your tax bracket. As good as many software programs are, a human expert is often the way to go.

CNET reviews tax software by comparing products across set criteria. We use the software to prepare personal tax returns, examine tax products' terms and offers, communicate with software representatives to resolve questions about products, compare feature sets, and analyze software for its effectiveness in common tax situations.

We consider the features and functionality of the tax preparation software, the user experience, the software interface, website performance, quality of help and support, and the value based on price. We are also looking for and evaluating specific features, including file importing or photo capture of forms, number and type of available IRS forms and schedules, contextual help, desktop and phone/tablet compatibility and syncing, professional tax assistance, maximum refund and accuracy guarantees, live support and security protections.

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For everything you'll need to choose the right software and prepare your return, see Get ready to e-file your income tax return. For additional tools, see Filing season resource center for additional filing information.

Please read the qualifying criteria for each Free File software provider carefully. Free software may be limited to basic returns and may not be available for self-employment income, capital gains or losses, or rental income. If you are not eligible for a free filing option for the software provider you choose, the software provider may charge you a fee.

It depends on the types of clients you have. ProSeries Professional may be a good fit if you have a high volume of returns, do business returns, or have more than one preparer in your office. Professional contains both individual and business forms, and a variety of time-saving features (K-1 data import, a client checklist, etc.) for professionals who require high efficiency. ProSeries Basic may be a good fit if you focus on individual returns. You can compare features here to find the perfect fit for you.

Trial information: The ProSeries evaluation includes ProSeries tax software for tax year 2021. The evaluation software will not e-file or print. Otherwise, it is fully functional. One copy per practice. New customers only. 781b155fdc