Legal tax software reviews

There are many software providers out there, and each one offers different packages for different taxpayers. When choosing, it's likely most helpful to start with your individual needs. If that sounds like you, you may not need tax software built for crazy-complicated tax situations.

You may need to upgrade if you don't know how much to claim for those things and want the software to calculate it for you. Skipping around to specific spots can be a little tricky, but a banner across the top keeps track of where you stand in the filing process. Read full review. With its intuitive design and experience and variety of support options, TurboTax is in many ways the standard for the do-it-yourself tax-prep industry.

What makes it easy to use? You can skip around if you need to, and a banner running along the side keeps track of where you stand in the process and flags areas you still need to complete. Embedded links throughout the process offer tips, explainers and other resources. And help buttons can connect you to the searchable knowledge base, on-screen help and more. Notable handy features include import capabilities that let you switch to TurboTax from another provider, auto-import certain tax documents, a donation calculator and the ability to access and work on your return across devices.

All of this comes at a price, and similar offerings from competitors this year may provide a better value. If you don't know what you need — or how much you need to pay for — it might help to examine the providers individually and what sort of experience each one offers. Here are a few areas to dig into:. User experience: Software that feels like an interview — asking questions about your income and any live events that might allow for deductions — offers more guidance than a basic fill-in-the-blank process.

The ability to import forms like a W-2 is better than having to manually type in numbers. Support options: Most tax software offers a searchable FAQ section or knowledge base, and some offer video tutorials or user forums to help answer questions. One recent differentiator has been one-on-one help from a human tax pro, live on your screen.

Depending on the provider, these pros might be able to give you tax advice or review your whole tax return before you file. This sort of help comes with an extra charge. Availability of tax forms: If you find a provider that excels in the areas above, you then want to choose their package that covers all the tax forms and schedules you need. Quick facts. New human-support options available at an extra cost. Before selecting a tax software provider, consider the following questions:. Selecting a product that not only fits your needs but does not break your budget is key.

It is a good idea to review the price of each product and consider the following:. If you have a simple tax return, including a W2 and a few tax deductions, you may be able to file your taxes for free.

Many tax online software providers offer an advertised free tax filing version for simple returns on their website. If you need extra hand-holding while completing your tax return, make sure your review support options. Here is a listing of questions to consider before selecting your product:. If you reside in Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas , you may have more time. The IRS announced residents of these states now have until June 15, to file their tax returns due to recent storms.

If you need more time to file, make certain to file an extension to extend the tax due date to October 15, —although be aware that any taxes that you owe the IRS will still be due on May But while these tax online products do provide limited free filing options, many of the same providers partnered with the IRS Free File Program to offer a different free product for those who may qualify.

Your AGI is your total income minus certain deductions. Before using this service, you should browse each product offering to see which free product works best for you. While this program has been in existence since , you may not have heard of it. Since online tax software providers donate these services, they advertise them very little.

The main difference? Here are some scenarios where you should consider hiring a tax pro:. Tax online software providers may allow you to complete simple tax filings at no cost. In addition to the federal cost filing, you may expect a cost to file your state tax return. If you did not receive all or part of your Economic Impact Payments aka stimulus checks , you can claim them on your tax return through the Recovery Rebate Credit.

The credit will either increase your tax refund or reduce the amount you owe and the credit will apply for both the first and second stimulus payments.

To determine your claim amount, refer to your Notice , which provides the first stimulus check payment, and Notice B for the second round of stimulus checks. The IRS should send these notices by mail to each payment recipient. This information must be included on the Recovery Rebate Credit worksheet when completing your tax return. Check out more of her work at kemberley. Select Region. United States.

United Kingdom. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team. Kemberley Washington. Forbes Advisor Staff. Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor.

Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations. Here are our top picks for the tax season. OnLine Taxes does provide some good support options, including telephone and chat support during the tax season, January 14 through April They also provide email support with a usual response time of one to two days, and they post FAQs, a searchable knowledgebase and federal error code help on their website.

While preparing your return you can access help pages through help buttons, and most pages have a brief list of instructions or clarifications to assist you. OLT does not provide some of the conveniences of our higher ranked products, such as a mobile app, a life events interview or the ability to import W-2s. Though this tax service is well-priced, we do not recommend it to those who need to file a complex return or to those who do not know exactly what credits and deductions they can claim.

You'll see his bylines across a whole host of Top Ten Reviews' money features, especially those concerning loans and debt. Home Reviews.

Our Verdict. For OnLine Taxes provide flat-fee pricing for returns and can import prior year data. Against This e-file service has provided few improvements though the years and does not provide a life events guided interview. International Affairs. International Trade and Development. Investment Banking. Investment Management.

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