If you’re wondering what the best tax program is for your needs, it’s a loaded question, isn’t it? There’s Turbo Tax, TaxCut, TaxAct, Complete Tax and H&R Block… just to name a few!
The good news is, choosing the right tax software is a piece of cake when you know to look for. Here’s 7 things the best tax software programs should have:
#1 – They Should Guarantee You The Biggest Refund Possible
Whether you use online tax software or software you install on your computer, they should guarantee you’ll get the biggest possible refund. If they can’t guarantee that, it doesn’t matter if the tax software is free or cheap – you could leave money on the table!
#2 – They Should Be Easy to Use – Even for a Total Novice
When you go to a tax store, an accountant asks you questions about your finances and life events, then goes to work digging up credits and deductions for you.
The best tax programs should also do this – otherwise they’re just glorified tax form-filling programs!
You shouldn’t have to know which tax forms you need or which tax credits you deserve – the program should figure that out for you! The top four best tax programs we reviewed (out of eight 2010 tax software products) do this for you.
#3 – They Should Pull in Information from W2′s and 1099′s For You
Most tax forms employers, banks and other businesses send you are available online nowadays. The top tax software programs pull-in your W2′s and 1099′s automatically for you, saving you time and helping you avoid typos and mistakes.
#4 – They Should Include Free Support With their Tax Preparation Software
What happens if you get stuck or have questions? With some cheap and free tax programs, you’ll have to wait several days for a response back by email!
Before you buy a tax program (or even use a free tax service), make sure they at least offer free online chat and/or phone support.
#5 – They Should Scan Your Tax Return for Mistakes and Audit Red Flags
Make sure the tax filing software you use has an audit meter that alerts you of mistakes or anomalies that could put you at higher audit risk. It’s far better to be alerted about mistakes on your return before you file than to get an audit notice later!
#6 – Their Software Should Calculate Everything For You
The best tax software should calculate everything for you, otherwise what use are they? They should also take it several steps further by automatically calculating the deductible value of donated items, medical expenses and more.
#7 – Look for Tax Software Reviews Before You Buy
Painstakingly comparing tax software to find the best tax program is time-consuming and unnecessary when others have done the legwork for you.
We dug into the eight top online tax filing services to report to you which ones deliver on these seven criteria (and more!) You can view side-by-side comparisons of tax programs, so can make an informed decision and get the biggest tax return.
And, depending on your tax situation, you may be able to prepare, print and file your federal tax return for free.
If your tax situation is unique or you have a lot of deductions, it’s worth using one of their deluxe packages to ensure you get the biggest refund. You can usually deduct any fees you pay for tax preparation and tax efiling on your 2010 return, so it makes sense to look for the best product for your needs – not always the lowest price.
Most tax programs let you get started for free and you only pay when you file (if you have to pay anything). If you think you’re due a big tax refund, it may be worth trying two or three tax programs to see which one will get you the biggest refund!
Click here to check out our tax software reviews and learn what we uncovered…
#4 – H&R Block