Tax Preparation Programs

With the new IRS Free File eFile Program, many people are searching for information on which software is the best for their filing purposes. The IRS currently works with 19 programs, the top 5 of which are listed below. The reviews are based on cost, ease of use, speed and accuracy. The reviews below were found in the review section of the IRS Free File website.

1. TurboTax Freedom Edition

"TurboTax (Free File Edition) caught a typo I made when entering my W2. This is a common tax prep mistake, and TurboTax was one of two Free File software programs that caught the error. TurboTax is very easy to use, fast, and accurate. TurboTax is best used with Internet Explorer. The free version of TurboTax is available to filers with adjusted gross income of $30,000 or less. TurboTax also provides free state tax filing for the states of AL, AR, AZ, GA, ID, IA, KY, MA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NY, ND, NC, OK, OR, RI, SC, VT, WV. Otherwise, adding a state return will cost $9.95. Unfortunately, the free edition does not cover complex tax situations. Overall, TurboTax Free File is very highly recommended."

2. H&R Block's TaxCut

"H&R Block TaxCut (Free File version) provides free access to the TaxCut Premium software. Users have access to all of TaxCut Premium's tools, forms, and tips. The software did not, however, detect a typo when entering my W2 (a common tax prep mistake). TaxCut is easy to use and fast. Requires Internet Explorer. Adding a state return costs $24.95. No marketing pressure to upgrade to a paid version. Overall, TaxCut is one of the very best free file software programs available. Highly recommended."

3. TaxACT

"TaxACT could have been faster had it eliminated some of the question screens, and allowed me to speed through my tax return. Reminders to upgrade to the paid Deluxe version slowed me down too. TaxACT caught a typo when I was entering my W2 information (a common tax prep mistake). In fact, TaxACT is one of two Free File software programs that caught the error. Adding a state return will cost $12.95. TaxACT is fast and easy to use. Considering its accuracy, TaxACT is very highly recommended."

4. CompleteTax

"CompleteTax offers quick and accurate tax calculations in an interview-based software format. While I wish the interface could be snazzier, overall CompleteTax allowed me to finish a tax return quickly without the hassles and headaches of trying to figure out the software. Fast and relatively easy to use. Adding a state return will cost an extra $9.95. Recommended."