TurboTax vs. TaxCut vs. TaxAct: conclusion - part 6

February 11, 11:27 AMGadgets ExaminerDan Appleman

Previous Next

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Gadgets Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

And the verdict is...

All three programs will do a competent job of helping you prepare your tax returns. Which one is best for you depends both on your personal preference and your own situation.

Regardless of which software you’ve used in the past, you owe it to yourself to at least download and look at TaxAct. As the least expensive of the programs, you may find the temptation hard to resist, and the download is free.

If you mostly use the interview based user interface, and are looking for the tax software to walk you through the preparation, TurboTax is a solid choice. It is, however, generally the most expensive option.

TurboTax and TaxAct both are better for those who are less experienced with tax preparation, with generally stronger tutorials and online help for common scenarios.

If you prefer to work in the forms interface, particularly if you don’t fill them out in order but prefer to jump around, or if you make heavy use of detail forms, TaxCut offers a somewhat less appealing, but more functional user interface. If you like the extras it offers, it’s a good value. It is also a good choice for those who have been doing their own taxes for a while, or are comfortable reading IRS publications when necessary.

TurboTax vs. TaxCut vs. TaxAct reviewed:

• Part 1 - Introduction
• Part 2 - The interviews
• Part 3 - Look & feel
• Part 4 - Forms
• Part 5 - Pricing