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February 5, 2009 8:33 PM PST

Slideshow: TurboTax versus TaxCut

by Jessica Dolcourt
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Taxpayer (Credit: CNET)

Taxes: we don't love 'em, but we do them anyway. To do them right, you need good tax-prep software that won't stub your brain on accounting jargon, but will still find all possible deductions. Since Intuit's TurboTax and H&R Block's TaxCut (Windows|Mac|Online) are the two brands eating the biggest market share, we've pulled together screenshots of the features that could help you lean toward TurboTax, or TaxCut.

Keep in mind that there's also the much less pricey TaxAct. This online and downloadable app is ideal for bargain hunters with relatively few investments and deductions, who don't anticipate needing audit support.

Related:
TaxCut in-depth review
TurboTax in-depth review

Tax time: TurboTax versus TaxCut 2008

Jessica Dolcourt reviews the latest and greatest smartphone apps, in addition to a healthy dose of Windows software. E-mail Jessica and follow her on Twitter.
Topics:

Mac Software,

Windows Software

Tags:

Tax software,

TurboTax,

TaxCut

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) Showing 1 of 2 pages (29 Comments)
by gymini29b February 6, 2009 12:31 PM PST
I used TurboTax to file my state and federal taxes last year for free. ( If you define free to include a $29.95 charge for the state.) This year Turbotax up'd the charge for state to $29.95 for state PLUS a $25.00 filing fee. So bye bye Turbo, Hello Taxcut!!~

After completely re-entering all the information with Taxcut I was charged $19.95 for the state, NO filing fee, PLUS Taxcut found an additional $300 on my federal that Turbotax did not.
Reply to this comment
by luis_naranjo27 February 8, 2009 5:41 AM PST
I have used turbotax for about 8 years, i notice that they always try to charge you, but if you qualify you can actually do your taxes for free, just look for the TURBOTAX FREEDOM PROJECT, you can find the link at the IRS website. hope it can help someone.
Reply to this comment
by gymini29b February 8, 2009 2:41 PM PST
The Turbotax Freedom Project is a great resource, and its the one i've been using for the last several years as well. However they still will charge you to file the state form. Why ALL state tax forms can not be filed for free is beyond me. If anyone knows where to you can file the state for free let us know.
by February 11, 2009 6:51 AM PST
I don't know about other states, but you can file an Ohio tax return online at the Ohio Dept. of Taxation for free. I would suggest that you check your state's Dept of Taxation to see if you can do the same.
by Robsarge February 10, 2009 8:44 PM PST
Taxslayer.com _ I've been using them since 2002...$9.95 for federal and FREE state! Cheaper than the rest. They have not changed their price in 7 years... If active duty military, it's FREE!
Reply to this comment
by oldcodger1 February 10, 2009 10:31 PM PST
We have always used TaxAct & have been satisfied with this program. However they also chage for the state form. Cost is still very reasonable.
Reply to this comment
by DoctorStereo February 10, 2009 10:39 PM PST
Here is some helpful info for those of you who want to file your State taxes for free. Just check out your local Comptroller's office, they should offer to e-file your state taxes for free.
Reply to this comment
by sadenoo February 11, 2009 2:05 AM PST
I used TurboTax last year, and due to an error where turbotax entered data it took 6 months to get my refund and stim check. I was on the phone to the IRS every couple weeks about it. They were no help.
This year I tried them again figuring that it was a one time thing. But so far my electronic filing was rejected 6 times. I spent 5 days on the phone with the IRS and TurboTax trying to figure it out.
I ended up doing my taxes long hand and mailing them.
They are flawed, their staff is clueless.
Reply to this comment
by markanthonythornton February 11, 2009 4:47 AM PST
Ok, you say "due to an error where Turbotax entered data..." Turbotax doesn't enter the data, you do. All a program can do is calculate the data you put in it. If you put it in wrong, then the output is wrong. In order to use tax prep software you have to have a minimum level of tax knowledge in order to understand what it it asking you. Don't blame your error on the software. As far as electronic filing goes this year, I have a client I have filed his #$%@ five times already and the IRS rejects it for incomprehensible reasons. They are more than usually screwed up this year. That is not the fault of Intuit (the maker of Turbotax).
by papapoot1 April 15, 2009 9:40 AM PDT
I couldn't agree more, I wrote at least 5 different questions over a five day period to Turbo tax and never did get any of them answered. They tell you to check their question and answer bank to see if your question has already been asked. If you pay this much for a program shouldn't they provide excellent customer support? I'll never use it again!
by BillMiller February 11, 2009 4:37 AM PST
I bought H&R Blocks Taxcut, but found I had to download the updates. Which on dial-up, was not feasable.
I tried to order the updates on DVD, but they never arrived, and I was not able to get any help from their support line.

I logged on to TurboTax site, and used the free federal program, great , $800 refund. Will do the state via snail mail, that is too easy to waste $15.95 to do it online.

I really think they should not be able to sell a tax program that is useless, unless you download 600 MB of "Updates".
Reply to this comment
by February 11, 2009 4:45 AM PST
Try the state sites "for me Ohio" and download the form from their site it will allow you to submit for free.
I have used TurboTax and TaxCut to file online for free. Then used the information from the PDF download to fill out the free state form.
Reply to this comment
by jdbell63 February 11, 2009 4:56 AM PST
I use to have an H&R Block person do my taxes. Since losing the house I can do my own taxes. This year I've tried all three. They gave me the same results. I did have trouble finding where to file my car tax payments on TaxCut and TurboTax. I filed with TaxAct for one very important reason. My wife owes back child support. Thus I must file a federal form 8379 injured spouse form. I could not find this information on TurboTax. I found help information in TaxCut. I tried to fill this out myself but I'm not a tax guy and it was confusing. Not only did I find the form on TaxAct but the software filled it out for me based on the info I had already entered!! And TaxAct filed the form along with my federal return electronically!! I was so very happy!! Until I got a notice from the state of CT telling me they are taking my state refund. Nobody told me about filing a separate CT-8379 for the state. No worries though. Another reason why I filed with TaxAct is that the state filing fee was only $13. And for an additional $7 I can view my taxes online for 4 years.
Reply to this comment
by cupcake51 February 11, 2009 7:00 AM PST
I would like to know how you could afford to compare 3 different tax preparing options, jdbe. I've used TurboTax for 8 years and I too do filing for family and friends but have to say I'm annoyed at the fact that the cost goes up every year. After reading all these replies I will definitely try a different one next year, probablt TaxAct.
by Latnich February 12, 2009 1:15 PM PST
Hi jdbell63!

I'm having trouble finding the 8379 form on taxcut. When does it come up?

Thanks!
by Douglas Meeks February 11, 2009 4:58 AM PST
I have used TurboTax for over 8 years and no real problems. I have efiled both my kids taxes this year and the cost was $19.95 for the state filing, federal was free. The cost of the delux package that comes with the state package included for free was about $45 and why ANYONE would buy the basic package if you live in a state where you have to file taxes just shows a lack of good judgement. I used TaxCut for about 5 years before switching over but that was so long ago I doubt it is still relevant. I will say that I have never filed my own taxes via efile due to the fear that I would have problems like described above and since my own taxes are a bit more complicated I always use TurboTx but I file via paper and snailmail its safer for me in the long run. I still recommend TurboTax highly, but unless you are ONLY filing federal, purchase the Deluxe version.
Reply to this comment
by winstonh5 February 11, 2009 5:01 AM PST
I've been doing my own taxes and that of family members forever. I was a paid tax preparer for two of the big guys. I've used TurboTax, TaxCut and TaxAct.
TaxAct is quite adequate and has been my choice for the past 4 years. I order mine 6 months in advance and pay $19.95 for the Deluxe edition (Standard edition is free) and $13.95 for each of the extra two states that I use.
Question: Why, oh Why, do not all of the states just develop and offer free online, a software program to do their respective state income tax returns FOR FREE??? Don't these state Departments of Revenue benefit from online filing? Are these software companies making big political contributions to the various states?
Missouri has an excellent online program. You don't download it; you just do your tax return on their server and print it out and/or save it. To Whom are these other states accountable?? I was under the impression it was the TAXPAYORS.
Winston Hooker, Sr.,
Cary, NC
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by ajulian February 11, 2009 5:47 AM PST
I used to use turbo tax, but the 'help' it offers is annoying. I switched to taxslayer in 2004. $9.95, efile state and federal.
aj
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by zippy47710 February 11, 2009 6:34 AM PST
I have used TaxCut to prepare and file my taxes for the last 8 years. I think you are mistaken when you report that TaxCut does not import W-2 information. Of course, this is dependent on your employer, but TaxCut has had this feature for as long as I can remember. Turbotax IMHO is not as robust as TaxCut, from what I have seen of Turbotax.
Reply to this comment
by CyberZombie February 11, 2009 6:46 AM PST
I used to use TurboTax. A few years ago I had a question for which I couldn't find the answer online. I contacted Intuit and was told $25 per call. /grrr

Later in the week, I stopped by an H&R Block store - figured I'd pay my money somewhere. Not only was the lady quite helpful in answering my question, but the total cost - $0! Needless to say, I'm now 100% TaxCut...
Reply to this comment
by cupcake51 February 11, 2009 7:10 AM PST
I have used TurboTax for ever but feel it costs too much anymore. I am going to try a different program next year as I have found these posts quite informative. I have family and friends who depend on me to prepare their taxes for them. It would be great if the state of PA would have free filing online.
Reply to this comment
by February 11, 2009 8:08 AM PST
I have used Tax Act for a number of years and have been satisfied, but keep wondering how it compares with the others. I wish they would have expanded the comparisons to more programs. Particularly, if you get the same results with each program.
Reply to this comment
by PLM68 February 11, 2009 8:24 AM PST
Do not use Turbo Tax. For 2006, it cost me several thousand dollars, plus hiring an accountant, in back taxes and penalities. A simple error regarding the treatment of Soc. Sec. income. Do not use this product. Taxcut is much better and no errors.
Reply to this comment
by az25blue February 11, 2009 11:10 AM PST
If you go through the IRS website you can use either product for free. The IRS has a Free File link on their homepage. You can use Turbo Tax or Tax Cut for free depending on your income (I think the limit is cose to $56k/yr). The income limit for Turbo Tax is a little lower. I believe Tax Act is available for free through that link as well.
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by Devans0 February 11, 2009 4:07 PM PST
A few years ago, TurboTax loaded hidden malware that loaded onto the boot section of customers hard drives and was put in their tax software program to prevent people from backing up their software without paying for it.
CDilla was the hidden program and it was so ineptly written malware that it trashed some customers hard drives by overwriting boot sectors. When it was reported, TurboTax lied about what they were doing like a politician caught in a sex scandal. When proof was made, they admitted that they loaded hackware. TurboTax received criticism but wouldn't even reimburse customers for their software that didn't work, much less damages caused. I was one of those customers.
CNet broke this story, much to their credit.

When I hire a tax preparer, I have to rely on a minimum code of ethics in preparing taxes so I don't get fined or jailed. I don't need a preparer who has an agenda that is in my (their customer) worst interest.. What's next, screwing up the taxes and turning in the customer to collect a bounty from the IRS?
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by hetzenbach February 11, 2009 4:51 PM PST
I have used Turbotax for 6 years and and found it very easy to use so far no problems.
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