February 5, 2009 8:33 PM PST
Slideshow: TurboTax versus TaxCut
(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.
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. 
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.
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.
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".
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.
I'm having trouble finding the 8379 form on taxcut. When does it come up?
Thanks!
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
aj
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...
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?
- 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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