TaxCaster by TurboTax

CNET Editors' review

by: Jaymar Cabebe on February 16, 2012

Intuit's TaxCaster app can quickly estimate your federal tax refund based on just a few bits of personal information. Even for the most inexperienced taxpayer, it's incredibly simple to understand and use.

At the top of the screen is a meter that displays your estimated tax refund. As you make your way through the app, it considers your answers and recalculates its estimate accordingly. And of course, the more answers you provide, the more accurate its estimate gets.

Three main tabs sit just below the meter, each housing a different category of questions: About You; Total Income; and Deductions, Credits, & Payments. Tap any to begin your dive into TaxCaster's questionnaire.

One thing I love about TaxCaster is the simplicity of its questions. Sliders and toggle switches ensure that you know the type of answer that's required. And, most importantly, all of the language is accessible, as the app doesn't use any of the IRS jargon that normally scares people away from tax forms. And in the unlikely event that you do get lost, you can always hit the Help button in the top-right corner to pull up deeper explanations of any item on the screen.

Overall, I think TaxCaster is a great way to estimate your federal tax refund and kick off your tax season. While it does somewhat serve as an advertisement for Intuit's flagship tax software TurboTax, there's no arguing that it is still a useful tool. And if you do end up using TurboTax, then all the better.

Publisher's Description

From Intuit:

Get a quick estimate of your 2011 tax refund.ITS EASYJust enter some basic info and watch your refund add up.A quick and dirty estimate on your tax return Bestof1000.com A simple and user-friendly interface - Getmeapp.comAccurate calculations and works like a charm Appadvice.comFROM TURBOTAX, A TRUSTED NAME IN TAXTaxCaster uses the same tax calculator found in TurboTax, the #1-rated, best selling* tax software. With an estimate of your refund, you can make some last minute moves to get more money back. LEARN WHICH TAX PRODUCT IS RIGHT FOR YOU TaxCaster doesnt prepare your taxes, but it does provide a ballpark estimate of your refund. Based on your info, well recommend the right TurboTax product for you. * Based on aggregated sales data for tax year 2009 and press reviews for TurboTax Deluxe and Premier for tax year 2009.Recent changes:1. Updated for the 2011 tax year2. Improvements to the user interface3. Android OS 2.1 supportContent rating: Everyone

What's new in this version: 1. Updated for the 2011 tax year2. Improvements to the user interface3. Android OS 2.1 support

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