Best tax programs online

While online tax software is easy to use, it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Each software brand also offers different versions with elevated and select features for higher prices. Premium and deluxe versions often have the same base features, but include additional benefits at a cost — like the aforementioned tax adviser. But many taxpayers, Coombes noted, often pay even less, or nothing at all.

Online tax software prices vary, depending on the company and the number of features the specific program has. Regardless, it's a good idea to always be on the lookout for added fees:. Most online tax software options allow you to start your taxes for free.

A hefty majority of taxpayers — around 70 percent — qualify for this service, according to the IRS. Feeling overwhelmed with options? Your best bet is to purchase tax software that does most of the heavy lifting for you, said Brown. Trying to get the biggest return possible?

No matter how you decide to file your taxes, remember to always keep a printed copy of your tax return in a safe place. This will make filing for next year, and the year after that, easier. Based on guidance from the experts we consulted, below are some of the best tax software services out there with some details on what makes each one unique — and the cost of their most affordable paid option. The software itself is incredibly easy to use, said Brown, and they do most of the heavy lifting for you.

It supports W-2 income, interest income, dividend income, retirement distributions, the student loan interest deduction and the Earned Income Tax Credit, which is more than TurboTax covers for free.

This is a good value pick for taxpayers seeking no-frills filing. While human support is available, it may not be as robust as other tax filing software. Programs also feature varying required and elective coursework on corporate taxation, partnership taxation, estate and gift taxation, and more. This course overviews foundational principles in the taxation of individuals and businesses in the U.

Students learn to account for income recognition, property transactions, and expense deduction. This course covers essential methodologies and techniques used in tax research.

Students learn to assess research sources, detect risk, and uncover potential tax problems. Argumentation and critical thinking are emphasized. For this course, learners investigate ethical guidelines for tax advisors and standard procedures for resolving tax controversies with the IRS. Topics include statutory notices, filing obligations, and examination and collections procedures.

This course provides an overview of the federal income taxation of corporations. Students explore how tax law affects issues such as tax-free mergers and acquisitions, dividends, and redemptions. Different degree levels serve different professional goals. Your best bet for working as a tax specialist upon graduation is likely a taxation master's.

However, lower-level degrees in accounting can be a stepping stone to a master's degree or an accounting position specializing in tax issues. Choose the degree that best fits your long-term plans. More commonly called an associate in accounting, this affordable degree is often used as a stepping stone to a bachelor's in accounting. Other learners use an accounting associate to transition to a payroll clerk or accounting assistant job.

To succeed in an associate in taxation program, you need strong skills in business communication, critical thinking, and attentiveness to detail. Post-grad careers: Financial analyst, management accountant, certified public accountant. A bachelor's usually takes four years to complete and takes the form of an accounting degree with a concentration in taxation.

Learners in a taxation bachelor's program study advanced business and tax law, accounting software tools, and management science. Graduates are prepared to sit for CPA certification. Though this degree aims to prepare graduates to work as CPAs, a taxation bachelor's can help you secure finance, management, and accounting roles.

A masters' in taxation can make you a competitive applicant for tax and financial services-related roles. The degree covers legal and regulatory aspects of taxation in the U. To succeed in a master's in taxation program, you need analytical and critical thinking skills. You will leave the program equipped to research and resolve tax-related issues for both individuals and businesses. This was largely because the items you can search for come from a generic list rather than specific types of items.

For example, a search for corduroys came up with nothing, while casual pants pulled up a listing of pants with fields where you could enter quantities and have the app automatically calculate price. TaxAct remains my personal tax prep software of choice for many reasons, chief of which is that it offers the most versatile collection of online tax prep options. As is the case with all the other applications, TaxAct has an updated look and feel.

Otherwise you can import data using any PDF version of your return. TaxAct also often presents a significant amount of information on each of the pages, so you must read carefully in order to enter your data correctly. Fortunately, the language used is free of tax form terminology and easy to understand.

The former looks just like the forms provided by your employer or financial institution, while the latter provides numbered fields that correspond to the numbered fields on your W-2s and s. Each worked equally well, but I found that the Quick Entry option allowed me to skip going one step at a time and instead cut straight to the important parts. You also have the option of entering the exact dollar amount you think the item is worth, instead of just accepting the default suggestion.

TaxAct, is excellent, although it could do with a little more interface refinement. My feeling of unease started from the beginning, when I entered my userid and password from last year. Most user-friendly — TurboTax Check Rates. SimpleScore TurboTax 3. Self-Employed File Price 2.

Best for simple returns — TaxAct Check Rates. SimpleScore TaxAct 2. Mobile App Rating 3. Deluxe Plan Price 3. Support 3. Cheapest paid products — TaxSlayer Check Rates. SimpleScore TaxSlayer 3. Deluxe Plan Price 4. State E-File Price 3. Support 4. Mobile App Rating 4. Deluxe Plan Price 5. State E-File Price 4. Self-Employed File Price 5.