Tax return software........opiinions on which one is best

[RedEarth]

I'm thinking of using one of the tax return software programs to figure my taxes and was curious which one people here at DU like best. In the past, I've always used an accountant to do my returns(basically they fill the forms out after I've done all the work), however, they have gotten so expensive I thought I would use one of the software packages available.

Any feedback would be appreciated. Needless to say, I would like one the is good, but, also easy to understand and use.

Thanks for your help........

[bookman]

1. For years I've used...

.. Turbo Tax. One year you needed to do a lot of updates, but that was years ago. Mostly I found it easy to use and have been pleased with it.

[Pale Blue Dot]

2. It depends on how complicated your return is.

I've faithfully used TaxCut, mostly because it is $10 cheaper than TurboTax. My return is fairly simple, and I found TC easy to use. There is also TaxAct, which you can download for free.

Keep in mind that these programs do not include a state program or a free e-filing. You'll have to purchase those seperately (although if you get the Deluxe version of TC or TT, you can get the purchase price of those back as a mail-in rebate).

[histohoney]

3. My husbands a CPA

with a Masters in tax,(Yeah, I didn't know they had one till I found out how much grad. school at Baylor was going to cost us but it was worth it.) Rick likes TurboTax. Check with your local stores and get one for your state, Turbotax does have state tax and IRS packages.
A little hint from Rick, the earlier you file the more likely you get audited(The IRS has more time to do random checks early on, the closer to April and they're slammed with not so much time, not a guarantee but just a way to hedge your bet out of a nuisance.).

[travisleit01]

5. Interesting about the audit thing...

I'll keep that in mind. And i think I own since I was self-employed, so I won't be in any hurry to mail that check off!

[banana republican]

6. ME Too

I also am a CPA with an MS Tax. Both Turbo Tax and Tax Cut will work fine for most simple returns. (e.g an employee or a relatively small Schedule C.

If you are self employed; get money from a trust; "S" corp; partnership; or have a tax shelter it can be a much different story.

[travisleit01]

4. I just got Turbotax for Mac.

It seems to work fine. Over the years I've used Turbo Tax and TaxCut, but were pretty comparable. I just got TT because I found it for Mac at CompUSA. I think both include a rebate for a free state program, but for TT you have to pay for it and then get a rebate, TC I think you can download for free.

[RedEarth]

7. Thanks for the suggestions....

It sounds like either Turbo Tax or Tax Cut would be suitable. I think I'll shop around and find out which one is less expensive.

Again, thank you Duers!