With just two weeks left before this year’s April 17 filing deadline, finding the right software to get the job done can be paramount. For those who are self-employed or have a variety of investments, having the proper tools to import statements and double check for errors can save time and money. AppleInsider this week is rounding up a list of the top tax preparation software, along with where to find the lowest prices on download and boxed versions of each.
TurboTax
A top choice due to its easy to use interface, TurboTax has a wide range of online and boxed software options available for tax year 2017. Simple tax returns (1040EZ/1040A) may qualify for TurboTax’s Federal Free Edition, but users needing more robust features, such as on-demand help from certified public accountants (CPAs) and enrolled agents (EAs), can opt for the new TurboTax Live option. Those who are self-employed or have investments and rental properties will want to choose the Premier or Self-Employed editions that are best-suited to your needs.
Ways to save
If you’re ready to get started on taxes and want to download the software right away, shoppers can save up to $20 on TurboTax products directly from Intuit. Amazon is also running exclusive deals on TurboTax downloads for Mac with prices starting at $29.99 (up to $25 off).
For those that prefer a physical disc, Amazon is also offering discounts on boxed versions of the tax prep software. Warehouse clubs, such as Costco and Sam’s Club, periodically offer coupons and rebates on boxed TurboTax software as well.
Downloads
TurboTax Basic 2017 Federal + Fed e-file for Mac
Buy for $29.99 | Amazon
TurboTax Deluxe 2017 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac
Buy for $44.86 | Amazon (25% off)
TurboTax Deluxe 2017 No State + Fed e-file for Mac
Buy for $34.86 | Amazon (30% off)
TurboTax Premier 2017 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac
Buy for $64.86 | Amazon (28% off)
TurboTax Home & Business 2017 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac
Buy for $74.86 | Amazon (25% off)
Boxed software
TurboTax Basic 2017 Federal + Fed e-file for Mac
Buy for $29.99 | Amazon (Free shipping)
TurboTax Deluxe 2017 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac
Buy for $44.86 | Amazon (25% off + free shipping)
TurboTax Premier 2017 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac
Buy for $64.86 | Amazon (28% off + free shipping)
TurboTax Home & Business 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac
Buy for $74.86 | Amazon (25% off + free shipping)
H&R Block
A staple in the tax world, H&R Block has prepared more than 680 million tax returns, and the company continues to offer online solutions ranging from basic tax software to premium products for small business owners in 2018. Users can also take advantage of free unlimited advice from a tax expert and up to five free federal e-files.
Ways to save
While H&R Block software starts at $29.95 for the Basic version, and runs up to $89.95 for the Premium & Business option, users can save 30% instantly with link-activated offers at H&R Block directly. However, the best deals can be found at Amazon where the software is up to 31% off with a 5-10% refund bonus on an Amazon gift card.
Please note, H&R Block Basic, Deluxe, and Premium offerings are Windows and Mac-compatible, but Premium & Business works in Windows only.
Downloads
H&R Block Basic 2017 for Mac
Buy for $14.99 | Amazon (25% off + refund bonus offer)
H&R Block Deluxe 2017 for Mac
Buy for $24.00 | Amazon (31% off + refund bonus offer)
H&R Block Deluxe + State 2017 for Mac
Buy for $34.95 | Amazon (22% off + refund bonus offer)
H&R Block Premium + State 2017 for Mac
Buy for $54.95 | Amazon (15% off + refund bonus offer)
Boxed software
H&R Block Basic 2017 for Mac
Buy for $14.99 | Amazon (25% off + refund bonus offer)
H&R Block Deluxe 2017 for Mac
Buy for $24.00 | Amazon (31% off + refund bonus offer)
H&R Block Deluxe + State 2017 for Mac
Buy for $34.95 | Amazon (22% off + refund bonus offer)
H&R Block Premium + State 2017 for Mac
Buy for $54.95 | Amazon (15% off + refund bonus offer)
TaxAct
TaxAct, an alternative to TurboTax and H&R Block, has expanded its product lineup to include five offerings: Free, Basic, Plus, Premium and Freelancer. TaxAct Plus, a popular option, is best suited for homeowners and investors, while the Premium Edition includes audit defense. TaxAct also offers free phone support and seven years of access to your tax return with a price lock guarantee.
Ways to save
TaxAct is currently knocking 20% off its Plus, Premium and Freelancer editions, bringing the prices down to $31.96, $55.96 and $47.96 respectively. At this time, TaxAct Online is Mac-compatible, while TaxAct download products are not.
Additional alternatives
There are several other tax prep tools on the market today. Credit Karma offers a free tax return service, but several forms are not included, such as multiple state returns and estate and trust income from Schedule K-1. TaxSlayer also offers five tax prep products, including a Military Edition that allows active duty military members to e-file a federal return for free. Neither are as robust as TurboTax, but they do offer an economical solution for simple tax returns.
[“Source-appleinsider”]
