#2015 PROFESSIONAL TAX SOFTWARE REVIEWS DOWNLOAD#

#2015 PROFESSIONAL TAX SOFTWARE REVIEWS DOWNLOAD#

Most online programs store historical tax return data and allow users to download a copy for personal records. The program shouldn’t require any downloading, aside from a plugin or two.

Online and print: The best option is to file your return electronically and then print a copy for personal records.Īn online tax software program is entirely web-based.Print and mail: Some programs allow taxpayers to print and mail a copy of their returns.Online: All of the popular tax software programs allow online tax filing, in addition to tax preparation services.A program that offers both online and print and mail options leaves this decision up to the customer. While online filing is a popular choice, not every taxpayer has access to the Internet or wants to submit sensitive data electronically. Prepaid debit cards: A prepaid debit card loaded with the refund is a great option for taxpayers without a bank account.Ī tax software program that offers multiple filing options is preferred.Paper checks: The IRS and software companies still offer paper checks to taxpayers expecting a refund.Direct deposit: All of the major tax software providers offer customers a direct deposit option.Savings Bonds, prepaid debit cards and more. While taxpayers can still opt to receive a paper check, the IRS and most tax software programs offer direct deposit and other refund options like U.S. Gone are the days of waiting months for a check from the IRS to arrive in your mailbox. Knowledge base : Most DIY taxpayers would rather research their problems than wait for a customer service response, which makes a comprehensive knowledge base a valuable resource.Phone support: Even web-based programs need to have a phone support option because there are some problems that can’t be solved efficiently using text-based interactions.Live chat support: Companies can provide longer support hours by utilizing a live chat support service.However, people do run into problems, so a solid help and support system is an integral part of any tax software package. There is a reason that taxpayers, by the millions, opt for software programs over an accountant – they like the DIY aspect.

Tax software, at its core, is a do-it-yourself project. Taxpayers that failed to make a personal backup won’t have access to important financial records.

Disaster recovery plan: Companies should also have an adequate disaster recovery plan in place because a fire or natural disaster could destroy your data.

Is the data stored for future use or removed from the system?

Account disclosures: Tax software companies should disclose what happens to your credit card or bank account information when your return is complete.

Tax software companies need to utilize the latest in security software and post a security policy online.

Data security software: A completed tax return has everything an identity thief needs to set up financial accounts in your name.

Hackers, unscrupulous employees, fires and floods are just a few of the ways that your data could be compromised or lost. This is a great feature for more experienced users.ĭata security is of the utmost importance.

Table of contents: In addition to the interview approach, many of the more popular programs allow taxpayers to pick and choose specific forms.

Interviews: The most popular tax software programs use an interview approach to gather tax data this makes tax preparation a simple and hassle-free process.

Online programs: Web-based software programs eliminate the need for a local software installation, which reduces compatibility problems.

Tax time is stressful for many taxpayers, and the last thing anyone wants is the challenges of a difficult to use program. No matter how accurate and well priced a tax software program is, if it isn't easy-to-use then customers will take their business elsewhere.

Professional review: Some programs allow taxpayers to pay an additional fee to have their return reviewed by a tax professional.

The guarantee doesn’t cover human mistakes, though, so it is important that taxpayers verify all of the data entered into the system.

Accuracy guarantee: Companies typically offer an accuracy guarantee, which ensures that the calculations the program completes are accurate.

Error check: Most tax software programs run an error check prior to filing the tax return.

Both errors in favor of the taxpayer and in favor of the IRS can be costly.

An inaccurate tax return could cost a taxpayer hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The most important feature of any tax software program is accuracy.

2015 professional tax software reviews