How to Compare Professional Tax Preparation Software
If you plan to complete your own taxes, you have several well-known software programs to choose from. After assuring the tax preparation software meets certain standards as required by the IRS, review other features to determine what best meets your needs, budget and comfort level. Factors such as availability, products and services and price are the major areas to compare one software program to the next.
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Compare the availability of the professional tax preparation software. Tax software is available for completion online, downloadable from the software company's website or by purchasing software discs. Some may prefer installing discs on their computer rather than going online to complete their taxes. Compare how to get each and the ease of access.
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Review the products and packages available from each tax software company. See if each provides individual tax returns as well as business and state. Determine your tax filing needs and compare programs to see if they contain what you need. Review integration of programs, add-on packages and support services.
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Compare the pricing of the software and filing costs of the tax preparation software. Some programs are free but charge for filing only. Others charge for enhanced support and other features. Decide what you need and complete a side-by-side comparison of the costs.
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Try out the software. Many tax software programs allow for a free trial or download so you can get a feel for the ease of use. Try entering some data to see if you are comfortable using the program or if you prefer one program over another.
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Look to see if each of the tax software works with any online or money management programs you are currently using. Additionally, check to see if your bank or financial management systems partner with any of the tax software companies. They may offer a discount or integrate programs for easier tax return completion.
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