Top 3 Things to Consider When Buying Tax Preparation Software

English: Phorest Salon Software

There a lot of different tax preparation software to choose from. Do not base it on cost alone. You need the best you can afford. When I asked my clients about why they choose to use the software that they did, most of them replied that they like the simplicity. They find it stressful to go into an office and some just don’t have the time it would take for the visits. Rarely is your tax visit a one time thing. You may need to back and forth if you forgot something. If you are already at home the most you have to do is run into the next room for any forgotten information.

Here are the top 3 things to consider.

1) 3 Versions- many of the tax softwares have a basic, premium and deluxe version. Look carefully at each one to make sure you buy what will really help you. For many people the basic version will not be robust enough to save them money and handle all of their life details.
2) Guarantee- does the software have one? What will you do if you get audited? They need to state clearly how they will assist you.
3) Can Your Computer Handle it- there is nothing worse than buying software , only to come home and find out you can not install it. If your computer can not run the software you are out of luck. Many places will not give you a refund on software.

Using the online software or purchasing it from the store, the do -it- yourself tax preparer must think about these these thing before they buy. You can take the misery out of doing your taxes if you just stop for a moment. There are millions of people doing it every day.

For more information click here https://www.sigmataxpro.com/

Take Advantage of IRS Free File

Image representing Free File Alliance as depic...

Image via CrunchBase

Comprehensive tax preparation and e-filing is available to 70 percent of taxpayers, thanks to Free File – a partnership between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a coalition of industry-leading tax software companies called the Free File Alliance.

Every taxpayer with a 2013 Adjusted Gross Income of $58,000 or less may visit www.IRS.gov/freefile to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost using software from Free File Alliance members. Free File also offers a basic federal e-filing service – called “Free File Fillable Forms” – which has no income limitations.

“Free File is here to make tax time less taxing for 70 percent of Americans,” said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. “If you made $58,000 or less in 2013, Free File is your portal to free tax software from more than a dozen of the country’s top companies. It’s all online at www.IRS.gov/FreeFile, and unlike commercial products, there are no pop-up ads when you use Free File to access tax software.”

Hugo continued, “Software from the Free File Alliance provides step-by-step help and calculations to make tax-filing quick, simple and convenient. After you e-file, you’ll receive a confirmation email so you can rest assured that you’re done for the year, and you’ll get your refund in as few as 10 days. Free File is fast, safe and – most importantly – completely free.”

Free File is available at www.IRS.gov/freefile, which provides a list of free tax software offered by Free File Alliance member companies. Users may either choose the company that fits their tax situation or utilize the “Help me Find Free File Software” tool. After selecting a company, users will be transferred to the company’s website to prepare, complete and electronically file their federal income tax returns. The service is also available in Spanish.

Free File Fillable Forms, which allow taxpayers who are familiar with tax law and need no preparation assistance to complete and file their federal income tax electronically, are also available at www.IRS.gov/freefile.

Free File has already saved taxpayers an estimated $1.2 billion in preparation and filing costs since the program began in 2003. Free File Alliance member companies have continually worked with the IRS to strengthen the Free File program, and taxpayers have consistently reported that it is user-friendly and efficient. Responding to a 2009 IRS survey, 96 percent of users said they found Free File easy to use, while 98 percent said they would recommend the program to others.

Enhanced by Zemanta