Tax return software has been improved immensely since the beginning versions. Once packed with accounting jargon, the tax software of today has become user-friendly. Using simple questions in easy-to-read formats to determine if individuals need to delve more deeply into any sector of the many tax forms, software like TaxAct and TurboTax have revolutionized the way we complete our taxes. Let’s compare these two for ease of use and special features.
TaxAct
The TaxAct software is super-simple to use. Although you have an option to override the simplistic Q&A section to fill in the taxes manually, the questions asked can be very beneficial to non-tax-savvy individuals or novice tax preparers. Another excellent feature that makes TaxAct a step above the rest is the video explanations that give novices the option to learn about each tax section before, after or during the process. The explanations are laid out as simply as possible, but further information can be found in the Guidance link and the help sections.
TurboTax
Another tax software available in a simplistic format, TurboTax is rated one of the most easy-to-use tax software on the market. Perks of the TurboTax software include a Quicken import feature, the ability to transfer of last year’s tax information, tax deduction check, audit risk checks, life events explanations, line-by-line assistance option, a detailed explanation of your return, and suggestions for ways you can obtain a greater return the following year. TurboTax’s help and support also uses video explanations and written explanations; however, TurboTax also gives users a Q&A search option. Free of charge, the user can search previously asked questions to answer any of his or her own. If the answer cannot be found in any of the support options, users are welcome to contact TurboTax professionals, at a small charge, for assistance.
Taxes may not ever be a walk in the park, but tax software like TaxAct and TurboTax can ease the stress of tax accounting.