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Online Tax Preparation Services

TurboTax stands out with more features and the best site design, but TaxAct is the best value.

Tina Orem

Thursday, February 07, 2008, 04:00 PM PST
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Rank Name PCW Rating
Online Tax Filing Services
1
TurboTax Premier
TurboTax Premier
• Cost of filing one Form 1040 Federal return: $49.95
• Cost of filing one federal and one state return: $79.90
• Features: Superior
• Design: Superior
• Performance: Very Good
• Prices when reviewed: TurboTax Deluxe: $29.95 (State: $29.95); TurboTax Premier: $49.95 (State: $29.95); TurboTax Home & Business: $74.95 (State: $29.95)
Vendor's Web Site
Our top choice, but the competition's not far behind.
(Last Rated: February 07, 2008)
Full Review
Pending
2
TaxAct
TaxAct
• Cost of filing one Form 1040 Federal return: $9.95
• Cost of filing one federal and one state return: $16.95
• Features: Very Good
• Design: Good
• Performance: Fair
• Prices when reviewed: $16.95 (Federal and State)
Vendor's Web Site
The best value among tax prep sites; users get more than they pay for but will have to spend a little more time.
(Last Rated: February 07, 2008)
Full Review
Pending
3
CompleteTax
CompleteTax
• Cost of filing one Form 1040 Federal return: $29.95
• Cost of filing one federal and one state return: $44.90
• Features: Good
• Design: Good
• Performance: Very Good
• Prices when reviewed: $44.90 (Federal and State)
Vendor's Web Site
Fine if you're just looking for help with math on forms; not so great if you want guidance.
(Last Rated: February 07, 2008)
Full Review
Pending
4
TaxCut Premium
TaxCut Premium
• Cost of filing one Form 1040 Federal return: $19.95
• Cost of filing one federal and one state return: $44.95
• Features: Very Good
• Design: Good
• Performance: Very Good
• Prices when reviewed: $44.95 (Federal and State)
Vendor's Web Site
Attractive site is a good value, with human backup as an added plus. But glitches were a problem.
(Last Rated: February 07, 2008)
Full Review
Pending
5
TaxBrain
TaxBrain
• Cost of filing one Form 1040 Federal return: $39.95
• Cost of filing one federal and one state return: $69.90
• Features: Very Good
• Design: Good
• Performance: Very Good
• Prices when reviewed: 1040EZ: $14.95 (State: $19.95); 1040 Basic: $19.95 (State: $19.95); 1040 Deluxe: $39.95 (State: $29.95); 1040 Premium: $69.95 (State: $29.95)
Vendor's Web Site
Well designed, but overpriced given its limitations.
(Last Rated: February 07, 2008)
Full Review
Pending
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