H&R Block TaxCut Premium (2009)

TaxCut's user-friendly interface is virtually the same as last year's, and it is more sophisticated (but seemed a little slower) than TaxBrain's or TaxAct's. The "% complete" bar at the bottom helps users stay focused, and navigating to other parts of a return is pretty easy and intuitive. TaxCut still does not import W-2 or 1099 forms, however, and the W-2 entry form doesn't visually resemble an actual W-2 form, which makes data entry a little more time-consuming. Figuring out the value of items donated to charity also proved tricky unless you opted to pay another $20 to download DeductionPro (TaxCut's alternative to TurboTax's It's Deductible).

Overall, TaxCut's help options for your federal return are more organized and more relevant in their presentation than those of archrival TurboTax. A column on the right side lists common questions related to the task at hand, plus links to a help center with IRS publication instructions, tax tips, a glossary, and some troubleshooting support. TaxCut also has a handy "explain amount" link next to many summary totals, but like other sites, it only describes concepts instead of reconciling particular numbers on the return. If you really get wrapped around the axle, TaxCut offers one free e-mail or phone session with an H&R Block tax preparer.