Buy a Tax Preparation Program or Go Online?

This is the fundamental question that we all have come April. Which do we do? They "tax guy" usually knows more then we, the average guy does. But does he really have our best interests at heart. Also, is the increased return we get, going to more than cover the Fee for Tax Preparation? But there are Free Online tax programs out there. So, do we go Free or Pay?

How do you really know what your savings would be? Also, the tax preparation program costs money as well. Will that save you money. And which method Protects you the most in case of error?

We are going to find the review sites and provide links to the various comparison sites which evaluate digital tax preparation programs. If you have used one of these products, or a specific tax preparation company. Please leave a comment on how well of a job they did for you.

First are the Tax Preparation programs. You can find a few reputable sites that compare and/or rate the programs. Most programs on the popularity list are free. But usually have some limitations. Here are 3 sites that list or compare programs.

About.com - Comparison.
http://taxes.about.com/od/preparingyourtaxes/tp/freefile.htm

IRS.com - List of Websites.
http://www.irs.gov/app/freeFile/jsp/index.jsp?ck#Company1

onsumerSearch.com - Comparison.
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/software/tax-preparation-software/



They list the top 8 Tax Programs with pricing and features, as determined by www.About.com

About's Top 8 list.

1. Turbo Tax Freedom Edition (FREE File Edition) - Most states are free as well. This program is designed for those making simple return with an income of 30k or less.

2. H&R Blocks TaxCut - (FREE File Edition) - Adding the state return is $24.95

3. TaxACT - (FREE File Edition) - Adding the state return is $12.95

4. CompleteTax - Federal $29.95, State $14,95

5. TaxEngine - Fed or State $19.95 - Fed & State $29.95

6. TaxSlayer - Premium $19.95 - Classic $9.95 - Free Online Filing

7. OLT - Online Tax Preperation - Federal $7.95 - State $7.95

8. EFileTaxReturns - Federal $29.95 - State $19.95



The following sites are NOT recommended.

FreeTaxUSA
123EasyTaxFiling
CitizenTax

The following sites are just painful to use.

Average1040
ezTaxReturn
FreeTaxReturn
eSmartTax
TasSimple
average1040


Personally I have only used TaxCut. Simply because they were once owned by Kiplingers Magazine. Which is a well respected financial magazine. Then they were purchased by H&R Block. Still a good program and I give my own personal recommendation.

Readers, I ask your thoughts and opinions on any of the Tax Programs listed here.