Free Tax Software Reviews

TaxACT

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• Choose from either online tax preparation or software download.
• Complete your tax return at your own pace. Your return is automatically saved as you work.
• Get the maximum possible legal deductions.
• Automatically determines which 1040 form is most appropriate for you.

They are evidently having some issues regarding retrieving your online information. I entered in a sale of my investment property, and when I went to fine tune the expenses of it, I could not review or edit any information. Customer keeps telling me to do the same thing over and over again, neglecting to note that I have already those steps precisely as they outlined. Probably okay for simple returns, but if you ahve a rental or investment income, you get what you pay for.

Reviewed by: A. Rhodes

I have used Tax act for several years now. I have tried the online version - but prefer the download deluxe version. I can prepare my tax returns and my children's returns, along with a schedule c and rental ones for others I know. The interface is great between the fed and state, very seamless. In my opinion one of the best, if not the best on the market, and I have tried most of them.

Reviewed by: D. Yuhas

I used this product, and then used an expensive program from the store, and found that my return was the same exact amount, and that the same format was used in both programs, only tax act was free, except for the $12.95 to e-file my state taxes. Where the other program had the fee to e-file for both state, and federal, plus the cost of buying the program in the first place. I will never use those programs again!!!

Reviewed by: Lisa S.

I have use TaxAct for the last three years and find it extremely easier and uncomplicated than those I used previously; even when I miss something, TaxAct will stipulate options. I have even turned my friends of other states onto TaxAct.

Reviewed by: S. Hulett

I have been using taxact for several years now, and it is great. They help so much and make doing taxes so easy. They answer all questions, figure things for you, I tell all my family and friends to use them to so their own taxes. Taxact is the best easiest and fastest secure way to file taxes.

Reviewed by: R. Houchin

It really is free.

Reviewed by: D. Phillips

Won't run unless I log on to my PC as an admin user. Crashes every time I enter 1099-B information. Prints only 1040, but not Schedules A nor B. Either I've downloaded it before the programmers were done, or it's only meant for 1040EZ filers. Email help response was nothing but download instructions. Maybe the support staff is ESL.

Reviewed by: M. Holzrichter

Very good program, will use it next year.

Reviewed by: V. Argo

After doing a trial run with Turbo Tax online the past two years, then actually letting my tax person come to the same figures I did, I decided it was time to make the jump this year. I used Taxact because of the price difference but also ran my figures through the turbo tax program. Both came to the same conclusion, so why pay more for Turbo Tax? Taxact is a nice program for a much smaller price.

Reviewed by: J. Hale

Thank you TaxACT!!

Reviewed by: M. Berry

Truth in advertising. It is free to use, efile and print. In process ads for upgraded (paid) version are not excessive. If you can read and understand the IRS instructions, which are linked to each line item, you should be able to complete your return with the basic (free) version. It does not limit you to efile or print as some other vendors do. I have used Turbotax and Taxcut for years, always paid versions. TaxAct is equal or better. No limit on earnings. Can not comment on reading previous year's data as I did not use this option. Found only one case where information could have automatically flowed from one form to another that did not (made suggestion for next version). Return consisted of 1040, business expense and business use of home and related forms. Easy to follow. My first choice for next year.

Reviewed by: J T

I have used multiple other programs costing more. Taxact is the easiest to use at the lowest price. Why any one would use anything else is beyond me.

Reviewed by: KB

Utterly impossible to get it to accept my entries and proceed in an orderly fashion without taking random jumps and sashays off to some place beyond where I'm trying to enter. I tried 3 times and never could get it to behave. I did my taxes by hand on paper last year, and it was easier than this fiasco. I'm back to paper filing.

Reviewed by: R. J. Miller

I have used this service the last couple of years and found, if one keeps good records, this product does the job. The steps are clear, but I could see if one has a complicated return it might be a bit daunting. I don't think this is the services fault but the inexperience of the filer.

Reviewed by: J. Pierce

Great to use! If you are software savvy you can get around just fine. Easy to use and full of instructions and help.

Reviewed by: Noman

Very good program. If you're at all aquainted with your own computer and can read a W-2, it's cake. Also, asked for help with a rental property and their support was able to set me straight. I won't be using anything else.

Reviewed by: Steve

I have used TaxAct since before the 2001 tax year. I use the deluxe online version. I find that it is an excellent program that even handles rental real estate issues. I see no advantage to buying the expensive programs or even going to a paid preparer. If I was a paid preparer, I would be using this software anyway.

Reviewed by: John M.

April 14th, 10pm. Forms everywhere. Son buried in 100's of Schedule B forms that I got at the library on the way home from work. News comes on and talks about TaxAct. Logged on. In one hour I was done with itemizations, daycare and college credits, Federal and State. I recommend this software to anyone. It's about time. Even if you pay the nominal fee to get the advice and state return, you are coming out way ahead of the game financially and psychologically.

Reviewed by: Geoff W

Have used TaxAct for four years now. Only complaint I have is that they don't have listing for value of donated clothing. Have suggested it as an addition for '08. Hope they do it. Use the Ultimate download version, downloads and installs easily, imports prior year data without any glitches. Will continue to use. Best value for the money.

Reviewed by: Ron S.

I will never use them. Their user interface seems really outdated and their site seems really slow during tax season... which I would figure they would have a decent internet connection during that time.

Reviewed by: Andy S

I used TaxAct software for my 2006 taxes. I would not recommend this product. The software prepared my Form 1040 and indicated I owed over $5000, including a $216 penalty. I was not surprised since I had cashed 2 annuities during the year without paying taxes on the proceeds. But by chance I read IRS publication on Form 2210 and tax penalties. I found that TaxAct had made some erroneous assumptions and had incorrectly completed Form 2210. In fact, I did not owe any penalty. What made matters worse was that I e-mailed TaxAct Support 3 times about the issue. I assumed they would reply with something like, "Thanks for pointing out this problem, we'll correct it." But they never responded at all. So the TaxAct software nearly cost me $216 extra payment, and TaxAct support is nonexistent.

Reviewed by: A. Lee

It is very helpful.

Reviewed by: Nandan

Taxact is the best of the bunch. I have tried tubotax and taxcut and found them to work ok, but for the money they don't compare with taxact.

Reviewed by: Jeff W

This program really sucks. I try to put interest on, it always shows a deduction instead of a debit.

Reviewed by: john

I used Turbo tax for 2007 and now have tried TaxAct for 2008. I liked TaxAct better for both state and Federal, as a retiree it worked especially well on my state taxes. The download Deluxe version of TaxAct with the State package is $19.95 and efile charge of $7.95 for the state taxes, it is hard to beat. I will be using TaxAct again next year.

Reviewed by: joet

Have used TaxAct for the past several years, but this time (Feb '09) the online version is running so slow as to be virtually unusable. My ten-minute screen saver is popping up before the next TaxAct screen appears. I doubt whether I'll be able to complete my return this year. No more recommendations from me.

Reviewed by: DK

The online version is a joke. Its only Feb 3rd and the site is to strained that I can't login to finish my return that was 90% complete. So now I get to start from scratch with another vendor. The good news is that you don't pay for the Deluxe service until you file so I'm not out any extra money yet, just a bunch of wasted time.

Reviewed by: Pure Garbage

Works great for me. I have used it for 3 years. Never had a problem and cheaper than the other options out there.

Reviewed by: chris

Absolutely free and very well made program. You have to be a real idiot not to be able to use this one. It even rocks for small business returns. Great program at a price everyone could afford.

Reviewed by: H&R Blockhead

I am a computer engineer by day I have been using this for 4 years now. I have had no issues, other than lack of audit support, should you need it, and the lack of "tax law help", but that is what the internet is for. Complaints about software should always be taken with a grain of salt, as it is dependant on the installee and the pc itself. If you are not efficient with computers, don't expect computer based tax software to be a breeze. For the rest of us, this application is cheap and easy. I like the online version because I do not need to keep backups of previous years handy.

Reviewed by: JB

i filed my taxes with taxact and it was easy, but i was told i'd get my direct deposit refund in 10 days and haven't received it yet.

Reviewed by: paula r

I used taxact software (free online). My taxes have been held up for processing for 2 1/2 weeks and I still have'nt received my return... when my return should have been in my account already.

Reviewed by: Uvy

I have used this software for the last 3 years, and have been 100% satisfied.

My only reservation is that if one makes less than $30K, like my son, the WalMart associate, or is in the military, TurboTax will still do their taxes, state as well as Federal, for free.

Otherwise, TaxACT is well worth its price for the rest of us.

Reviewed by: normfromga

TaxAct is the best. Parsons Technology had the best tax preparation software, which is why Intuit (owner of TurboTax) bought Parsons. After that, the accountants/CPAs who had developed the Parsons software formed 2nd Story Software, and introduced TaxAct at a fraction of the cost of any competing software. We have used TaxAct from its beginning with total satisfaction, and huge cost savings over the years. TaxAct pioneered free federal filing, and the imitators still haven't caught up; others' free versions are only for 1040EZ, while TaxAct's is for 1040 -- with 100% accuracy guaranteed. Unbeatable.

Reviewed by: PFVF

Not actually free. They will charge you $13.95 for the state tax return, and they won't tell you about this until after you've spent hours filling it out. Typical bate and switch.

Reviewed by: Leroy

Tax Act is for the simple returns. I found it difficult to operate. If you have to itemize or have a small business I would stick with a different software. I also found that this program will want to UP sale you. We had to do state returns, which is extra. They will tell you that you have an option to choose which state to print first, but was unable to duplicate the process. In my opinion I give this software almost a 2 for the simple returns.

Reviewed by: david

State is not free! It is $13.95

Reviewed by: jenna

I found a glearing mistake on my Wisconsin return. How many more mistakes are there that I didn't catch?

Reviewed by: Chicago Bob in IA

Horrible. Very bad customer service, made multiple errors in my tax return and then would not work with me to correct them afterwards... costing me thousands with my state taxes. Do not use! Even the supervisor I spoke with would not work with me to fix the error... They'll have to pay me to use them again.

Reviewed by: Hunter

Lots of ** "testimonials" from shills here. Do you really want to trust your private financial data to these ethically challenged sleazeballs?

Reviewed by: Not A. Shill

When my return did not show up I contacted the IRS. I was told my refund had been completed about a month ago. TaxACT had deposited it into a debit card I had not signed up for and would cost me $2.00 per usage and a $15.95 fee to activate. Basically you need to watch every detail if you use this company because they have underhanded intentions.

Reviewed by: El Jay

I recently downloaded TaxAct to free filing of my 2008 tax returns. On completing all the required information I attempted to print my return and was instructed to pay $9.95 for the filing. When I sent a message to taxact I was informed that I must have selected the Deluxe method during the process and it could not be reversed. This is a ripoff and it is not free. Taxact does not tell you how the mistake was made.

Reviewed by: Herman Gardner

Federal accepted, State rejected. Opened TaxAct to make the noted corrections and all numbers were zero except for the exemptions and deductions. Also, it would not keep any entries for correction, now the State return is not available for efile although they charged for it.

Reviewed by: Alan

Was more or less straightforward, but it didn't ask about business miles and had no method to enter directly into the form.

Reviewed by: Ann

There is a problem for those who receive New York State pensions in using this system. Unfortunately there is no phone number listed anywhere on their site where once could call to find out about this or learn how to resolve it.

Reviewed by: Rick

The company TaxAct recently begun redirecting some individuals e-filed tax return money into a debit account held by company called Endeavor. Once done they charge you an additional $15 fee for this, $2 fee each time you use the card, and a limit on how much you can deduct from each use if you ever receive it. I have repeatedly attempted to get my return back unsuccessfully. TaxAct was once a sponsored site listed on the IRS website, but has recently been removed.

Please review similar complaints at:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/finance/taxactonline.html

Reviewed by: Mel Kinley

Son used it for the first time and requested direct deposit to his checking account. TaxAct ignored his routing and account info (which was correct)and issued an Endeavor card. No one can/will tell us why. Each time we call Endeavor services to find out where the card is they say it was mailed yesterday. How many times can it be mailed? We have talked to the IRS they suggested filing a fraud report. Endeavor card services and TaxAct claim to not know what is going on. Told "No supervisors available, send and e-mail". HA! Smacks of fraud on the part of TaxAct.

Reviewed by: Ticked Off

I have been using Taxact for a number of years and have been very happy. If you can answer the questions and follow along - you should be able to use this software. I have always stuck with the downloaded program and it has been great!

I must say that I question some of the reviewers that have found the program unusable or "only for basic returns". Remember 'garbage in - garbage out'! The fact that there is a fee for the state filing is stated up front.

Taxact is highly recommended for people that know how to actually use a computer. Otherwise, pen and paper might be best for you, or better yet, just pay someone to do it for you.

Reviewed by: Don

Horrible. It is painfully slow, I have had multiple freezes and it won't let me change incorrect bank info. I will never use this program again.

Reviewed by: R Clark

I had used tax act for the past three years. I will NOT be using it again. The wait for subsequent screens was excruciating. The ability to navigate to where I needed to go was impossible. I could not find a way to get back to posting 1099-DIV information after picking up where I left off a few weeks ago.

Completely frustrated and way too late in the evening - I ended up doing a web search for 'free online tax'. With the use of Turbo Tax, I was done in less than an hour.

TaxACT is horrible. Certainly not free if you consider that your time is worth something - and this year, they were nothing but a total waste of time.

Reviewed by: D Cooper

I wanted to like it; I really did. But it made a series of weird mistakes and I lost faith in it:

• Prompted me for partnership K-1s, but not S-corp K-1s.. I had to manually circle back and find it in the list. It had skipped right over it for some reason.
• Even after doing that, it somehow decided that the K-1 S-Corp income was rental income. (???)
• When I then tried to return to the sequence, it said "Great! Let's review your federal return and start on state.." even though I had only gotten a third of a way through the federal interview. Seriously not confidence inspiring.
• Did not provide any indication of how to account for basis in K-1s. (Prompts for active/passive participation, at-risk status, but not basis, nor is there any indication any of the online help about how to enter limitations on deductible s-corp losses due to basis.. even though it prompts for carryover disallowed losses from previous years to trick you into thinking that it knows what it's doing.) So for "ordinary business income," am I supposed to enter the K-1 figure, or the basis adjusted figure, or what? I didn't have any confidence that either of these was the correct answer, and that's when I jumped ship for Turbotax.
• And to top it all off, the website got unusably slow on the evening of April 15 (I know, I know..) Like up to a minute to load each page, which is a horror, because there seems to be a page for every single line on some forms.

Please, if you want to keep your money don't and I mean don't use them. They took my money and then I went to see my refund and it said it wasn't filed

Now I'm 299$ short and might be in trouble with the state. It screwed me, and my aunt, and my mother, and my 97 year old grandma... who trusted these people.

Reviewed by: Michelle

I am a professional tax preparer who has been using 2nd Story Software's product, TaxAct, for over 6 years.

I was recently contacted by several of my clients as they received a notice from the state indicating an error on their 2006 Maryland Tax Returns. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that TaxAct's 2006 MD State software contained an error. (A number that should have been carried over from the Federal Tax Return to the State Tax return did not, causing an an understated state income.)

TaxAct was notified, provided with all applicable data, and promised to resolve the problem. One week later, TaxAct informed me that although their software did in fact contain a mistake, they would not reimburse any of my clients the interest and penalties that MD State has imposed as a direct result of their error. They informed me that I should have manually changed the numbers, even though their tax software specifically instructs against it.

I am amazed and appalled that this company will not stand behind their product. I will not use TaxAct again and advise anyone AGAINST using TaxAct.

Reviewed by: LS Larch