Reviewed: The 6 Best TurboTax Alternatives
Last Updated: July 31, 2017 by
When it comes to reliable and affordable tax filing services, TurboTax is often ranked among the highest. It includes all the features needed to make tax day a success. Including intuitive web and mobile apps, great customer support, and customizable plans for almost every financial situation. But it's by no means the only reputable option out there. Individuals and businesses looking for a quick and convenient solution for determining what they owe, or are owed, will find a wealth of alternatives from which to choose.
There is little question that online tax filing services represent one of the most sensible ways to get your financial obligation squared away each year. For one, they're many times cheaper than hiring a professional accountant. For another, they come with professional support and guidance. Making the filing process as hassle-free as possible. If your tax situation is relatively simple, you may even be able to get the job done for free. Most companies offer their services for filling out basic forms at no cost.
TurboTax checks off all those boxes, but it does have its drawbacks. It's far from the most affordable product on the market. And it may not be ideal for individuals who have many deductibles and credits to list. In addition to those benefits, other companies also give their customers access to tax forms from prior years. This would otherwise cost money. Some services even provide access to live customer support representatives at physical office locations across the country.
If you're unsure about using TurboTax, it's definitely worth checking out the alternatives. The Internet has given rise to tons of options when it comes to tax filing. And many companies even let you test-drive their features before committing. It pays, often literally, to find the one that best suits your financial situation.
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H&R Block is a popular solution for anyone looking to get through tax day with their sanity intact. Its free and paid filing services are used by millions of individuals. And its tax preparation software is rated highly by countless small businesses. But its true calling card is the company's stellar customer support. It includes in-person assistance at any of its thousands of locations across the country.
Unlike other services, H&R Block isn't only a virtual storefront. The company has over 12,000 physical offices in North America, including the U.S. but also Canada. That is an indispensable resource for anyone self-preparing for the first time, or for those who simply want the assurance of a real human being guiding them. Other customer support options include 24-hour access to representatives via phone or online.
H&R Block offers its services for free to federal filers who qualify for a 1040EZ. It won't include in-person assistance. For that, users must purchase its Deluxe or Premium filing or software plan. The process is as simple as following a handful of straightforward prompts, and checking off your progress along the way. It's not as flexible as other software, however, and you won't be able to skip around or preview future steps.
One of the bigger names in tax filing, Jackson Hewitt provides customers with a wide range of features. They will help get your federal financial obligations met quickly and easily. Physical offices, where representatives are ready to offer advice and guidance, will put nervous tax payers at ease. They also offer user-friendly preparation and filing applications. They utilize an intuitive interview style process to ensure that you get the most out of your refund.
Jackson Hewitt is the second largest tax prep company in the country, with over 6300 locations worldwide. Its size and reputation should comfort first time or nervous filers. It isn't free, but if you need to you can visit one of their offices and get face to face counsel from professional accountants.
Customers may choose from three different paid plans, including basic, deluxe, and premium. The first is ideal for freelancers and newlyweds, or anyone who has a few business expenses to report. The second is designed for homeowners, investors, and families. The third includes all the features you'll need if you're self-employed or own a small business. The company also offers a free version of its software, but only if you're filing a 1040EZ.
E-File offers online tax preparation and filing services. They're useful for anyone who wants to avoid complicated paperwork. Individuals and businesses can expect a speedy process with minimal errors. They can also expect to pay less for the service than they might with other companies. The company's authorized IRS software boasts some of the cheapest prices in the business.
The big benefit with E-File is the time you can save. Few people really enjoy doing their taxes. Especially when it can require spending hours sorting through your finances. E-File cuts down on all that, promising to get you a prepared return in less than 15 minutes. The process is simple, and the software does the calculations. Just create a free account, enter your information, income figures, and deductions, and go. You'll be given the option of either e-filing or printing and mailing the return.
E-File also promises to get your refund to you as fast as possible. You can select to have it deposited directly into your bank account when it's ready, or have it sent by mail. That's important if you're as pressed for money as you are for time. If you ever find yourself with questions, you can send a support ticket to their team via email.
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Liberty Tax is a large tax preparation franchise with thousands of brick-and-mortar locations across the country. You're never far from assistance while filling out your return. Its online filing client is easy to use and full of features that help streamline the process. And the company's transparent pricing policy means you won't run into any more surprises than you have to.
Tax Slayer is a capable alternative to mainstream filing services. It provides thousands of users help with getting their yearly federal and state returns in order. Its online interface is clean and simple. It offers a number of paths for determining what you're owed. And you don't have to jump through any unnecessary hoops.
The Internal Revenue Service is the tax collection arm of the United States federal government. When tax season comes around, this is where you'll be sending your returns. What you may not know is that the IRS also offers ways for making submitting your taxes easier. They provide online resources to help file them electronically.