Free Tax Preparation by April 2017: Use These Top Software
Initially available as desktop software and then as online solutions, personal tax preparation applications have been in the market for a quarter of a century. Owing to technology and sophisticated reforms, they rapidly developed in their early years by adding schedules, forms, and state support. However, these additions also made the tax preparation process more complicated. Recently, with the introduction of software programs and tools to facilitate tax prep applications, all important information is streamlined for simpler understanding.
We all know that even if a query is elaborated clearly, we struggle to figure out what information we need to provide. Tax websites aid in explaining confusing elements in several ways as they often contain phrases or words in the form of hyperlinks. This enables users to access more information or a detailed explanation when they click on it. However, websites can be less helpful in assisting users to prepare taxes as compared to specific software that is developed solely for this purpose.
There are plenty of features and benefits associated with some of the top tax software meant to help with your taxes. Almost all of them offer free filing for forms 1040EZ and 1040A so choosing software to help you needs is simple. Some users prefer particular tax preparation software that is the easiest to use. The following programs offer free e-filing and preparation services to make your tax season less troubling:
H&R Block
We all have heard of this national accounting chain, which effectively prepares 24 million+ tax returns every year. Some of their services are available free of charge. In addition, they also offer free e-filing of federal and state returns and answers to many commonly asked questions. H&R Block offers tremendous benefits for self-preparers through free support via email and phone. The company has 12,000 branch locations where you can get assistance through a face-to-face consultation.
TurboTax
One of the most popular automated tax-prep services is TurboTax, mainly because of their extensive marketing and promotion campaigns. The software delivers the goods and has a free tax preps app Absolute Zero. TurboTax converts taxes into simple questions about your life. This is why it is beneficial for people who do not have any tax knowledge. The software will discover every tax deduction. It is capable of running through thousands of error checks to make sure are no mistakes in your tax returns.
All calculations made with TurboTax are 100% accurate. Most people qualify to file their federal and state returns at no cost. But if you want the program to store your return for using it next year, Turbo Tax will charge a fee.
TaxAct
If you want to file taxes through a 1040EZ/A form, this is the ideal solution for you. There are numerous disbursement options for your tax refund without any fees or when you pay the filing fee with the return. There is also free phone support and the program keeps information on file for three years. Users are also offered assistance if they are audited.
You do not have to pay any fee to prepare and file your taxes electronically. The service also offers customized tax and healthcare reports. It is also helpful in preparing FAFSA student-aid assistance forms in case you are a student or a parent of a student.
About the Author:
Elena is a Finance Content Executive at Karkanja Malta Real Estate. She is a passionate blogger and an avid traveller. Outside of work she helps young adults get a better understanding of how they can stay out of financial troubles.
