One Tax software vs another, for tax savings?

[Fuelm@n]

I've used TaxAct to file my taxes and have been happy with it. My question is, if I use another program such as TurboTax, if I can increase my tax return by saving on paying as many taxes. I'm guessing that maybe another program may have more tax saving options than another. I've read several reviews on TurboTax vs another tax program and TT always came out on top, though it never covered my question in the reviews (maybe 'cause it can't).

What really brought me to this question is that I used to hear advertisements from Tax Preparers on TV (such as H&R Block...) how they could increase your tax return by around $300 vs. what the other guy can do. How can they do that? If they can claim doing that, then maybe a tax program can do the same? Who knows?

[Welshjim]

Fuelm@n--Well, it would have to do with what questions the program asks. If one program did not ask if you had medical expenses, for example, that could mean you would miss out on some savings. But I have never heard that there is much difference in what is asked about standard topics. Now, if you need some obscure form, that is a different matter.
The Feb. 4 issue of PCMagazine compared the top three programs.
http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,4148,4831,00.asp
And if you believe claims in TV commercials.... I have a bridge to sell you.

[Fuelm@n]

Thanks for the replies. Welshjim, those were my thoughts exactly, and Triple7's I guess I'll be avoiding TT too and count the savings of not buying it as my increased tax refund I'm looking for.

[DVOM]

You could try TT's online tax preparation. You don't pay until you either print or file. That way you'd see what their result with your taxes would be.

[Welshjim]

Fuelm@n--Thanks for posting back. Always good to hear that a suggestion has been helpful.
All--You may have seen that the IRS has appointed several private tax preparers to offer preparation and filing on the net--for free if you satisfy certain criteria. Usually that means students, seniors and low income, but some say they will do it for anyone over 50 years old.
See
http://www.irs.gov/app/freeFile/jsp/all_offers.jsp?
I have not used these services so do not know if there is a catch or problems with security.

[KatMac]

Last year I used TT, my first time using any tax software, and I was quite pleased. So I bought 2002 but haven't opened it yet.

This thread prompted me to do some searching. CNet's user reviews aren't pretty, especially with regard to SafeCast/C-Dilla, crashes, etc. Checked Intuit Support to see if it's addressed and found a prominant hyperlink for Turbo Tax Installation, Activation or "CDilla".

Yep, they've listed instructions for removing Macrovision SafeCast (C-Dilla)components (note: you must uninstall TT before you can uninstall SafeCast.) SafeCast uninstall requires downloading the Safecast Uninstaller. In TT's FAQ on C-Dilla, they deny that it's spyware. Instead they state: "Some of the files serve as your license to use TurboTax, while others manage that license (for example, allowing it to be activated and checking it for validity) or protect that license (for example, by insuring that only TurboTax can access the encrypted information). These files interact only with TurboTax and with each other. They do not examine, modify, or gather information about your computer, your computer's contents, or your activities or behavior, nor do they transmit any such information to Intuit, Macrovision, or any other party."

Thankfully I've not opened the software yet. Looks like I'm heading back to Office Depot. I feel another 'tax time headache' developing.

[John Steven]

I've used TT for the past three years and even bought it for '02. Looks like it's time for a change even though I already paid for it back in November when they send it to preferred customers.

[DVOM]

"they could increase your tax return by around $300 vs. what the other guy can do. How can they do that?"

I think they're counting on "the other guy" being the taxpayer him/herself. Who probably doesn't know much about the tax code. So as far as differences in tax software, there probably isn't much. Except for spyware.

[Fuelm@n]

I found such a program that now claims to get you that $300 to $500 cash back or your money back. It's called ItsDeductible http://www.itsdeductible.com/index.cfm , thought I'd just share that with everyone that replied to my post. Thanks again....

[Shinma]

Be careful of tax software/services that state such amounts.

Most would be an exaggeration,
Like those McDonald commercials of the Big Mac. I have yet to receive a Big Mac as large as those in the television ads...
Unless your circumstances for the year is just so, one would not receive a large refund.

Eons ago, worked at a district office for the H&R Block.

[slipe]

I’ve been using TurboTax for several years and have been happy with it. I’m switching to Tax Cut this year because of the activation. I don’t want problems when I build my new computer and I have a general feeling about voting with my wallet against activation. C dilla is mainly to enforce the activation. I don’t think Intuit would be stupid enough to have it send back personal information.

Online might be an option since you can access it from any computer and they save your information.

TurboTax or Tax Cut will lead you to any deduction you are legally allowed to make. If you get too creative it can be rough if you go in for an audit. And if you were too creative when they audit you they will put you higher on the priority list for another audit. I think it is smarter to play it straight. I wouldn’t be surprised to find the IRS had set their computers to recognize forms submitted by ItsDeductable if it is too prone to have you deduct things you aren’t entitled to. I know they go after certain tax preparers who are too creative.