How to choose the best tax software for YOUR needs (Part 2 of 2)

This is Part 2 of choosing the right tax software for preparing your 2009 taxes. In this part, I will describe the pros and cons of preparing your taxes online at the turbotax online website, or on your computer locally by downloading turbotax first.

(Part 1 of the series explained different types of turbotax packages for personal and business tax filings).

Turbotax Online or Download?

There are two versions of TurboTax, online and desktop. TurboTax Online products allow you to complete your taxes on the Web, while the desktop products allow you to install the software and complete your taxes right on your computer. First, we’ll look at the differences between the two, and then if you still can’t decide which one you want, we’ll ask you some questions to help you decide.


Function or Feature


TurboTax Online


TurboTax Download

Purchasing
the product

Free to try. Don’t pay until you print or e-file.

Purchase software on CD from a retail store or directly from TurboTax. Or,purchase over the Web for download.

Accessing or installing the product

Nothing to install. Prepare your return and e-file from
any computer with Internet access.

Install purchased product from a CD or download and install on your personal
computer.

System
requirements


Lower system requirements than desktop.

Higher system requirements than online.

Completing
your return

Step-by-step Interview questions make tax preparation simple.

Step-by-step Interview questions and the
ability to view and complete tax forms just as they appear on paper.

Multiple
returns

E-file, or print and mail, unlimited federal returns as long as each has a unique
User ID and Password.

Prepare and print multiple returns. E-file up to five federal returns.

State
returns

E-file up to three state returns per federal return filed electronically. (Each
federal and state return is paid for separately and the cost of e-filing is included.)

E-file up to three state returns per federal return filed electronically. (Note that each federal and state e-file must be paid for separately.)

Updating
the product

Updates are automatic – no downloads required.

Download updates from the Web.

For most of the people, filing taxes online would be the better option, since you can access you data from anywhere, no need to keep checking for tax software updates, and because you can file unlimited tax returns online without any additionl charges. Finally, you can get to try turbotax online free, something that turbotax download does not offer.

Entry Filed under: Tax Software, Turbo Tax 2009, Turbo Tax Premier, Turbo tax deluxe, Turbo tax home & business, Turbotax 2009

1 Comment

  • 1. Tax Software coupons and &hellip  |  February 5th, 2007 at 1:10 am

    [...] part 2 of this series, I will cover the questions you need to ask to find out whether you need to download turbotax or you should use turbotax online to do your [...]

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In the spirit of full disclosure: Consult your tax-adviser for any income tax related questions. The info in this or any other blog blog should not be taken as irs reference. The writers of these blog are not experts, hence the views expressed here are not expert advise or endorsements. We are not liable from use or misuse of the information listed on this blog. I offset the cost of hosting the blog by affiliate commissions from some of the programs listed on this blog. No company has asked me to write any review of any kind, all the writing is from my own initiative. Good luck.

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