Over at Bogleheads we been reading a month long discussion that's still going on...
I've read with interest the numerous posts about Intuit's changes of its TurboTax products for the 2013 tax year. I agree with many of the posters that these changes are not in the best interest of users. I've used TurboTax Deluxe for many years. I usually purchase it from Costco. Given this year's changes, I'd like to consider purchasing a competitor's tax software product. I need to complete both Schedules D and E.
What non-Intuit tax software products have Bogleheads used and been satisfied with? How complicated were the tax returns? How were state returns handled and state e-filings completed? Were you able to easily transfer data from older TurboTax returns to your new, non-Intuit tax software? For example, I don't want to have to reenter depreciation data into a new software program.
Also, I'd like to join those who have thanked Bob Meighan of TurboTax for participating in the other thread about TurboTax. That was a classy thing to do.
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I haven't done a competitive search in a few years, so I'm interested to know. I'm completing the tax forms for my parents, so the ability to do up to 5 returns is good.
I'm not happy about the extra charge for state returns, but I consider e-filing mandatory. I can't trust my parents to handle the paperwork themselves (I e-file with them present). Otherwise, I'd help them with the paperwork in person and make sure it was done correctly.
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Lady Geek, your parents are fortunate to have such a wonderful daughter.
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I usually use H&R Block (previously TaxCut), although two years ago I just built a spreadsheet and filled out the fillable pdfs. The USPS still delivered my returns for me: I think the cost was $0.44 and $1.32 (large envelope - the state wants a copy of the fed) plus the cost of paper and ink for my printer. To save paper, I printed the forms double sided, just like real forms.
Of course, for LG, this would require going to her parents' house, watching them sign, and then taking their returns to the post office. As I read her SP, that is not in the cards.
SP: second post, or is that FR, first reply?
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I've used TaxCut (now H&R Block) for over 20 years. I think it's a little less expensive than TurboTax. I've been satisfied with it. I get the Premium and Business (formerly Home and Business) version since I have to do fiduciary income tax returns for a few trusts. It includes the individual Federal return, and the first individual state return (additional state returns are extra). It also includes the individual Federal fiduciary return, and the state fiduciary returns for all of the states. It's about $80, often a bit less on Amazon.
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sscritic wrote:I usually use H&R Block (previously TaxCut), although two years ago I just built a spreadsheet and filled out the fillable pdfs. The USPS still delivered my returns for me: I think the cost was $0.44 and $1.32 (large envelope - the state wants a copy of the fed) plus the cost of paper and ink for my printer. To save paper, I printed the forms double sided, just like real forms.
Of course, for LG, this would require going to her parents' house, watching them sign, and then taking their returns to the post office. As I read her SP, that is not in the cards.
SP: second post, or is that FR, first reply?
This is the 6th post. Actually, they come to my house. I never ask, but they always bring lunch. 
It's not a problem to do this manually, as long as I have the prior years' returns - which I keep securely on my PC in PDF format.
The other part of evaluating a competitive package is the ability to ACH transfer the funds, whether for a tax refund or a tax payment.
chaz - thanks for the compliment.
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There's another thread about DIY taxes and several folks weighing in about their choice of software, Taxact in particular:
To answer your question here, Taxact has been my choice for years now. Specifically, I purchase the web-based Taxact Ultimate Bundle ($17.95, or pre-order $14.95 - yes, very cheap -and you pay when you file) which includes online Taxact Deluxe and one free federal and one free state e-file. For multiple returns, it is possible to buy a CD or download for $28 or so, not sure. Taxact has been sufficient for me for schedules C, D, E, etc. and my data carries forward nicely between years. ACH possible. Sorry, I don't know if your TT data will transfer to Taxact or any other tax prep product (I'd doubt it…).
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marbles100 wrote:Sorry, I don't know if your TT data will transfer to Taxact or any other tax prep product (I'd doubt it…).
I wouldn't doubt it. The other companies want customers. The customers have been using TT. The companies need to read old data from TT. As I recall from the past, it was only TT that wouldn't read the others' data.
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bsteiner wrote:I've used TaxCut (now H&R Block) for over 20 years. I think it's a little less expensive than TurboTax. I've been satisfied with it. I get the Premium and Business (formerly Home and Business) version since I have to do fiduciary income tax returns for a few trusts.
You use Windows. They don't make that for Mac, which my sister needs for the 1041s for my mom's trusts. 
H&R BLOCK
PREMIUM
& BUSINESS
Best for small business owners
Learn More Business & Premium Tax Software
Windows
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sscritic wrote:
marbles100 wrote:Sorry, I don't know if your TT data will transfer to Taxact or any other tax prep product (I'd doubt it…).
I wouldn't doubt it. The other companies want customers. The customers have been using TT. The companies need to read old data from TT. As I recall from the past, it was only TT that wouldn't read the others' data.
* TaxACT Online can import tax data from PDF files prepared by the following software solutions: TurboTax®, H&R Block At Home®.
The operative word acronym is PDF. IOW, they don't get into reverse engineering the data file itself, just scrape the output file for content. I think that's a good way to do it - and avoid legal problems. The same note is on Compare TaxACT's Desktop Products.
TaxACT looks like a good possibility. I'll need 2 federal and 2 state. Last year with TurboTax, I e-filed my parent's state taxes, but snail-mailed mine (no extra fee).
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I can't find it on the H&R Block website, but my retail box for 2012 says
Imports data from H&R Block At Home, Turbo Tax, and Quicken.
I once used TT, and the next year I imported the data into TaxCut (H&R's product at the time). I only use products on my own computer, so the files are local.
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sscritic wrote:I can't find it on the H&R Block website, but my retail box for 2012 says
Imports data from H&R Block At Home, Turbo Tax, and Quicken.
I once used TT, and the next year I imported the data into TaxCut (H&R's product at the time). I only use products on my own computer, so the files are local.
I had the same experience here, although I did have lots of fun last year because my TurboTax file from the prior year had gotten corrupted. After much digging through backups, I managed to find a good copy of the file. The joys of the digital age. It probably would have been faster to have just pulled out the paper copies and type it all in again.
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I asked this question in the other TurboTax thread, but it must have been overlooked, so I'll post it here.
Do TaxAct or H&R Block have something comparable to the It's Deductible program of TurboTax? It's Deductible is a standalone, online program that let's you list your charitable deductions, which TurboTax imports when you do your return. I searched on the TaxAct and H& Block websites but couldn't locate anything.
Thanks.
Last edited by gkaplan on Sat Dec 07, 2013 9:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Gordon
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gkaplan wrote:I asked this question in the other TurboTax thread, but it must have been overlooked, so I'll post it here.
Do TaxAct or H&R Block have some comparable to the It's Deductible program of TurboTax? It's Deductible is a standalone, online program that let's you list your charitable deductions, which TurboTax imports when you do your return. I searched on the TaxAct and H& Block websites but couldn't locate anything.
Thanks.
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This does look similar.
Gordon
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I've used H&R Block software since 1998 with the exception of 2005 when they didn't have a mac version. Based on my one experience with TT, the H&R software was better, and yes somewhat cheaper. BTW, they both read each others files, so no problem there.
Recommend the H&R, but TaxAct may be a better solution for your needs.
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gkaplan wrote:I asked this question in the other TurboTax thread, but it must have been overlooked, so I'll post it here.
Do TaxAct or H&R Block have something comparable to the It's Deductible program of TurboTax? It's Deductible is a standalone, online program that let's you list your charitable deductions, which TurboTax imports when you do your return. I searched on the TaxAct and H& Block websites but couldn't locate anything.
Thanks.
Yes, H&R does have a deduction program. However, I've found it's not really necessary or worth the trouble. If you have so many deductions that it may raise a flag, then it might be worth looking deeper into. I stay away from that potential audit trigger.
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I've used H&R Block at home (TaxCut) for the last 10 years, since TurboTax tried some foolishness about limiting using the program on multiple computers and/or other family members and I jumped their ship. It was a painless transition to HR&B. Very similar acting programs. No problem reading the competitors files (at least back then). H&RB Deluxe + state does everything I need (free efile).
JW
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MichDad wrote:I usually purchase it from Costco. Given this year's changes, I'd like to consider purchasing a competitor's tax software product.
Changes are only to the online version. No changes to the boxed version you buy from Costco.
Harry aka TFB, taking a break from the forums.
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tfb wrote:Changes are only to the online version. No changes to the boxed version you buy from Costco.
or anywhere else; I don't think Costco has an exclusive version. Also, if you are not happy about the direction the company is going, you don't have to wait until they remove Schedule D from boxed Deluxe (to better serve your needs) next year or the year after to make a switch, you can go ahead and switch to a competitor's product this year.
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sscritic wrote:I can't find it on the H&R Block website, but my retail box for 2012 says
Imports data from H&R Block At Home, Turbo Tax, and Quicken.
It's printed on the front of the box 2013 box. See Amazon for "Imports data directly from TurboTax."
(thanks to tfb for pointing out it is already on sale on Amazon)
P.S. if you can wait, it will likely be a gold box deal of the day some time in January or February.
Gold Box Deal of the Day: Save 50% on H&R Block At Home Tax Software. Save 50% on select H&R Block At Home tax software today, February 25, 2011, only.
I paid $21.99 last year.
Customers who have shown an interest in our Software Store might like to know that select H&R Block tax products are the featured Deal of the Day at Amazon.com. This offer is valid today only, January 5, 2013, and while supplies last.
Our Deal of the Day price for H&R Block At Home 2012 Deluxe + State is just $21.99, a savings of 51% off the list price.
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I'm one of the posters making negative comments about TurboTax (although I again commend their VP for having the durability to post here). I bailed on it after unannounced restrictions 10 years ago prevented me from using it for one return being worked on in two different countries, switching to free TaxACT. I had some problems with subtle inadequacies, the program not filing a form that was required only under certain unusual circumstances they did not recognize. The regs are clear, but the situation unusual. They were remarkably responsive, to the point of inviting me to submit a censored tax return that they could study, but the bottom line was that they just didn't seem to be paying attention to my obscure case details and I moved on. As an experiment I switched back to TurboTax after a few years, and it made the same error on form filing requirements. However, TurboTax did expose a completely different, blindingly dumb mistake I had made years previously on depreciations that TaxACT had not sufficiently rubbed my nose in to make me see it. Moral: if you have a simple tax return and high confidence you're on track, free TaxACT is a fine and cheaper way to fill out tax returns. Think of it as a form completion tool. If you have anything tricky, TurboTax does give an advantage. I am NOT talking about videos of shiny happy people talking to me from the screen, just clearer presentation in asking for and entering information.
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I don't like TT or the company (Intuit), but I too have to give them props. I made a state estimated tax payment in January one year. I got a refund from the state because I paid too much. The rules on what was a taxable state refund on the next year's return are a little tricky. There is a formula (or worksheet) for Recoveries of Itemized Deductions in publication 525 that applies. TaxCut told me to read pub 525 as I recall, but TT worked it out for me. I followed TaxCut's advice and ended up making my own spreadsheet, and the numbers matched TT.
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+1 for TaxAct. I switched to TaxAct a few years ago when I started taxable investing. I wanted software that could import my transactions from a CSV file, and TaxAct does so admirably. Prior to that, I used Tax Slayer, which is fine if you don't have investment transactions to report. But I prefer TaxAct's interface over Tax Slayer's.
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I have used several different programs but have been using TaxAct the last few years. It is very inexpensive and has improved in quality each year. When I had very long schedule Ds and used Quicken to track my investments, TurboTax was easy to use because it would import the data but no need for that now.
Just be sure to save a copy of your tax return on your own computer and print a copy as well. They have a limited amount of time you are allowed to access it before you would have to pay a fee to do so.
They offer discounts if you pay in advance.
It probably doesn't apply to many people here, but if your income is low enough, you may qualify for free online tax preparation and filing with various providers.
[Corrected to TaxAct, not TaxCut; I have used TurboTax, H&RB Block, and TaxCut.]
Last edited by Pajamas on Fri Dec 20, 2013 6:03 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Although I prefer Turbo Tax, but Tax Cut is cheaper and works fine for us.
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What is this TaxCut or Tax Cut that people are writing about? I have my copy from 2008, but that was five years ago. I haven't see any new versions of TaxCut for several years.
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sscritic wrote:What is this TaxCut or Tax Cut that people are writing about? I have my copy from 2008, but that was five years ago. I haven't see any new versions of TaxCut for several years.
If you google for taxcut, it will jump to H&R Bock Tax software.
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I can call you Betty, and Betty when you call me you can call me Al.
Other posters have written Tax Cut when they meant Tax Act. Others, like you, have written Tax Cut with a space when you mean TaxCut without a space, a product that doesn't exist. If you mean H&R Block (no longer at Home), then you should write what you mean. Using the correct name reduces the confusion caused by using the incorrect name, which as we have seen, has two different interpretations.
P.S. Google does many things, but I have never seen it jump. 
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I just googled Tax Cut (your original spelling) and found this:
Tax cut - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_cut
A tax cut is a reduction in taxes. The immediate effects of a tax cut are a decrease in the real income of the government and an increase in the real income of ...
This was the first listing that is not an ad.
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I use FreeTaxUSA. I complete the state portion to get the amount I owe or pay but I don't pay the $12.95 for the state. I then use the ohio e-file but I like to compare the amount owed/payed before I complete it.
The federal is always free no matter what schedules you use.
Anyone ever used FreeTaxUSA? I have only used it for 2012 taxes but I thought it was equivalent to TT.
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I have used TaxAct for the past five years or so. What I really enjoy about the program is that you pay one fee ~$15 for the federal, state, and e-filing the return.
I used to use Turbo Tax, but I had three major issues with it.
1) My computer died. Their software program would not let me install on the replacement computer.
2) On numerous occasions, I could not get an update to the program on-line without calls to the support line.
3) I could never get the true pricing upfront. To me, it seemed like a three-card monty.
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Drewman wrote:I use FreeTaxUSA. I complete the state portion to get the amount I owe or pay but I don't pay the $12.95 for the state. I then use the ohio e-file but I like to compare the amount owed/payed before I complete it.
The federal is always free no matter what schedules you use.
Anyone ever used FreeTaxUSA? I have only used it for 2012 taxes but I thought it was equivalent to TT.
Thank you for this lead. I've never heard of FreeTaxUSA before. Do other Bogleheads have experience with it?
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I have been using $9.95 Tax Act for years. Last year did a "test" file on line with TT and compared the results. Exactly the same.
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A quick look at FreeTaxUSA gives me 2nd thoughts. Their Privacy Policy states that they will solicit you for a sales reference, e.g. a friend, and then embed tracking info in the email.
We may use clear-gifs/web beacons in our HTML-based emails to monitor the effectiveness of our communication efforts. Links within email may contain campaign tracking codes to measure traffic. When you click on a link in an email or open an HTML email that includes a web beacon, we record these individual responses to allow us to customize our offerings to you.
If you have a state return, your minimum cost is $12.95. I'm not sure why anyone would need this, but they charge $5.95 for a printed return, or $12.95 for a printed and bound return. Perhaps it's useful to a professional.
They also have a nice referral program if you're in this business. Partners & Affiliates
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Do the non-TurboTax programs handle backdoor Roth conversions without a hitch?
Gordon
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gkaplan wrote:Do the non-TurboTax programs handle backdoor Roth conversions without a hitch?
Yes for TaxAct.
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Thanks, Cash.
Gordon
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I used turbotax for many years. Last year I saw a good deal, H&R Block deluxe for $1.
H&R Block is pretty good and will try it again.
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bogleblitz wrote:I used turbotax for many years. Last year I saw a good deal, H&R Block deluxe for $1.
H&R Block is pretty good and will try it again.
Last year Deluxe + state for $15. Year before that they sent it for free! This sort of worries me. These prices have a going out business smell.
New software is not fun for me anymore.
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LadyGeek wrote:A quick look at FreeTaxUSA gives me 2nd thoughts. Their Privacy Policy states that they will solicit you for a sales reference, e.g. a friend, and then embed tracking info in the email.
We may use clear-gifs/web beacons in our HTML-based emails to monitor the effectiveness of our communication efforts. Links within email may contain campaign tracking codes to measure traffic. When you click on a link in an email or open an HTML email that includes a web beacon, we record these individual responses to allow us to customize our offerings to you.
If you have a state return, your minimum cost is $12.95. I'm not sure why anyone would need this, but they charge $5.95 for a printed return, or $12.95 for a printed and bound return. Perhaps it's useful to a professional.
Playing Devils advocate....FreeTaxUSA has the same TRUSTe Certified Privacy that TurboTax has. However, FreeTaxUSA allows you to opt-out -->http://preferences-mgr.truste.com/
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JW Nearly Retired wrote:
bogleblitz wrote:I used turbotax for many years. Last year I saw a good deal, H&R Block deluxe for $1.
H&R Block is pretty good and will try it again.
Last year Deluxe + state for $15. Year before that they sent it for free! This sort of worries me. These prices have a going out business smell.
New software is not fun for me anymore.
JW
For several years, HR Block was offering their TaxCut software at Dollar Tree for $1. That SOUNDS like a great deal.
However, there is a charge for any state tax ($15) and still an additional charge for e-filing.
Personally, that did not bother me too much as the Illinois return was simple to do by hand and I just mailed the return in.
That is one of the MAJOR reasons I switched over to TaxAct.
As for the "free" software disk offers, most of them have a fee involved in using them.
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I just registered with TaxAct. We'll see how it goes. I don't particularly care for TurboTax's business model right now.
Gordon
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I've been using TT for at least 4 or 5 years. This is giving me food for thought re: switching. Is it a big deal to switch over to Taxact? What about prior tax history, handling of dividends/interest/cap gains--I am reasonably satisfied with TT. Thanks
"When nothing goes right....go left"
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A CPA. We're not the richest, but we have income from numerous sources and of various types. Just taking the income as it comes & plugging it into a program would miss the savings opportunities that avoiding & bringing forward streams provide. His understanding of how these components are impacted by the tax rates at various levels saves us many x what we pay him.
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"If Not TurboTax, What?"
TaxAct.
Have used it for 10+ years.. I am also one of those who switched 10 years ago, the year that TT started installing stealth software on an obscure part of your hard drive that stayed there even when you reformatted the drive, all in some sort of effort to stop you from printing more than one return.
TaxAct works great, is affordable, has no silly rebates to deal with, and they (used to) answer the phone. I buy the downloadable version, Fed + State bundle, as I have an aversion to putting my private info online. This version of TaxAct lets me do as many returns as I want on my own computer. So I can do a bunch of "what if" scenarios and even print them out if I want. It comes with one free Federal efile, and I pay for the state efile. When I help others with their return (most years) I let them decide if they want to print it out and mail it, or if they want to pay for the additional efiles. They usually opt for the efiles, so TA still makes their money.
Last edited by Saving$ on Mon Dec 09, 2013 7:04 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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gkaplan wrote:I asked this question in the other TurboTax thread, but it must have been overlooked, so I'll post it here.
Do TaxAct or H&R Block have something comparable to the It's Deductible program of TurboTax? It's Deductible is a standalone, online program that let's you list your charitable deductions, which TurboTax imports when you do your return. I searched on the TaxAct and H& Block websites but couldn't locate anything.
Thanks.
Yes for at least the downloadable version of TaxAct. It is under Tools and called Donation Assistant. Works very well. I used it a few years ago when I did a purge and had TONS of donations. I was impressed by how easy it was to enter items.
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Nothing is free, someone pays.
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I have used Turbo and also H&R Block's Tax Cut. Both are quite similar and easy to use.
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gkaplan wrote:I just registered with TaxAct. We'll see how it goes. I don't particularly care for TurboTax's business model right now.
Agree. I'm a former TT user, but I'm switching to TaxAct Deluxe this year ($12.99).
Best Regards - Mel | | 
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Mel Lindauer wrote:
gkaplan wrote:I just registered with TaxAct. We'll see how it goes. I don't particularly care for TurboTax's business model right now.
Agree. I'm a former TT user, but I'm switching to TaxAct Deluxe this year ($12.99).
You can't beat that price!
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abuss368 wrote:
Mel Lindauer wrote:
gkaplan wrote:I just registered with TaxAct. We'll see how it goes. I don't particularly care for TurboTax's business model right now.
Agree. I'm a former TT user, but I'm switching to TaxAct Deluxe this year ($12.99).
You can't beat that price!
Unless you're a flagship client and get TT for free!
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richard wrote:
abuss368 wrote:
Mel Lindauer wrote:
gkaplan wrote:I just registered with TaxAct. We'll see how it goes. I don't particularly care for TurboTax's business model right now.
Agree. I'm a former TT user, but I'm switching to TaxAct Deluxe this year ($12.99).
You can't beat that price!
Unless you're a flagship client and get TT for free!
But the free TT no longer includes the needed forms (no Schedule D, of all things, for Vanguard investors).
Best Regards - Mel | | 
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Mel Lindauer wrote:
richard wrote:
abuss368 wrote:
Mel Lindauer wrote:
gkaplan wrote:I just registered with TaxAct. We'll see how it goes. I don't particularly care for TurboTax's business model right now.
Agree. I'm a former TT user, but I'm switching to TaxAct Deluxe this year ($12.99).
You can't beat that price!
Unless you're a flagship client and get TT for free!
But the free TT no longer includes the needed forms (no Schedule D, of all things, for Vanguard investors).
You must be kidding!
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abuss368 wrote:You can't beat that price!
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After years of paying someone else to do my returns, I am going to go the self-prepared route this year for the first time. My question is also regarding Turbo Tax vs. Tax Act (or similar). As most, but not all, of my investments are with Vanguard, I see that filing with Turbo Tax through Vanguard will auto load my numbers into my return. I still, of course, will have to enter my other investments myself but is it worth the extra cost of Turbo Tax for this benefit? I am a Voyager client not Flagship. Thanks !
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dbr wrote:You must be kidding!
Perhaps you missed the other thread about this change. Here's what the footnote at the bottom of the information about TT on Vanguard's web site:
†New for 2013 tax year: TurboTax Online users who are filing Schedules D or E are required to use TurboTax Premier. Users filing Schedules C or F must use TurboTax Home & Business. This change currently doesn't apply to TurboTax Desktop products.
Best Regards - Mel | | 
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scubablue wrote:After years of paying someone else to do my returns, I am going to go the self-prepared route this year for the first time. My question is also regarding Turbo Tax vs. Tax Act (or similar). As most, but not all, of my investments are with Vanguard, I see that filing with Turbo Tax through Vanguard will auto load my numbers into my return. I still, of course, will have to enter my other investments myself but is it worth the extra cost of Turbo Tax for this benefit? I am a Voyager client not Flagship. Thanks !
I am not sure what "through Vanguard" has to do with it. If you use H&R Block for example, there is a "get your W-2 and 1099" page. Last year, Vanguard was on the list. Now they had some problem at first (Vanguard's format wasn't matching something), but they got it worked out. Whether TT had a problem with Vanguard's format at first, I do not know. If you enter TT through Vanguard, I doubt you get a different experience than if you enter TT some other way. I am guessing that TT on your computer can talk to Vanguard.
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It has to do with the info on the Vanguard link to Turbo Tax which states that your Vanguard data can be automatically imported to your return. If H&R and others can do the same, there is no advantage. Since I have not done this before, I was simply looking for some input.
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I found a comment on amazon.com that said TaxAct didn't automatically update the state tax return if the federal return was updated. IOW, they're not linked together. TurboTax does this just fine.
The review was for an older version of TaxAct, so I'm wondering if this is still the case. If you change your Federal return, will the state return follow automatically?
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LadyGeek wrote:I found a comment on amazon.com that said TaxAct didn't automatically update the state tax return if the federal return was updated. IOW, they're not linked together. TurboTax does this just fine.
The review was for an older version of TaxAct, so I'm wondering if this is still the case. If you change your Federal return, will the state return follow automatically?
I'm pretty sure it does, LG, at least that's my recollection over the past several years. But I won't have this year's state return for download until January.
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TurboTax is the best tax product I've used. I've used the Home & Business version every year anyway, so I'll just stick with it. I have used TaxAct in the past and didn't like it nearly as much, but that was at least 5 or 6 years ago.
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Thanks, I'm leaning towards TaxAct and wanted to double-check.
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Vanguard web site now says Flagship folk get complimentary Premier version for this year only! Hmm wonder what is going on behind the scenes?
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Kurmudjon wrote:Vanguard web site now says Flagship folk get complimentary Premier version for this year only! Hmm wonder what is going on behind the scenes?
Online only.
Online Desktop
download
Federal: Premier Complimentary $9.99
List price: online $49.99; (This tax year only) (state included)
download $89.99
Someone has been reading the threads here or the complaints about no Schedule D online with Deluxe.
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I've used TaxAct for a few years. It'd pretty good.
I think I've had to enter my schedule D information manually. But we're talking < 10 trades a year so it wasn't too bad.
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I just purchased TaxAct Federal + State for $28.99. Amazon.com didn't seem to stock anything later than 2011, so I went to TaxAct.com directly. The state product isn't available until January, so no download available. Be sure to print the order receipt page, as that's the only place the unlock codes are listed. (Additionally, you can save the browser's web page. 
)
My first impression was that the software has been around for quite some time, as it didn't want to be installed in the C:\Program Files folder; reminds me of Win 95 and XP. However, I'll bet that it works on quite a number of MS Windows operating systems without compatibility problems.
The first thing I tried was to import my 2012 TurboTax return, which uses the PDF file. Apparently, TaxAct can only work with the PDF file that contains the submitted forms. I only had the one with all the worksheets and the forms - it refused to import. 
Maybe I'll try editing the PDF later and see if that works. Instead, I have the TurboTax PDF file up side-by-side with TaxAct. It's not all that inconvenient to copy-n-paste from the PDF into TaxAct.
The layout is clean and free from annoying ads. Everything is where I expect it, and I like the data entry on top, form on the bottom approach.
OK, there was an annoying ad when I opened up a new W-2 window and clicked on the calculator. I got a calculator ad, but it went away after I told it "No" - the Windows calculator appeared after that. Hopefully, it was a one time ad and I don't see any more of this stuff later (self-censoring language I'd like to say instead).
In comparison with TurboTax, it's just a matter of getting used to the different interface. Help is easily available in the right places. I didn't get farther than entering a W-2, but my first impressions are good.
To some, the glass is half full. To others, the glass is half empty. To an engineer, it's twice the size it needs to be.
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TaxAct update: I reinstalled TurboTax 2012 (downloaded from Amazon.com) and saved the 2012 PDF "for filing only." TaxAct did import them, but that file doesn't include W-2 or 1099-R. Additionally, it doesn't appear to import anything from Schedule A or B. The e-file bank info was also imported, but you'll need to tell TaxAct whether it's a savings or checking account.
The bottom line is that the TurboTax import is good for getting started on your personal info, but not much else. I don't see that as an impediment, as you can copy-n-paste directly from the "for your records" PDF anything that's missing. You can also use last year's PDF as a guide on how to file (what info goes where).
I'll stay with TaxAct.
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Thanks for posting LadyGeek. I am also strongly considering the switch from TT to TA this tax season and I appreciate your insight. I did a dry run through TA (as well as TT) a week ago and was pleased with its ease of use. I came up with the same final figure in both programs with no issues.
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LadyGeek wrote:TaxAct update: I reinstalled TurboTax 2012 (downloaded from Amazon.com) and saved the 2012 PDF "for filing only." TaxAct did import them, but that file doesn't include W-2 or 1099-R. Additionally, it doesn't appear to import anything from Schedule A or B. The e-file bank info was also imported, but you'll need to tell TaxAct whether it's a savings or checking account.
The bottom line is that the TurboTax import is good for getting started on your personal info, but not much else. I don't see that as an impediment, as you can copy-n-paste directly from the "for your records" PDF anything that's missing. You can also use last year's PDF as a guide on how to file (what info goes where).
I'll stay with TaxAct.
LadyGeek,
Thank you for your posts on this topic. They are very helpful.
I am not a tech person. I've been using TurboTax Deluxe (disc version) for many years and am seriously considering a switch for my 2013 tax returns (federal and state, plus e-filings for both). My biggest concern is how I'll import my TurboTax information into TaxAct. I am particularly concerned about how my depreciation expenses on a rental unit will carry over. I want that to be seemless.
Do you think I'll be able to figure out how to do the TurboTax import? Does TaxAct offer customer service to assist with problems?
MichDad
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Just curious. I use H&R Block as my alternative to TT. What does TaxAct offer that H&R Block doesn't? As I recall, there wasn't a big problem importing into H&R Block from TT the last time I switched, but maybe I have different expectations of what "import" means. I don't really want all my numbers from last year in this year's return; most of them will be wrong.
I think I just asked two questions. LadyGeek, as the volunteer tester, can you get a copy H&R Block to try to import from TT? I have seen those "free" deals posted, but as you know you just need to get a version that has "pay when filing or printing" in order to test. I would do it, but I don't have a TT return from last year.
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Amazon has H&R Block (formerly TaxCut) Premium & Business for $39.99 (50% off) today. It includes the fiduciary income tax forms for estates and trusts. One state is included for individual returns (you can buy additonal states). If it's the same as in previous years, all states are included for fiduciary income tax returns.
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MichDad - As sscritic notes, the numbers don't transfer (TurboTax never imported numbers, either). The advantage of importing is to save typing in the entry information, e.g. fund and account info. My tax returns are somewhat simplified, but I will have a quantity of 10999-R, 1099-INT, and 1099-DIV from my parents. I don't think it's that much of a problem to enter, as the prior year's PDF is available.
I understand the desire for a seamless import (I did have higher expectations from TaxAct), but I also look at this as a way to force a more thorough review. I don't have rental units, so I can't evaluate if this will be easy or hard for you.
If I choose to do so in TaxAct, I can import W-2s online (just like TurboTax), but will end up doing it manually anyway.
sscritic - I'm not testing H&R Block software. I chose TaxAct because I liked their website better than H&R Block. Do you have a TurboTax return PDF from any year prior to 2012? Or, perhaps you can install the TT free edition?
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bsteiner wrote:Amazon has H&R Block (formerly TaxCut) Premium & Business for $39.99 (50% off) today. It includes the fiduciary income tax forms for estates and trusts. One state is included for individual returns (you can buy additonal states). If it's the same as in previous years, all states are included for fiduciary income tax returns.
It also includes Partnership and S-Corp returns if anyone wants to play with those. (You can also get last years Federal version of those from Tax Act for free, not sure about the states)
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LadyGeek wrote:sscritic - I'm not testing H&R Block software. I chose TaxAct because I liked their website better than H&R Block. Do you have a TurboTax return PDF from any year prior to 2012? Or, perhaps you can install the TT free edition?
I imported from a .tax file for 2005 to a .T06 file in 2007, all on my computer. H&R Block imports from tax files; I don't know if it imports from pdfs.
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I've just been fooling around with H&R Block's tax preparation software, and I like it better than TaxAct. For my 2013 tax returns, I have registered with all three major tax preparation software providers – TurboTax, Tax Act, and H&R Block. I'll give it about a week and decide which one I'm going to use.
Gordon
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Another +1 for taxact. Been using this since 2003. Only one bug found in CA's dealing with employer contributions to an HSA in 2008 was not being added to CA return properly, but I notified them about it and they fixed it (and still charged me full price for the software)..
If you are a returning user you get a comeback special offer for 13.95 ultimate that requires pre-registration. If you procrastinate until a week before the deadline last year I got an email that they would knock $5 off the 17.95 price as I remember (this only happened since we tried out a CPA, boy was that a mistake). It doesn't stack with the 13.95 price though, it would still be the same 12.95 so I doubt its worth $1 to wait until last minute to file especially if you are getting a refund, and no guarantee the same offer will come this year.
Last edited by mikep on Sun Dec 29, 2013 10:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Left Turbo Tax about 6 years ago,using TaxAct 
"One does not accumulate but eliminate. It is not daily increase but daily decrease. The height of cultivation always runs to simplicity" –Bruce Lee
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How does taxact handle carryovers?
I'm going to have Tira basis to carryover and I also like to track my Roth basis, which TT does nicely.
Will they carryover on an import or do I need to enter manually. I'm currently using TT but want to switch to something more free, or close to free.
- Bill
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bsteiner wrote:Amazon has H&R Block (formerly TaxCut) Premium & Business for $39.99 (50% off) today. It includes the fiduciary income tax forms for estates and trusts. One state is included for individual returns (you can buy additonal states). If it's the same as in previous years, all states are included for fiduciary income tax returns.
Do you recommend H&R Block over TurboTax Business for fiduciary returns?
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Anyone else tried olt.com?
I've been using them the last couple years without any issues.
$7.95 each for fed & state returns.
Not too shabby.
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We have been using Taxact (online version) for several years. $13.95 for fed, state and efiling is a great price. And data gets carried over from previous years (personal info, all bank, brokerage details, carryover loss, etc). Handles Roth conversions, HSAs, Sch A/B/C/D, everything. Even imports trading transactions from Gainskeeper, TD ameritrade.
My main issue with the online version (not sure about downloadable version) is that it is wizard style only and sometimes even if you need to make one small change, you might have to go through 20 clicks before you can do it. I wish they had some advanced entry options for everything (spreadsheet/form style that they have for a few forms now).
For CA state tax, there is limited guidance from Taxact, they expect you to know the state tax law, read the instructions and be familiar with deductions/additions/subtractions.
I was actually considering getting the free TT from Vanguard to see if I should switch.
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I have always used the online version of TaxAct to do my own taxes.
Scottrade is my brokerage, but they don't offer an easy way to directly export data into TaxAct so my solution has been to use a third-party service called Gainskeeper. Gainskeeper pulls my stock trade information directly from Scottrade, then TaxAct can pull the schedule D information directly from Gainskeeper. I've been doing it this way for years. Gainskeeper isn't exactly cheap. I think it was $80 for my annual renewal last year. But it sure does make things easier come tax time if you have a fairly active trading account.
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Sounds like yet another reason to ditch Scottrade. Thanks for mentioning that because I can use that every time someone recommends Scottrade.
It's all about market timing, uh, I mean rebalancing, uh, I mean opportunistic rebalancing, uh, I mean short-term opportunistic rebalancing due to a short-term change in one's asset allocation.
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Just curious.
I have a MLP in my taxable portfolio. Does Turbo Tax handle MLPs fine?
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All of the CD versions/downloads (including Basic) handle MLPs quite well; it even handles sales which can be tricky. Not sure about the online versions.
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This thread prompted me to try TaxAct after several years of being frustrated with TurboTax. Right away the TaxAct import of my TurboTax pdf would not work. My first attempt I tried the once with all the worksheets, then I downloaded a fresh copy of my 2012 return with just the forms and both times TaxAct could not import. Very frustrating.
~~ Update - after screwing around with it (time I didn't want to waste) I found it worked in IE but not Firefox. Not looking or technical support, just sharing my experience.
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Like LG, I do my parents' returns and ours by "hand." We were paying my cousin, who is a CPA, a hefty fee for very simple returns. If you have the prior year's returns, just read up on "What's new in 2013" in the Fed and State instructions, make sure credits/deductions are within the income limits (and the multiplier hasn't changed), be sure the tax table is correct, and just assemble and send in for a couple bucks. After a year or two, it takes an afternoon to assemble all 6 returns (including city), and then send to my parents to get signed.
Saves a few bucks on buying software. Also, if you have a write-in amount to claim on the first page somewhere in the margin, you can't do this with most software (maybe you can now, but I could do it a few years ago).
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WillyMcG wrote:This thread prompted me to try TaxAct after several years of being frustrated with TurboTax. Right away the TaxAct import of my TurboTax pdf would not work. My first attempt I tried the once with all the worksheets, then I downloaded a fresh copy of my 2012 return with just the forms and both times TaxAct could not import. Very frustrating.
~~ Update - after screwing around with it (time I didn't want to waste) I found it worked in IE but not Firefox. Not looking or technical support, just sharing my experience.
Just curious, as I use neither. I have a computer. I have a tax program on my computer. I have tax files on my computer. The files are not in portable document format. When I import the files, say switching from one program to another, I use the files in the format they are in, which is not portable document format, but some format set by the maker of the tax software I created them in.
Does TT no longer give you files in TT format? My old TT files all end in .tax. What do your TT files end in? Does TaxAct only import from portable document format and not from the TT format? Color me confused.
Or is not being able to import your tax files one of the benefits of using the cloud that so many are enamored of?
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TurboTax offered to export in both pdf and .tax format
TaxAct only offered to import via pdf.
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sscritic wrote:
WillyMcG wrote:This thread prompted me to try TaxAct after several years of being frustrated with TurboTax. Right away the TaxAct import of my TurboTax pdf would not work. My first attempt I tried the once with all the worksheets, then I downloaded a fresh copy of my 2012 return with just the forms and both times TaxAct could not import. Very frustrating.
~~ Update - after screwing around with it (time I didn't want to waste) I found it worked in IE but not Firefox. Not looking or technical support, just sharing my experience.
Just curious, as I use neither. I have a computer. I have a tax program on my computer. I have tax files on my computer. The files are not in portable document format. When I import the files, say switching from one program to another, I use the files in the format they are in, which is not portable document format, but some format set by the maker of the tax software I created them in.
Does TT no longer give you files in TT format? My old TT files all end in .tax. What do your TT files end in? Does TaxAct only import from portable document format and not from the TT format? Color me confused.
Or is not being able to import your tax files one of the benefits of using the cloud that so many are enamored of?
I thought the .tax suffix was TT's own proprietary file format. While they certainly could make the format (and file logic) available to anyone who wanted to "read" their files for some purpose (like importing them), I do not know if they have done that. You can open .tax files using Notepad, but the resulting data doesn't make much sense.
PDF files can be opened (for editing) by anyone who owns the correct version of Adobe Acrobat. Of course, making sense of them may be another matter.
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pshonore wrote:I thought the .tax suffix was TT's own proprietary file format. While they certainly could make the format (and file logic) available to anyone who wanted to "read" their files for some purpose (like importing them), I do not know if they have done that.
H&R Block (in their various incarnations) has been able to import .tax files for years, which is why I don't have new .tax files, but only old .tax files.
From last year's box:
Imports data from H&R Block at Home, TurboTax, and Quicken
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The CPA's in our family file our returns for free.
Blood thicker than water....the family ties that bind....
OK, maybe I buy the bro-man a hazelnut coffee to grease the wheels. 
"..the cavalry ain't comin' kid, you're on your own..."
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peppers wrote:The CPA's in our family file our returns for free.
Blood thicker than water....the family ties that bind....
OK, maybe I buy the bro-man a hazelnut coffee to grease the wheels. 
Guess that's the PERK of having a CPA in the family 
. Sorry, had to!
Oh wait, I have a CPA in my family 
, maybe I should have found his vice as opposed to dropping $150 to do my taxes 
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peppers wrote:The CPA's in our family file our returns for free.
Blood thicker than water....the family ties that bind....
OK, maybe I buy the bro-man a hazelnut coffee to grease the wheels. 
My son knows very little about taxes, and it drives me nuts. But then my DIL's relative does all their taxes for free, so I can't really blame him for not spending time with tax returns.
Who else here uses the Free Family File method of doing your tax returns?
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I have used TaxAct online for years. Works great, very inexpensive
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There's 4 CPA's in the family business. If I don't like his numbers, I walk across the aisle and talk to my niece.
"..the cavalry ain't comin' kid, you're on your own..."
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peppers wrote:There's 4 CPA's in the family business. If I don't like his numbers, I walk across the aisle and talk to my niece.
So is the better return the most accurate or the one that gives you the biggest refund?
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sscritic wrote:
peppers wrote:There's 4 CPA's in the family business. If I don't like his numbers, I walk across the aisle and talk to my niece.
So is the better return the most accurate or the one that gives you the biggest refund?
Another set of "younger eyes" is good.
Never tempt fate or the feds.
"..the cavalry ain't comin' kid, you're on your own..."
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I'm another long-time TT user probably switching to TaxAct. Anyone know how well it handles acquisition and sale of ESPP and RSU shares?
keith6014 wrote:I have a MLP in my taxable portfolio. Does Turbo Tax handle MLPs fine?
I made the mistake of buying an MLP, Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP (KMP), for the first time a few years ago in a taxable account. I had no idea that there would be a sh*tstorm of paperwork involved when it came time to do my taxes. When I tried to do my taxes using TaxAct that year, it sort-of handled some of it, but then it wanted me to print out almost TWENTY additional IRS forms that I needed figure out how to fill out and then physically mail in. If I recall, some of them were going to various states where the KMP does business or something. Not fun at all.
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Turbo Tax (any CD version) does a much better job with MLPs. Take a look at last year's State Schedule that is included with the K1. Unless the operating income for any given state (usually Col 1) exceeds the minimum reporting requirement for that state (most are usually negative), there is no need to file a state return for that state
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livesoft wrote:Sounds like yet another reason to ditch Scottrade. Thanks for mentioning that because I can use that every time someone recommends Scottrade.
I don't know if Scottrade is the guilty party or TaxAct. I think that TurboTax offers a way to directly import from Scottrade.
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Anyone have experience with filing in multiple states with any of the substitutes? I found I needed to do a fair amount of fiddling with TT to have it get multiple states right last year. Is TaxAct (or H&R Block) any better at that?
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Are you talking wages, or something else? Multistates are always difficult because you generally have to calculate the non-resident states first and then figure how much your resident state will credit for each.
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pshonore wrote:Are you talking wages, or something else? Multistates are always difficult because you generally have to calculate the non-resident states first and then figure how much your resident state will credit for each.
In our case, one spouse is resident in one (and earning money there) and the other is resident in the other (and earning money there). But one of the states is community property and the other isn't. I've gotten Turbotax to work correctly in the past, but only by going through the various forms and manually adjusting certain things. If TaxAct is going to be the same way, I may just stick with TT (better the devil you know...)
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masteraleph wrote:In our case, one spouse is resident in one (and earning money there) and the other is resident in the other (and earning money there). But one of the states is community property and the other isn't. I've gotten Turbotax to work correctly in the past, but only by going through the various forms and manually adjusting certain things. If TaxAct is going to be the same way, I may just stick with TT (better the devil you know...)
Since you already know the rules, paper would work better than TT. Why spend time fighting against TT when you know how to figure what goes where? Use TT for the feds and paper for the states. You also will save money as you won't need TT plus two states. What is two states? $80?
