When on the lookout for an excellent “Web-based” free tax software deal, begin your exploration at the “IRS Free File Alliance” page where you will find different free tax software proposals from 20 major vendors of tax-software manufacturers available for free when you do your tax preparation and filing electronically.

In fact, an increasing number of individuals are using tax software packages for doing their taxes personally through their home computers. Recent survey done by “CCH Complete Tax” revealed that only sixteen percent of American taxpayers use the pencil and paper method when filing. When E-filing started in 1986, only about 25 thousand tax returns where filed online. However today, that number has greatly increased with nearly 68 million filed online individual returns.

Free online tax filing and preparation is powered by the “Internal Revenue Service” that currently is struggling so to meet the congressional mandate to have 80 percent electronically filed tax returns by the year 2007. IRS has worked together with software manufacturers to offer free online tax preparation as well as requires these manufacturers to meet IRS standards for privacy and security.

You will be able to perform online tax preparation and filing for free when you use the “IRS Free File website”. Note that you need to start at the “IRS Free File page”, as if you would directly go to the tax manufacturer’s website, you will not qualify for free E- filing service. However, know that all free programs offered at the IRS sight could possibly not offer all tax software features as those that are available for purchase; and as in all tax soft wares, they each have their limitations specially when unusual circumstances apply and can create inaccurate returns should users fail to interpret questions accurately.

Benefits of filing online through IRS free tax software’s:

1. Convenience. E-filing is considered a “one stop shop”, as it permits filing of state and federal tax returns all in one program.
2. Easy to understand and use. Free tax software enables you to easily prepare as well as file tax electronically, providing you with “alerts” that guides you throughout the whole process and signals you to make the most of any tools that can help you.
3. Direct electronic payment. Electronic payment or deposit is available for your convenience.
4. Fast refunds. Mostly, refunds are released within just days of acceptance.
5. Confirmation of returns. Receipts of tax returns are generally confirmed through an “electronic acknowledgment system”.
6. Few errors. E-filed returns are normally received almost free from errors.

Free tax software reviews:

1. TurboTax. The “Free file edition” of TurboTax is very simple to use as well as it is accurate and fast. TurboTax delivers best results when used along side Internet Explorer. State return addition costs $24.95. However, TurboTax consistently delay the tax preparation process because of repeated marketing messages that prompts you to upgrade to their paid version.
2. TaxCut. TaxCut , the free version grants free access into their “TaxCut Premium” software that enables all tax payers to use all “TaxCut Premium” forms, tips and tools. Internet Explorer is required, fast and simple to use. Addition of state return is $24.95 and there are no marketing messages that pressure you to upgrade into a paid version.
3. TaxACT. It is very accurate and highly recommended. Also simple to use and manipulate as well as it is fast. Addition of state return is $12.95.
4. CompleteTax. It provides accurate and quick tax computations in an “interview-based” format. It also is simple to use. Addition of state return is $9.95.

Keep in mind, not to simply accept and use the first software that offers free tax-filing you find. Even if the software is offered for free, it is still necessary to make certain it fits all your tax preparation needs.

Tags: software