I agree with the Ecco recommendation, too, but some models (I think they're the Ecco City ones) set off the metal detectors here in Washington, DC (as I discovered last week during the latest Code Whatever).
Your choice of software (an installed client or website) or ink pen and paper (never use a pencil) entirely depends on two things: your specific financial situation and how fast you want a refund (if you're entitled to one).
I will continue to use TurboTax, not because it's better than the other packages but because I like its interview-style approach, it plays well with Quicken and I've never had a problem with electronic filing. Yeah, I was pissed at Intuit for the lock, which turned into a major pain in the ass when I upgraded my OS, but since I design tax software for a living I understand why they made that decision (it's really expensive to maintain an app that deals with taxes, and most of the companies that do it barely get by).
If your financial situation is complicated (married, kids, own a home or two, bought a home in 2003, run your own business, many investment gains/losses, substantial charitable gifts or medical costs, participated in 'unique' tax planning ideas and are scheduled to testify before Congress and/or haven't paid your taxes in 10 years, etc), then it may pay to hire a professional (not H&R Block, but someone who truly knows the code and regs).
I have heard horror stories from people who have used many different packages (except mine). My standard recommendation to people who ask me is that if it wasn't included in PC Magazine's review of tax software apps (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1418195,00.a sp) , then use at your own risk. Your taxes are one of the last things you want to f- up, because the IRS's computers generate most of the notices that you may receive and it takes a while to clear up any problems. And they don't accept the excuse that your software ate your tax return.
The web-based packages are getting better but I'm still a bit paranoid about data security. One hack and someone has everthing s/he needs to have a field day with your identity. Although I haven't yet seen anything about electronic filing systems (both web-based systems and the systems that process e-filings) being compromised, it may just be a matter of time.
Your ability to obtain better deductions with one package or another usually depends upon your knowledge of the tax regs and how aggressive you are with determining the numbers. You give the system your information; the system doesn't say, "hey, your charitable deductions look a little low compared to your income. Didn't you incur mileage driving to/from that school in the city where you donate your time as a sys admin?".
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I agree with the Ecco recommendation, too, but some models (I think they're the Ecco City ones) set off the metal detectors here in Washington, DC (as I discovered last week during the latest Code Whatever).
Your choice of software (an installed client or website) or ink pen and paper (never use a pencil) entirely depends on two things: your specific financial situation and how fast you want a refund (if you're entitled to one). I will continue to use TurboTax, not because it's better than the other packages but because I like its interview-style approach, it plays well with Quicken and I've never had a problem with electronic filing. Yeah, I was pissed at Intuit for the lock, which turned into a major pain in the ass when I upgraded my OS, but since I design tax software for a living I understand why they made that decision (it's really expensive to maintain an app that deals with taxes, and most of the companies that do it barely get by). If your financial situation is complicated (married, kids, own a home or two, bought a home in 2003, run your own business, many investment gains/losses, substantial charitable gifts or medical costs, participated in 'unique' tax planning ideas and are scheduled to testify before Congress and/or haven't paid your taxes in 10 years, etc), then it may pay to hire a professional (not H&R Block, but someone who truly knows the code and regs). I have heard horror stories from people who have used many different packages (except mine). My standard recommendation to people who ask me is that if it wasn't included in PC Magazine's review of tax software apps (http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,4149,1418195,00.a sp) , then use at your own risk. Your taxes are one of the last things you want to f- up, because the IRS's computers generate most of the notices that you may receive and it takes a while to clear up any problems. And they don't accept the excuse that your software ate your tax return.
The web-based packages are getting better but I'm still a bit paranoid about data security. One hack and someone has everthing s/he needs to have a field day with your identity. Although I haven't yet seen anything about electronic filing systems (both web-based systems and the systems that process e-filings) being compromised, it may just be a matter of time.
Your ability to obtain better deductions with one package or another usually depends upon your knowledge of the tax regs and how aggressive you are with determining the numbers. You give the system your information; the system doesn't say, "hey, your charitable deductions look a little low compared to your income. Didn't you incur mileage driving to/from that school in the city where you donate your time as a sys admin?".