With the economy struggling, I know some of us can’t afford to pay someone to prepare our returns. Lucky for us, with the technology of the internet, filing your taxes is as easy as ever. But there is overwhelming choices in software! Which do you choose? Some helpful tips!

The e-filing software you choose will depend on the uniqueness of your tax situation. For our most complex of tax filers, those of you with privately owned businesses or a great deal of investments, you will want to choose software that allows you to easily track deductions. Top choices for this are TurboTax (premiere edition: $24.95 state, $59.95 fed) or CompleteTax ($44.90 state, $29.95 fed). These programs are easy to use and   extremely accurate in their calculations.

Now for you less complicated filers, go with regular TurboTax ($29.99 state, free fed), H&R Block at Home ($49.95 state, $19.95 fed) or TaxAct ($13.95 state, free fed). These walk you through the 1040EZ and other easy forms. With a few answered questions and quick calculations, you can be sure that the information you are sending is accurate and complete. Who doesn’t like one less worry?

**Bonus!** Most of online software offers direct deposit. No more waiting for the mail person to bring your refund check!

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TaxAct Free Edition allows you to prepare, print and efile your federal tax returns for free. TaxAct handles all basic IRS forms including 1040, 1040EZ, and 1040A. With TaxAct, you receive your tax return by direct deposit — you’ll have money in your account in as little as 8 days.

TaxAct is exceptionally easy to use. TaxAct has terrific step by step videos, free online tax guidance, and guarantees 100% accurate calculations. Also, TaxAct has one of the cheap state efiles – only $13.95 for your state efile.

TaxAct 2008 is available as an online application, where you can file your taxes directly from your web browser. Additionaly, you may also download TaxAct software and process your tax forms offline. TaxAct Standard 2008 can be downloaded free, or you can request a free CD in the mail.

We’ve always been a fan of TaxAct — it is easy to use and it is affordable. It is a best bet for anyone with a somewhat simple financial situation.

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TurboTax

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Yes, it’s true. You can file your federal taxes for free with industry leading TurboTax. TurboTax is easy to use, with deduction hints and filing advice. Just answer easy to understand questions about your income and expenses. All your information is automatically entered into the correct tax forms — either a 1040, 1040EZ, or 1040A. But don’t worry, TurboTax will suggest the correct form to use.

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New this tax season is TurboTax’s guarantee: They guarantee you will get the highest possible refund on your taxes. The software helps you find every possible tax credit you deserve. There are plenty of new possible deductions this year, and TurboTax is updated with all of them: tuition credits, hybrid car credits, energy efficiency credits, and more.

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You’ll find TurboTax exceptionally easy to use. You can save your progress and return to it at your own pace. Expert tax advice is given live from TurboTax experts and a live community. Frequently asked questions are displayed on every screen.

Additionally, when it’s time to file your state taxes, all your data can be automatically transferred to the correct state forms. State efile is additional: about $26 for a state efile — quite reasonable if you are used to using a tax professional to file your taxes.

We love TurboTax – Try TurboTax Now.