Preparing tax returns on home computers
Article Abstract:
More Americans are using microcomputers to complete tax returns. Programs can: spot errors and overlooked deductions; display most Federal tax forms; and easily and quickly rework a return to accommodate a last-minute change. Some programs let a user file electronically to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Choosing a program can be difficult because offerings are diverse and sophisticated. Some programs are mentioned and briefly evaluated: two fairly basic but well organized packages are J.K. Lasser's Your Income Tax 1990 ($79.95), from Simon & Schuster Software, and Swiftax ($69.95), from Timeworks. Turbotax ($75), from Chipsoft, assumes some tax knowledge, but there are many help screens; Turbotax also includes an electronic version of IRS instructions. The Andrew Tobias Taxcut program ($79.95), from Meca Ventures, is for people who know little or nothing about taxes.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Software as accountant
Article Abstract:
Four tax preparation software packages allow users to prepare their tax returns quickly and easily, import data from other finance programs, and even file electronically. Chipsoft's Turbotax for DOS, Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh, and Meca Software's Taxcut are the market leaders, at $35 to $50. Turbotax is easy to use and install, and offers the widest range of forms and companion State programs. Taxcut provides users with the greatest degree of assistance, with a lengthy interview and help screens. Parsons Technology's Personal Tax Edge is the cheapest, at $19 for Federal or State, allows users to input their information in structured or unstructured ways, but does use 3 to 6Mbytes of disk space. AM Software's $40 AM-Tax Personal does not require a hard drive, fitting on a single 3.5-in disk, but offers less help to inexperienced users.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1993
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
3 ways to face tax preparation
Article Abstract:
Tax preparation software cannot make tax returns foolproof, but it can help by forcing users to gather and organize all their information in one place. Three such tax preparation software packages are the $75 Turbotax package, the $79.95 PC Tax Cut, both for IBM compatibles, and the $79.95 Macintax for Apple computers. Turbotax has 52 Federal forms, schedules and worksheets, along with an interview section that asks the user questions to determine which forms to use. The program also has built-in help screens and good documentation. PC Tax Cut's main advantage is an expert advisor similar to Turbotax' interview section, but much more detailed with many more options. Macintax has on screen graphics than are indistinguishable from IRS forms, and it has a feature that allows the users to make notes about why a particular deduction was made.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: The trials of a new home computer. 9 ounces of agile memory, to go. A computer in the hand...
- Abstracts: For the home computer user, a neat Compaq challenger to the Macintosh. New I.B.M. line emphasizes service contracts; but the price still exceeds those of comparable machines from its competitors
- Abstracts: New rival for personal computer; big gains expected for the X terminal. Computer mail gaining a market
- Abstracts: Ideas & trends: new weapons prolong the computer wars. Nextstation's future hinges on software
- Abstracts: Huge deal complicates industry's outlook. A.T.& T. plans to buy McCaw Cellular stake