| Many people waste money every year by paying an | | | | what than means don't panic. Once you have |
| accountant to do what they can easily do themselves. | | | | answered the software's first several questions you |
| If you know how to choose a good income tax | | | | will know what you need to fill out. 'Specialty' filing |
| preparation software, you will be able to easily fire | | | | includes self-employed, small business, very large |
| your accountant with no worries. | | | | incomes, and some other irregular situations. |
| 1. Do you want an online based software, or one that | | | | Make sure the software you choose supports |
| installs on your computer? Both have their pros and | | | | whatever you need. There are many free online |
| cons. An online software doesn't take up any space | | | | income tax preparation software programs, but you |
| on your hard drive and once you have saved your tax | | | | may have to pay extra to file some of these more |
| return you can go back to it from any computer. I | | | | elaborate forms. |
| have had to do this multiple times. A lot of the time, | | | | 3. Does it support federal and state tax forms? In |
| you can get an online based software for free if you | | | | most states you will be required to fill out an income |
| are just doing the basics. | | | | tax return. Most income tax preparation software |
| Some people are worried about safety, and would | | | | programs will do this filing for an extra fee, but make |
| rather their information be kept only on their computer, | | | | sure to double check. There is nothing worse than filling |
| this is understandable considering identity theft. It truly | | | | out your entire federal return only to realize you are |
| depends on what you are most comfortable with. | | | | going to have to use a different software to fill out an |
| 2. Do you require any 'specialty' filing? Usually this | | | | entire state return. |
| means anything beyond a 1040. If you don't know | | | | |