Utah Web site ranks tax software products

Enterprise, The, Mar 2, 2008

Filing taxes online has become the preferred choice for millions of Americans. To help tax filers find the software that best fits their needs, TopTenREVIEWS.com, a technology and entertainment review site headquartered in Ogden, has released a list of the Top 10 Online Tax Software for 2008.

"TopTenREVIEWS.com is providing a free, easy-to-use resource for tax filers searching for the software that best fits their needs," said Christopher Preece, reviewer for TopTenREVIEWS.com. "We've conducted in-depth evaluations of the software and prepared independent reviews, condensing the consumer's research time from hours to just minutes."

TopTenREVIEWS.com, has compiled an unbiased review of for online tax software and evaluated product features with a side-by-side comparison chart.

The top winners for the 2008 Online Tax Software include:

Gold Award: TurboTax Deluxe: Recognized for its simplc navigation, extensive help library, responsive online community and overall ease of use.

Silver Award: TaxACT: : Honored for its user-friendly interface, outstanding help services and features such as a year-to-year tax deduction comparison.

Bronze Award: H&R Block TaxCut: Distinguished for its simple and effective interface, easy navigation, extensive help section and at-your-fingertips tax advice.

Also making the top 10 list are: CompleteTax, TaxSlayer Premium, TaxEngine, TaxBrain 1040 Deluxe, OLT Online Taxes, ExpressTaxRefund and TaxExact.

TopTenREVIEWS.com evaluated the online tax preparation software based on the following criteria:

Intuitive Navigation: Software should provide helpful drop-down menus, useful icons, definitions and clearly defined what information was needed on every screen.

Novice-Friendly: The interface must be easy-to-use for new users and inexperienced tax filers. Tax services should be all-inclusive, provide information on cur-rent tax laws and offer clear terminology for jargon terms. An error-proofing feature should be offered to help prevent mistakes made by a novice tax preparer.

Ease of Installation: All applications should install easily and quickly. An online service should be easy to set up, access and provide timely service.

Feature Set: The unique suite of tools and capabilities should he available through the program to ensure the completion and sub-mission of an accurate return. The software may also offer some programs that provide access to state tax forms and financial advice, or services that offer access to IRS publications, the ability to import information front other programs, check errors and deductions and help defend against potential audits.

Help/Documentation/Search: Help services should be in-depth, easy to understand with definitions, complete text IRS publications, tax tips, search capabilities and help tools. Additional support such as tax advice and technical support by phone, e-mail or chat may also be offered.

TopTenREVIEWS, which was ranked No. 3 on the Rising Star list of Deloitte's 2006 Technology Fast 500, rates more than 2,500 software and hardware products and Web services, enabling consumers to quickly view the top-rated products and compare features and prices.