Have used this software since it was Parsons'. The interview method is good, but sometimes you lose track of where you are. It would help if the software provided an overview of expected schedules so the user can be mentally prepared to find all the forms. Also the new tax laws radically changed the form 1040 itself. It does not correspond to previous years and this should have been pointed out in the software. A comparison to previous f1040 would have been useful.
After another tax software lead me down a wrong path requiring a CPA friend to back me out and get it done correctly, I started using the H&R Block tax software and have never been disappointed. Easy to understand and takes you right through - even picks up small things to insure it's right! Love it!
Pros: Easy to prepare, Maximizes refund, Easy to import documents
I've been using Taxcut/HRBlock for nearly 30 years. I used Turbbotax for 2 years last decade, but came back after it failed to split my Mortgage Interest between Home Office and Schedule A, and I ended up paying interest and penalties. So I am back, but 3 things IRK me:
(1) Itemized Lists or mark tentative; don't work anymore--used to be you could right-click in either interview or forms and bring up a contextual menu. Now it hardly ever works, and if you manage to save one, it is nearly impossible to get it to open (or change the "mark tentative" to final). I used to use Lists for "showing my math" and referencing my report numbers in Quickbbooks. Now: useless! I have to do it by hand on paper printouts of Reports.
(2)"Jump there" used to (10-15 years ago) let you actually Jump to the place on another form where this data came from or went to. Now it just brings up a list of several places it "might have gone". Useless.
(3) The HELP was better, with more accurate links to either IRS docs, Kiplinger help files, or built-in help. Now, it is more likely to mention the Publication number or just tell you where to look--wastes a lot more time. Why is the program so much worse when computers are so much faster?
Oh, 1 more thing: you REALLY need a way to attach documents to the e-filed return. My 8829 Home Offices requires it, and this year I filed a K-1 that needed some explanation--my accountant included it, but there was no way to send (a pdf). Surely, someone can figure that out.
I HAD A DIFFICULT TIME FINISHING - MISUNDERSTOOD SOME OF THE ISSUES, BUT I WAS FILING LATE AND UNDER PRESSURE TO FINISH - BUSY BUSINESS AND PESONAL YEAR THOUGH. WANTED TO FINISH MUCH EARLIER. HOPING NEXT YEAR WILL BE SOONER AND NO AUDIT I HOPE.
As in previous versions, not all the nuances associated with self-employment can be covered. So between my state version and the federal version there were some manual calculations and changes needed. Did I get my maximum benefits from the state and federal program. Not sure, but was satisfied enough with the final number I came up with.