Nov 20, 2019  The IRS Free File program offers access to over a dozen free online tax software providers or Free Tax File Fillable Forms. The second option, which has limited features, simply offers a way to fill in tax forms online and submit your return via free e-File.Free File Fillable Forms offer no guidance for completing your tax return, but the forms can perform some of the calculations.

TURBOTAX ONLINE/MOBILE. Try for Free/Pay When You File: TurboTax online and mobile pricing is based on your tax situation and varies by product. $0 federal (for simple tax returns) + $0 state + $0 to file offer only available with TurboTax Free Edition; offer may change or end at any time without notice. Actual prices are determined at the time of print or e-file and are subject to change. Jul 08, 2020  Whether it's through an online form to do your taxes online, downloadable software or an app, you can make tax preparation and the filing process less laborious, even with complex tax situations.

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Tax Day 2017 falls on Tuesday, April 18 this year, and although taxpayers get a few extra days to file, you'll need the right tools to get the job done. AppleInsider is rounding up the best tax prep software and filing tools to not only meet, but beat the deadline.

With a little over six weeks left before this year's April 18 filing deadline, finding the right software to get the job done can be paramount. For those who are self-employed or have a variety of investments, having the proper tools to import statements and double check for errors can save time and money. AppleInsider this week is rounding up a list of the top tax preparation software and where to find the lowest prices on both downloadable and boxed versions of each.

A top choice due to its easy to use interface, TurboTax has a wide range of online and boxed software options available for tax year 2016. Simple tax returns (1040EZ/1040A) may qualify for TurboTax's Federal Free Edition, but users needing more robust features, such as expert help from certified public accountants (CPAs) and enrolled agents (EAs), can opt for the Deluxe version. Those who are self-employed or have investments and rental properties will want to opt for the higher-tier versions to handle more complicated filings. Please note, some MacOS Sierra users have had difficulty opening the application. Please ensure you're logged in to the machine using an account with Administrator Rights.

Free Office Software For Mac

If you're ready to get started on taxes and want to download the software right away, shoppers can save up to 40% on Mac versions at Amazon or $20 to $25 when purchased directly from TurboTax. TurboTax is also throwing in a free credit score from Mint when you order online at TurboTax.Intuit.com.

For those that prefer a physical disc, Amazon and TurboTax are also offering the same discounts on boxed versions of the tax prep software. Warehouse clubs, such as Costco and Sam's Club, periodically offer coupons and rebates on boxed TurboTax software as well.

TurboTax Basic 2016 Federal + Fed e-file for Mac $28.49 @Amazon

TurboTax Deluxe 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac $39.86 @Amazon

TurboTax Deluxe 2016 No State + Fed e-file for Mac $29.86

TurboTax Premier 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac $50.65 @Amazon

TurboTax Home & Business 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac $64.94 @Amazon

Boxed software

TurboTax Basic 2016 Federal + Fed e-file for Mac $28.49 @Amazon

TurboTax Deluxe 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac $39.86 @Amazon

TurboTax Deluxe 2016 No State + Fed e-file for Mac $29.86

TurboTax Premier 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac $50.65 @Amazon

TurboTax Home & Business 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac $64.94 @Amazon

H&R Block

A staple in the tax world, H&R Block has prepared more than 680 million tax returns, and the company continues to offer online solutions ranging from basic tax software to premium products for small business owners in 2017. Users can also take advantage of free unlimited advice from a tax expert and up to five free federal e-files.

While H&R Block software starts at $29.95 for the Basic version and runs up to $89.95 for the Premium & Business option, users can save 30% instantly with link-activated offers at H&R Block directly. However, the best deals can be found at Amazon where the software is up to 43% off with a 5-10% refund bonus on an Amazon gift card.

Please note, H&R Block Basic, Deluxe, and Premium offerings are Windows and Mac-compatible, but Premium & Business works in Windows only.

H&R Block Basic 2016 for Mac $14.97 @Amazon

H&R Block Deluxe 2016 for Mac $19.95 @Amazon

H&R Block Deluxe + State 2016 for Mac $29.99 @Amazon

H&R Block Premium + State 2016 for Mac $44.95 @Amazon

Boxed software

($5 off + refund bonus offer)

Mac Tax Software

($15 off + refund bonus offer)

H&R Block Deluxe + State 2016 for Mac $29.99 @Amazon

H&R Block Premium + State 2016 for Mac $44.95 @Amazon

TaxAct

TaxAct, a budget-friendly alternative to TurboTax and H&R Block, offers users three products for tax preparation: Free, Plus and Premium. TaxAct Plus, the most popular option, is best suited for homeowners and investors, while the Premium product is tailored for freelancers, contractors, and those that are self-employed. TaxAct also offers free phone support and seven years of access to your tax return with a price lock guarantee.

Free Software For Mac Downloads

TaxAct is currently knocking 15% off Plus and Premium versions of the tax prep tools, bringing the prices down to $22.95 and $31.45 respectively. At this time, TaxAct Online is Mac-compatible, while downloadable TaxAct products are not.

Free Tax Program For Mac

There are several other tax prep tools on the market today. Credit Karma just launched a free tax return service, but several forms are not included, such as multiple state returns and estate and trust income from Schedule K-1. TaxSlayer also offers four tax prep products, including a Military Edition that gives active duty military members 50% off federal and state returns. Neither are as robust as TurboTax, but they do offer an economical solution for simple tax returns.