Tax software is easy to use, but it’s hard to choose between all the available software. Some software helps with state income returns, while others help with filing your federal tax return. It’s important to reflect on which program you need.
In this follow-up article, we’re listing other questions that should also be considered before signing up for a tax software service:
6. How Much Tax Software Support Do You Need?
Some tax prep software packages offer more support than others. When shopping around for tax software in its current form, you might want to look at whether or not there’s a free demo or free trial version to help you explore the software and make sure it’s right for you.
In addition, most tax softwares offers email support; some offer phone support, and a few provide live chat support. More support options can be found on the websites of tax softwares products. It’s essential to choose a program that offers support convenient to you.
7. Does the Tax Software Have a Guarantee?
Finding the right tax softwares can be a challenge. Some software products offer a money-back guarantee, but others don’t. Before choosing a tax package, it’s good to find out if the company offers a money-back guarantee.
If the tax softwares makes an error, generally, you can get a refund. However, some companies may require you to use the software to file a tax return before you can get a refund. Different refund policies depend on the tax softwares company’s terms and conditions.
8. Do You Want to File Electronically?
Some tax softwares programs file electronically while others don’t. The IRS and state governments don’t charge to file your taxes electronically. This is the easiest and safest way to file your taxes.
Electronic filing comes in two ways:
- Electronic filing of federal returns
- Electronic filing of state returns
Electronic filing of both federal and state returns is also referred to as e-filing.
Some tax softwares programs will help you file a federal tax return electronically. These programs will also help you file a state tax return electronically. Many folks prefer to file federal and state returns electronically because it’s faster, easier, and more convenient.
9. Does Your Computer Meet the System Requirements?
Before installing tax softwares on your system, you should make sure your computer has the proper hardware and operating system to run the software. Some tax softwares programs need a high-speed Internet connection to access the IRS and state tax systems.
Most tax softwares programs come with system requirements that you need to follow before installing the program on your system. System requirements are usually listed in the tax software’s user guide.
10. Is the Software for the Correct Tax Year?
Application dates on tax softwares packages are essential to be aware of. Many tax software packages are released in time for the next tax year, which means they’re out in early January.
If you wait until the end of January to look for tax software, you may not find one right for you. It’s essential to find a tax softwares that allows you to file your taxes for the current tax year.
Conclusion
Finding the right tax softwares that fits your individual needs can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Taking these questions into consideration will help you navigate through the sea of information that’s out there. Do you have any suggestions to help people find the right tax softwares? We’d love to hear from you.
Keystone Tax Solutions provides professional tax softwares for tax preparers who prepare taxes for other people. We are a professional tax softwares industry leader with more than 15 years of experience offering 100 percent web-based tax softwares while helping thousands of tax professionals start their own tax business and thousands more gain access to affordable technology-driven professional tax softwares. If you need software for tax preparers, get in touch with us now! Let us know how we can help.
