The Taxman Cometh -- And So Do New Editions of TaxCut and TurboTax Rival Filers Offer New Interview Tools, Array of Editions Eric Grevstad
Mon 12/8/03 -- The first snowfall? Holiday specials on TV? No, the real sign of another year's drawing to a close is the kickoff of tax-preparation software season, with archrivals Intuit's TurboTax and H&R Block's TaxCut unveiling new and improved editions for calendar-year-2003 filing.
Intuit says that the best-selling TurboTax enters its 20th tax season with the most complete and thorough interview available, using easy-to-understand questions such as "Did you receive a state or local tax refund?" instead of "Did you receive a Form 1099-G?" A Life Events Interview handles changes such as a new job, house, marriage, or baby, while the Welcome Back Interview personalizes TurboTax for your tax situation with information from last year's return even if you used another brand of tax software.
TurboTax Basic is $20 including one free electronic filing. Other versions -- priced after mail-in rebates -- are TurboTax Deluxe, $30 including one free state product; TurboTax Premier, $50 including Deluxe Investor and Deluxe Retirement Planning add-ons; TurboTax Premier Home & Business, $60 including one state product; and TurboTax Business ($90).
New in TaxCut this year is H&R Block Plain Talk Tax Tips, a library of money-saving tax advice built into the click-through interview. A personalized H&R Block Advantage tax-planning report shows the effect of this year's tax law changes on your return and delivers specific advice according to your occupation and financial situation. A new interface updates TaxCut's look while incorporating easier navigation tools such as Get Ready screens that help prepare for each section of the return.
After mail-in rebates, TaxCut Standard is $10 and TaxCut Deluxe, which includes one state program and free e-filing for one federal return, is $20. TaxCut Premium ($30) adds special tools such as an enhanced Capital Gains Assistant and new Vacation Rental Assistant, plus free DeductionPro software and one Ask a Tax Advisor phone or e-mail session with an H&R Block tax professional. TaxCut Premium Home & Business is $50. H&R Block's package also comes with a rebate for a free copy of Microsoft Money 2004 Standard or $40 rebate on Money 2004 Deluxe, Premium, or Small Business.
