Although many taxpayers still prefer getting their taxes done with the help of a certified accountant, those that have tried a tax program before unanimously agree that this solution does indeed turn tax return preparation into child’s play. Ever since many tax software providers started offering cloud-based products as well, taxpayers can even enjoy the benefits of easy tax filing on the go via dedicated tax prep apps, too.
In fact, they are the epitome of convenience as not only do they typically provide all the features found in their browser-based counterparts but they are also equipped with extras that can reduce the time spent on tax preparation even further. And if that’s not enough, these applications always come free of charge and are available for everyone that decides to create tax returns with an online solution.
When it comes to selecting the best app for filing taxes, it’s best to keep two things in mind. Firstly, regardless of which tax software company is chosen, its program will likely be at least mobile browser-compatible. And secondly, only the biggest service providers have dedicated tax prep apps that come with complementary features and/or advanced security.
If there is one thing people can’t stand it’s doing their taxes. Going through all those different documents that seem like they have been worded by aliens is pure torture for anyone. So it’s not surprising that once taxpayers find a solution that prepares their taxes and explains the process in plain English, they stick to that solution no matter what. This is the secret behind TurboTax‘s success, a company that has been helping people deal with those pesky tax returns since the 80s. TurboTax Online, the company’s online tax prep solution, provides everything that a taxpayer needs to create accurate returns. The user-friendly interface of the software is particularly important, but so too are the thorough interview questions. There are a number of additional extras, too, all of which will help you receive the biggest possible refund in the end. And this, believe it or not, is just the surface, since not only is TurboTax fully supported on mobile platforms but it’s also very safe to use thanks to the outstanding built-in and optional security settings.
Even though there have been plenty of changes in the tax system over the years, one thing has always remained: taxpayers want to deal with their tax returns as quickly and conveniently as possible. With H&R Block those wishes can come true since the company perfectly combines its long-lasting expertise with the convenience of cloud technology. Users of this tax software provider are in for a treat, since the program and its mobile application counterpart do exactly what they need to thanks to the many convenient features that help finish tax preparation in no time. There’s a suitable product for everyone at H&R Block, ensuring that all the necessary tax forms are put together while extra services mean that the filing process remains free of any hassle from start to finish. And to make the deal even sweeter, not only are the programs free of charge until filing but the costs can be covered by any tax refunds you have earned – essentially allowing you to pay nothing out of pocket.
Getting taxes ready in time for the IRS’s deadline can be quite a challenge even for those who are lucky enough to only need to file a simple tax return, so it’s not surprising that more and more taxpayers decide to turn to tax prep software. Sadly, these solutions either provide exceptional service for outrageous prices or are cheap but only provide the basics. Because of this, users are forced to make compromises, which is the very thing to avoid when it comes to tax returns. TaxAct, however, is the perfect solution for those looking for a tax preparation service that is not only cost-friendly, but also has plenty of features to help make the tax season a little less hassle. In fact, it doesn’t matter whether you join TaxAct as an entity or an individual taxpayer, the company ensures the same smooth experience for everyone thanks in part to the straightforward, mobile-friendly software. This program is improved by top-notch security and is filled with clever extras with which your tax refunds can be maximized.
If you have already familiarized yourself with the chosen tax prep software, then luckily learning how to use the app version won’t take too long. The reason for this is simple: these apps are often replicas of the desktop-based equivalents, utilizing an almost-identical overall appearance, ease of use, or list of available features. Tax prep apps are particularly advantageous because of their use of cloud-based technology, meaning that because data is continuously saved once it’s entered users can freely switch from the desktop software to the app and vice versa at any time with no loss of work.
Many tax prep apps even add in some especially convenient features to perfectly complement the main software. This includes push notifications to alert users of important events like filing deadlines or the status of returns and extra security settings with fingerprint or FaceID login or the prevention of screen capture. However, by far the best complementary feature of tax preparation applications is the option to capture W-2s with the phone’s camera and then have them processed by the app to transfer the data automatically, significantly reducing the time needed for manual data entry.
With the exception of some extra features, there are little to no differences between apps and their software counterparts. In fact, in most cases apps are completely interchangeable with desktop software and the mobile website versions of the same programs. Despite that, however, it’s better to consider a tax prep app as complementary to the main program rather than a replacement of it.
The reason for this is because some apps – TaxSlayer’s, for example – only concentrate on the most important tax topics, leaving taxpayers that have more complex tax situations with no choice but to use the desktop software to complete returns. Also, return preparation still requires a lot of manual data entry that, let’s face it, just isn’t as convenient on mobile devices.
As a complementary solution, however, the app is still a helpful tool. As already mentioned, the app can be used to capture printed W-2s, which can then be corrected and completed in the desktop software. Additionally, apps can be used to better organize your time spent on filling out returns by, for instance, answering simpler tax-related questions in the app and leaving the more complex topics to be dealt with in the desktop software later.
Since both desktop tax programs and their app counterparts use the same database, they also share features like straightforward questionnaires and short, helpful explanations that these solutions are known for. Although this basic level of support is usually enough for those who aren’t filing more complicated returns, there may be instances when there is no other option but to turn to the staff of the app’s provider. Thankfully, users can turn to the chosen company’s tax experts in the same way that they would if they used the desktop version of the software.
However, the same set of support options also means that unless the tax company has a special feature that allows you to start a live chat with a tax professional – which may only be available during tax seasons – the only way to get live help is via email or by phone. However, there are special cases like that of TurboTax, which also provides SmartLook; this feature allows users to connect to a certified CPA and get real-time help via onscreen instructions.
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