Weekend Widget: TurboTax

I don't think anyone in the US enjoys doing their taxes. There definitely has to be a better way and maybe the incoming president will propose ways to simplify the tax code. Until then, we'll have to rely on software to help us with the preparation. I've been using TurboTax since the 80s to do my taxes and I've got this year's version in hand so I can get started once I return from the CorelDRAW Unleashed Boot Camp Cruise. That's right, we set sail later today for a week of adventure and learning. I'll write up a recap once we return. Don't worry, the blog will continue as I sail around in the Pacific.

TurboTax comes in several versions and I'll list each of them for you. Since many of you probably have some sort of a business, you might want to look at the Home & Business Federal + State + eFile 2008 version. It is the most complete version and helps you prepare your self-employment income. One step down is the TurboTax Premier Federal + State + eFile 2008. Typically I use the TurboTax Deluxe Federal + State + eFile 2008 when preparing my taxes. It doesn't have as many features, but it also has a smaller price tag. Numerous comments have been posted that the Deluxe version will not allow you to enter any small business income or investment income. This is simply not true. It does not provide as much guidance as the more expensive versions, but it does allow you to enter this information. For those who have very basic needs, check out TurboTax Basic Federal + eFile 2008.

Sorry that today's post only applies to those of us in the US. Typically I write about software that applies to everyone. This is an exception that I will make a few times a year.

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