Free Software Options

There's some free tax software options if you need to prepare your returns. Shelley Elmblad, About.com's expert on financial software, reviews the free file version of TaxCut, and I took a look at the TurboTax Free File edition. Both programs are available through the IRS Free File program, this program allows software manufacturers to place restrictions on who can use the software without charge.

There's also really free software available that's not offered through the free file program. The choices here are Tax Cut Basic and Turbo Tax Free Edition, both of which should serve the needs of individuals with relatively straightforward tax returns. Shelley reviewed the TurboTax version and found that it is a "plain vanilla tax software, but does not skimp on support." TaxACT offers offers free software in the standard version. In my review of TaxACT, I said that it's "great all-around software program" -- even if some of the data entry screens could be tightened up a bit for faster input. Nonetheless, you really cannot argue with free software, especially since all three programs do a good job of preparing your tax returns.

Here's the direct links to the products so you can get started

• TaxACT Standard
• TaxCut Basic
• TurboTax Free Edition