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CCH CompleteTax
CompleteTax is fast, no-frills tax preparation software

About.com Rating 4

By William Perez, About.com

CCH CompleteTax is a fast tax prep program without a lot of bells and whistles.

CompleteTax

by CCH
CCH CompleteTax offers a simple user interface, allowing you to enter data and answer interview questions in a no-frills environment. CompleteTax expects you to be firmly in the driver seat. Preparing a tax return is fairly quick. CompleteTax is the fastest of all the software programs for a complex tax return. CompleteTax is especially appropriate for people who don't need the hand-holding from interview-style questions.

CompleteTax is best for tax-savvy individuals

CompleteTax is a no-nonsense tax preparation program lacking the bells-and-whistles of the fancy premium software packages. The clean, simple user interface makes maximum use of the computer screen, so you don't waste time answering just one question at a time. The software operates only in an interview format, but you can find where to put information using the help search box. Imports data from GainsKeeper for easy calculation of capital gains and losses on Schedule D.

Because CompleteTax does not contain a lot of help and hand-holding, the software is best suited for tax-savvy individuals who want to speed through their tax return with a minimum of clicking.

I am happy to report that CompleteTax is up to date with the latest tax breaks, including deductions for teachers, students, and sales taxes. CompleteTax handles new tax credits for hybrid cars and energy-efficient home improvements. And unlike TurboTax, CompleteTax allowed me to split my tax refund using IRS Form 8888. This means I can directly deposit my tax refund in up to three bank or retirement accounts.

CompleteTax does not contain planning calculators

CompleteTax's tabbed navigation makes it easy to jump to different parts of your tax return.
CompleteTax's tabbed navigation makes it easy to jump to different parts of your tax return.
CCH CompleteTax
CompleteTax does not have a forms view. You have to use the program's interview format to get to the data entry screens. CompleteTax did not catch a typo in the data entry of my W-2 wages (this is a common tax preparation error). Answering the "check if page is complete" question helps you keep track of what you've finished, but checking the box gets repetitive and boring. Searching for a form using the "Where Do I Enter..." is helpful, but it would save time if the program actually could take you to that part of the program. The data entry screen for depreciation is a little confusing, especially where it asks you to choose the depreciation method. (I left this question blank, and CompleteTax calculated everything correctly.)

CompleteTax does not offer any premium features, such as a tax planning calculator for comparing different what-if scenarios.

The software does offer suggestions for overlooked tax deductions along with diagnostic tools for finding errors in your return in the Tax Return Review section of the program.

CompleteTax Product Versions

CompleteTax offers tips for tax deductions that you might have overlooked.
CompleteTax offers tips for tax deductions that you might have overlooked.
CCH CompleteTax
CCH CompleteTax comes in one version: a Web-based application. CompleteTax costs $25.95 for a federal tax return, $12.95 for a state tax return, and includes free electronic filing.

CompleteTax supports all major Web browsers: Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, AOL, and Opera.

More CompleteTax Resources

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