TaxBrain

TaxBrain's forms-based software is fast and easy to use

TaxBrain is a Web-based tax preparation software program. TaxBrain uses forms-style data entry screens to gather your tax information, unlike TurboTax or TaxCut which use interview-style screens. Forms-based programs such as TaxBrain and CCH CompleteTax offer faster tax preparation for straightforward tax returns. Taxpayers with more complex tax returns will need to spend extra time working with long, data-entry forms for business income, investments, and itemized deductions. TaxBrain works best for wage-earners with few deductions or other tax issues.

TaxBrain's minimalist data entry screens helps speed up tax preparation

TaxBrain uses a forms-based approach to gathering your tax information. To begin the program, the user answers a questionnaire to add or remove various worksheets to your tax return. You then move through the worksheets one-by-one to enter your wages, business income, investments, and various tax deductions. The worksheets do not provide any help or tax information, unlike the full-featured help provided in TaxACT, TaxCut and TurboTax. However, the minimalist design means taxpayers can focus on inputting their tax information with a minimum of clicking and reading through explanations that may or may not be relevant to their situation. As such, TaxBrain is best-suited for taxpayers with straightforward tax situations.

TaxBrain was the fastest of all online tax software, but lacks premium features

TaxBrain's bare-bones design made it easy for me to complete a simple tax return in about 15 minutes, making TaxBrain easily one of the fastest Web-based programs on the market. This speed comes at a price, however. TaxBrain did not catch a data entry typo on my W-2 Form (a common tax prep error). By contrast, TaxACT and TurboTax caught this error and prompted me to fix it. TaxBrain also lacks helpful instructions for completing various sections of the tax return. Other programs include instructions from the IRS or content from trusted tax publishers.

Based on features and functionality, TaxBrain is similar to CCH CompleteTax.

TaxBrain Product Versions

TaxBrain 2006 from Petz Enterprises is available in five Web-based versions:

• TaxBrain 1040EZ ($19.95)
• TaxBrain 1040A ($29.95)
• TaxBrain 1040 Basic ($39.95)
• TaxBrain 1040 Expanded ($49.95)
• TaxBrain 1040 Premium ($69.95)

State tax returns cost an additional $19.95 to $29.95 depending on the complexity of your return. Preparing an amended tax return (Form 1040X) is free if you completed your return using another TaxBrain product.

Other Add-ons

TaxBrain offers the following additional services:

• SafeKeeping online storage of your tax return for five years ($9.95)
• Printed copies of your tax returns mailed to you ($19.95)
• Audit defense to have a tax professional defend your tax return in the event of an audit ($34.95)

More TaxBrain Resources

• TaxBrain Support site