Tax Scenarios
I test all tax software programs using three different tax scenarios. These scenarios are designed to test the software for speed, accuracy, and a comprehensive set of tax forms.Wage-earner Tax Scenario
Unmarried taxpayer with one dependent and one Form W-2. This scenario is testing for speed, accuracy, W-2 data entry mistakes, head of household filing status, and earned income credit. With this scenario, I'm testing how long it will take a taxpayer to complete a fairly straightforward tax return.
Entrepreneur Tax Scenario
Married taxpayers with no dependents. Spouse has one Form W-2. Other spouse operates several business ventures: Schedule C business as a consultant, Schedule E rental property, Schedule E partnership K-1 from a business venture, Schedule D gains and losses from mutual fund investments, and depreciation on various assets and equipment. This is an overly complex tax scenario and is designed to test the completeness of the software's tax forms library.
Tax Law Update Scenario
Single taxpayer with no dependents and one W-2 form. Taxpayer took advantage of all the latest tax law changes by purchasing a hybrid car and made energy-efficient improvements to his home. The taxpayer is a teacher and is taking a deduction for out-of-pocket classroom expenses. Additionally, the taxpayer is splitting his refund among two bank accounts. The scenario is designed to test how up-to-date the tax software is.
Other Software Testing Methods
I test the desktop and online versions of tax software separately. Testing is not completed until the software publisher releases program updates to bring the up-to-date with current tax laws.For Web-based software, I use three different browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, and Opera) for each Web application.
I do not test the software's electronic filing service. Each tax software product receives at least 3 hours of testing.
