Tax Guru-Ker$tetter Letter
Sunday, December 01, 2002
Free Tax Program
As I said before, tax preparation software isn't a substitute for working with a knowledgeable and creative tax professional because it is too much GIGO (garbage in, garbage out). However, some people know that it's good idea to check your expected tax figures before the year is over, in case things need to be done before December 31. I normally advise getting a free version of the previous year's program, which TurboTax and other companies usually make available. However, I received an e-mail ad for a free 2002 preview TaxAct 1040 program that can be downloaded off the web. This is the earliest 2002 software I am aware of. The first version of my Lacerte 2002 programs aren't even scheduled to be available until December 16.
I downloaded the TaxAct program (only 6.7 mb file size) and checked it out and it's a pretty nice basic tax prep program. Of course, throughout the input time, the program keeps prompting you to buy their full deluxe version; but it isn't as annoying as I have seen with other software. It should be very handy for anyone wanting to get a preview look at their 2002 1040.
KMK