How to Pay Your Taxes like a Pro with an App
If you have an iPad, then you already know that the screen real estate is great and it is worth the investment. Besides music, games, and social media, an iPad is great for finances. If you have a relatively straight forward financial situation, then one of the best options for filing for taxes is doing it yourself with a little bit of tech help. Here is a rundown on the three main iPad tax apps, which hopefully will get your taxes sorted in a snap!
TurboTax for iPad
TurboTax has operated a great online system for several years now, but their iPad app is likely to convert a whole new group of users. With a sleek and easy-to-use interface, TurboTax is suitable for most tax situations unless you file with a particularly unusual type or are on a different schedule. TurboTax has two big benefits: firstly it has the best help and advice system out of the most popular tax app. Therefore if you are not a finance-savvy person then no need to worry because you will be in good hands. Secondly, with many more options than the Snap iPhone version, TurboTax is a complete tax system that delivers on every level. The only downside is that you cannot simultaneously work on a tax return on both the iPad and web version, which can be annoying if you want to finish up your taxes on a different device. But considering all the things this app does right, it is a small price to pay.
H&R Block for iPad
H&R Block for iPad is another mammoth app that performs all your tax filing needs, but the user interface (UI) is perhaps not as simple as some of its competitors. For example, many get frustrated when after completing the wizard, they are told they need to change something on their file simply because the app makes it quite hard to do so. If you happen to go wrong or miss a deduction at some stage, then it can be quite a trip to get back to where you were. Otherwise, H&R Block is right on the money and will no doubt be the app of choice for many people who wish to do their taxes on their iPad. But just in case you change your mind, it is possible to finish up your taxes on a desktop or laptop via the web if you choose.
TaxACT Deluxe Tablet App
While TaxACT provides less help and information than it could for beginners, it is still a fairly easy to follow app and should be the app of choice for anybody who is familiar with the tax process. TaxACT places a summary at the end of each section of the questionnaire, allowing you to look back and check for mistakes (or enter new information if you’ve missed out on any deductions). It then transfers this information straight to your 1040 IRS form. Crucially though, the app is cheaper only charging $9.99, which is a full $20 less than its two main competitors. So if you are willing to do without some of the features to make a steal, then this app is definitely the one for you.
Tax filing via iPad isn’t the way for everyone, and if you have had a particularly odd financial year then you might be better off with tax consulting services. But for most people, doing it all yourself is a good way both to educate yourself on financial matters and to save some money.
Author bio: This article was written by Simon a blogger, content manager, financial expert. He is a financially conscious guy with a Msc. in International Economics. He is a longtime contributor to various financial, accounting, taxation blogs among others the authoritative taxation and accounting blog of the Wallace&Associates APC Los Angeles a tax consulting services company.
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Category: Taxes
