{"id":1800,"date":"2021-02-08T15:56:22","date_gmt":"2021-02-08T15:56:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ec2-3-209-223-66.compute-1.amazonaws.com\/?p=1800"},"modified":"2025-01-06T12:03:39","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T18:03:39","slug":"the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/","title":{"rendered":"The Pros and Cons of Tax Prep Software"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The IRS begins accepting tax returns the second week of February, which means it\u2019s time to get started on your taxes! Every year more tax prep software options promise to help you save money and time. Does tax prep software make completing your taxes easier? Are paid versions worth it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Benefits of Tax Prep Software<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gone are the days of filling out tax forms by hand. Although technically still an option, most of us no longer opt for picking up paper forms at our local library or post office. Instead, we use digital tax prep software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"606\" height=\"285\" src=\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Benefits_of_TaxPrepSoftware.jpg\" alt=\"FastAffordableUserFriendly\" class=\"wp-image-1802\" style=\"width:706px;height:332px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Benefits_of_TaxPrepSoftware.jpg 606w, https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Benefits_of_TaxPrepSoftware-300x141.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 606px) 100vw, 606px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tax Prep Software Is Fast<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Filling out forms by hand or manually editing a PDF is tedious and time-consuming. Tax prep software often offers interview-style data entry and automated data entry from past returns to save you time. Interview-style software will ask you questions about your life over the past year to determine what parts of the tax form you need to fill out.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/YkDw0f4tj4Mj_Jj54hXuH8NWhq0y22sUhvDUg8E3ltaPiAAr2RlXYd5w4ZEHD03aPFxMJXOHA1-wtRWyFDdPPxOhUY48086mqbgkSLIiwYNR3vEO6QxqtpNO1Ydg2umPJCspFjGA\" alt=\"\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>H&amp;R Block Welcome Interview Screen, 2021<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/free-quote\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"606\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/BlogCTA_Footer_NCv2.png\" alt=\"Accredited Debt Relief - Get a Free Consultation\" class=\"wp-image-1516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/BlogCTA_Footer_NCv2.png 606w, https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/BlogCTA_Footer_NCv2-300x99.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 606px) 100vw, 606px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tax Prep Software Is Affordable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most tax prep software offers a free version of their product. So what\u2019s the catch? We compared the filing costs of three of the most common: Turbotax, H&amp;RBlock, and TaxAct. They all have free versions for state and federal income taxes, but if you want the software to e-file the forms for you, there is an extra cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Free for simplified taxes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Deluxe and Premier tiers for itemized deductions, independent contractors, and small business owners<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Pros and Cons of Tax Prep Software<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tax prep software isn\u2019t intended to take the place of a CPA. Instead, it\u2019s meant to streamline the process for DIY filers. Software is an excellent choice for those who have tax returns that are simple or with one or two additional complications. In other words, as your taxes become more complicated, the value of tax prep software declines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns widget-pros-and-cons\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column widget-pros-and-cons__pros\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading widget-pros-and-cons__heading\">Pros<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Accessible Online<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Interview style user experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Autofill data from past 1099s<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Save your progress<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fill taxes out at your own pace<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have completed return reviewed by a tax professional&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mediate on your behalf if there is a mistake<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Calculates refund for you in real-time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Submits completed forms to the IRS with one click<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pay for any fees directly from your refund<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Free, Deluxe, and Premier options for different tax needs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column widget-pros-and-cons__cons\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading widget-pros-and-cons__heading\">Cons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The software may try to upsell you features you don\u2019t need<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>DIY filers with more complex returns (itemized deductions, self-employed, small business owners) will pay more and save less time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best for People Who:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Plan to DIY their taxes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are single and have a straightforward return<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not have taxable assets other than your income<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan to claim the Standard Deduction&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are not self-employed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Do not own a business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Want an accountant to check their work without the hassle of hiring one<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Tax prep software might be an OK option for people who plan to itemize, are self-employed, or run a small hustle, but these factors will complete the process and make it more expensive. Moreover, itemizing deductions, adding income from self-employment and other taxable assets require deluxe features. Accordingly, you may be better off hiring a CPA to make sure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Might Not Be Right for You If:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Are married and plan to claim exemptions and dependents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Have taxable assets other than your income<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Plan to itemize deductions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Are self-employed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Own your own business<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Received an inheritance during the tax year<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Had a significant life change like getting married or divorced or being widowed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feel overwhelmed or confused when filing taxes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If you enjoy preparing your tax returns and are very knowledgeable about tax law, you may opt to stick with software, but most people reach a threshold where a DIY approach no longer makes sense. At that point, your time and money may be better spent going directly to a CPA.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Experts Say About Tax Prep Software<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to Robert Farrington of <a href=\"https:\/\/thecollegeinvestor.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The College Investor<\/a>, \u201cTurboTax consistently produces the highest quality, easiest to use tax filing software on the market, and H&amp;R Block follows closely on its heels. TaxAct tends to lag the pack in terms of usability, but it also chalks in at the lowest price point.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/sites\/advisor\/2020\/02\/25\/the-6-best-tax-software-programs-of-2020\/?sh=4f445cc93984\">Forbes 6 Best Tax Preparation Software Companies of 2020<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>H&amp;R Block: Best Free Option<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TurboTax: Best Expert Help<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TaxAct: Best Free Option, Runner-Up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>TaxSlayer: Best Budget Option<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Liberty Tax: Best Value for the Self-Employed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jackson Hewitt: Best Virtual Tax Prep from Home<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Please note: <em>This blog is not a substitute for professional advice<\/em>.&nbsp;<em>We aren\u2019t qualified to make decisions about your taxes. Only you can do that. We have, however, done extensive research about tax preparation. The results of this are a guidepost that can help consider your tax preparation options based on specific criteria.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The IRS begins accepting tax returns the second week of February, which means it\u2019s time to get started on your taxes! Every year more tax prep software options promise to help you save money and time. Does tax prep software make completing your taxes easier? Are paid versions worth it?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":1801,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1800","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-finance-planning"],"accredited":{"author":{"name":"Anna Caldwell","url":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/author\/acaldwell\/"},"categories":[{"name":"Financial Planning","slug":"finance-planning","url":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/category\/finance-planning\/"}],"thumbnail":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/820x312_ADRBlog_ProsandConsTaxPrepSoftware.jpg"},"acf":{"edited_by":"","reviewed_by":"","fact_checked_by":""},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Pros and Cons of Tax Prep Software - Top Dollar<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Does tax prep software make completing your taxes easier? Compare the pros and cons of tax prep software to decide if it&#039;s right for you.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Pros and Cons of Tax Prep Software - Top Dollar\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Does tax prep software make completing your taxes easier? Compare the pros and cons of tax prep software to decide if it&#039;s right for you.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Top Dollar\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AccreditedDebtRelief\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-02-08T15:56:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-01-06T18:03:39+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/820x312_ADRBlog_ProsandConsTaxPrepSoftware.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"820\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"312\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Anna Caldwell\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@accredited_debt\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@accredited_debt\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Anna Caldwell\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Anna Caldwell\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/6061875fdd54e5ef0804e1ad8dd62bb5\"},\"headline\":\"The Pros and Cons of Tax Prep Software\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-02-08T15:56:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-01-06T18:03:39+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/\"},\"wordCount\":817,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/820x312_ADRBlog_ProsandConsTaxPrepSoftware.jpg\",\"articleSection\":[\"Financial Planning\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/\",\"name\":\"The Pros and Cons of Tax Prep Software - Top Dollar\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/820x312_ADRBlog_ProsandConsTaxPrepSoftware.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2021-02-08T15:56:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-01-06T18:03:39+00:00\",\"description\":\"Does tax prep software make completing your taxes easier? Compare the pros and cons of tax prep software to decide if it's right for you.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/820x312_ADRBlog_ProsandConsTaxPrepSoftware.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/820x312_ADRBlog_ProsandConsTaxPrepSoftware.jpg\",\"width\":820,\"height\":312,\"caption\":\"Tax Prep Software\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Top Dollar Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"The Pros and Cons of Tax Prep Software\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/\",\"name\":\"Top Dollar\",\"description\":\"Financial Insights Hub\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Accredited Debt Relief Blog\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cropped-topDollar_tag.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cropped-topDollar_tag.png\",\"width\":530,\"height\":112,\"caption\":\"Accredited Debt Relief Blog\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AccreditedDebtRelief\/\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/accredited_debt\",\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/accrediteddebtrelief\/?hl=en\",\"https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/topdollarblog\/\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/6061875fdd54e5ef0804e1ad8dd62bb5\",\"name\":\"Anna Caldwell\",\"pronouns\":\"she\/her\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/41ff669dc39671814f7d15db3f2276fa7181c511c979ef0580bd047014448470?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/41ff669dc39671814f7d15db3f2276fa7181c511c979ef0580bd047014448470?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Anna Caldwell\"},\"description\":\"Anna Caldwell is a Chicago-based IAPDA-certified personal finance writer specializing in budgeting and helping people with financial hardship navigate debt consolidation, and other consumer debt solutions. With a master's degree from DePaul University and more than 14 years of experience in digital content creation her work has been featured in AOL, MSN, Yahoo Finance, and Benzinga, and she has been quoted as a subject matter expert by Databox, Tidio, and Smartrmail. At Beyond Finance and Accredited Debt Relief Anna creates approachable, actionable guidance that helps real people navigate debt, build budgets, and achieve healthier financial futures.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.annacaldwellsoprano.com\/\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/annakathryncaldwell\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/author\/acaldwell\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"The Pros and Cons of Tax Prep Software - Top Dollar","description":"Does tax prep software make completing your taxes easier? Compare the pros and cons of tax prep software to decide if it's right for you.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"The Pros and Cons of Tax Prep Software - Top Dollar","og_description":"Does tax prep software make completing your taxes easier? Compare the pros and cons of tax prep software to decide if it's right for you.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/","og_site_name":"Top Dollar","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AccreditedDebtRelief\/","article_published_time":"2021-02-08T15:56:22+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-01-06T18:03:39+00:00","og_image":[{"width":820,"height":312,"url":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/820x312_ADRBlog_ProsandConsTaxPrepSoftware.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Anna Caldwell","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@accredited_debt","twitter_site":"@accredited_debt","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Anna Caldwell","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/"},"author":{"name":"Anna Caldwell","@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/6061875fdd54e5ef0804e1ad8dd62bb5"},"headline":"The Pros and Cons of Tax Prep Software","datePublished":"2021-02-08T15:56:22+00:00","dateModified":"2025-01-06T18:03:39+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/"},"wordCount":817,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/820x312_ADRBlog_ProsandConsTaxPrepSoftware.jpg","articleSection":["Financial Planning"],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/","url":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/","name":"The Pros and Cons of Tax Prep Software - Top Dollar","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/820x312_ADRBlog_ProsandConsTaxPrepSoftware.jpg","datePublished":"2021-02-08T15:56:22+00:00","dateModified":"2025-01-06T18:03:39+00:00","description":"Does tax prep software make completing your taxes easier? Compare the pros and cons of tax prep software to decide if it's right for you.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/820x312_ADRBlog_ProsandConsTaxPrepSoftware.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/820x312_ADRBlog_ProsandConsTaxPrepSoftware.jpg","width":820,"height":312,"caption":"Tax Prep Software"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/the-pros-and-cons-of-tax-prep-software\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Top Dollar Home","item":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"The Pros and Cons of Tax Prep Software"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/","name":"Top Dollar","description":"Financial Insights Hub","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Accredited Debt Relief Blog","url":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cropped-topDollar_tag.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/cropped-topDollar_tag.png","width":530,"height":112,"caption":"Accredited Debt Relief Blog"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/AccreditedDebtRelief\/","https:\/\/x.com\/accredited_debt","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/accrediteddebtrelief\/?hl=en","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/topdollarblog\/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/6061875fdd54e5ef0804e1ad8dd62bb5","name":"Anna Caldwell","pronouns":"she\/her","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/41ff669dc39671814f7d15db3f2276fa7181c511c979ef0580bd047014448470?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/41ff669dc39671814f7d15db3f2276fa7181c511c979ef0580bd047014448470?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Anna Caldwell"},"description":"Anna Caldwell is a Chicago-based IAPDA-certified personal finance writer specializing in budgeting and helping people with financial hardship navigate debt consolidation, and other consumer debt solutions. With a master's degree from DePaul University and more than 14 years of experience in digital content creation her work has been featured in AOL, MSN, Yahoo Finance, and Benzinga, and she has been quoted as a subject matter expert by Databox, Tidio, and Smartrmail. At Beyond Finance and Accredited Debt Relief Anna creates approachable, actionable guidance that helps real people navigate debt, build budgets, and achieve healthier financial futures.","sameAs":["https:\/\/www.annacaldwellsoprano.com\/","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/annakathryncaldwell\/"],"url":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/author\/acaldwell\/"}]}},"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":50,"label":"Financial Planning"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/820x312_ADRBlog_ProsandConsTaxPrepSoftware.jpg",820,312,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Anna Caldwell","author_link":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/author\/acaldwell\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":50,"name":"Financial Planning","slug":"finance-planning","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":50,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make wise financial choices as you manage your taxes, retirement, investments, and more.<\/span>","parent":0,"count":151,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":50,"category_count":151,"category_description":"<span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Make wise financial choices as you manage your taxes, retirement, investments, and more.<\/span>","cat_name":"Financial Planning","category_nicename":"finance-planning","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1800","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1800"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1800\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1801"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1800"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accrediteddebtrelief.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}