Free tax prep software

[Davin]

I just got my W-2, and will be starting the annual chore soon. I was wondering what free tax prep software was the most mustachian. I have used the free version of Turbo Tax before, and have heard good things about TaxACT. I know there are others out there; I think H&R Block does one. Which do you use, and what are the pros/cons?

[luigi49]

I use taxact and I itemize.  Very user friendly.  My tax filing are complicated. 

[Nothlit]

I have filed my federal taxes for free with TaxAct.com for the past several years and have no complaints. I also file my state taxes for free through my state's own Department of Revenue web site (Massachusetts). Many states offer something similar.

[sheepstache]

I know you were asking about software and you already used turbotax, but I got the deluxe version of turbo tax for free (including a free state filing), by opening a state farm checking account with $25 last year and they are doing it this year too.
If you earned less than 57k, thebeehive.org usually has the H&R block one for free and it feels basically identical to turbo tax to me.

[tariskat]

I've always purchased the Deluxe (? middle of the road) TurboTax as a student.  This year I'm going to try the online free TurboTax and also submit through my state website. 

The paid version of TurboTax, at least, is amazing.

[Joel]

I use FreeTaxUSA.com to file my federal taxes. They also prepare my state taxes (California), but charge to file them. I file them on California's website for free, and then compare the numbers to FreeTaxUSA's estimate, which agrees.

[carloco]

Thanks so much everyone.  I have been using turbotax for that past few years.  I was resigned to spend 50 bucks on it.  Even though I can get a discount, Turbotax fleeces you on the state filing; which in VA is kinda of confusing.  I started a return on taxact already.  They even let upload the 2012 filing to copy most of the info.