Photograph Credit: TaxACT

Last weekend, I camped out at my desk. After paying bills, sorting mail, and clearing off all the paperwork, I filed our taxes using my 5 Steps to Filing Your Tax Return. Yay!

Even though I use my favorite tax service, I still get a knot in my stomach and a bit nervous when answering the questions. I know the taxes are right, but I feel the weight of the responsibility on my shoulders as I work through the process.

Weird? Maybe. But taxes are nerve-racking even if you are using the best service provider.

With so many options and businesses offering FREE federal 2013 income tax filing options, I know making the decision on where to file gets overwhelming. Last year, I reviewed the pros and cons of three similar tax companies: TaxACT, H&R Block, and Turbo Tax.

As some filing and pricing options have changed, I will review those options again. To begin my review, I will start with my favorite option, and the one I have used for a few years, TaxACT.

Free Federal Option – Cost $0

The FREE federal option includes preparation for simple and complex (without itemized deductions) federal tax returns with e-filing, tax help, and audit support. State filing cost $17.99.

Deluxe Federal Option – Cost $12.99

Designed to maximum your deductions, the deluxe federal option includes your federal tax preparation, imports your information from last year (if you used TaxACT), one federal e-filing, tax help, and audit support. State filing costs an additional $5.00.

Ultimate Bundle Option – Cost $17.99

Best filing choice, if you need to file a state return, as this ultimate bundle option includes everything from the deluxe federal package plus a state filing and phone support.

Other Options

For those families who have multiple family members filing individually, TaxACT offers downloadable packages to prepare all your family’s forms along with a number of e-filing services. This option is great for families with working children or retired parents.

TaxACT is my favorite service offering 2013 income tax filing options. Having purchased the ultimate bundle for $17.99, I filed our 1040 tax return with Schedule A (deductions) and C (business) along with our state return. With the audit help available, I know I will get assistance should we get another audit letter to dispute.

As I continue to review the other two tax services, you will see that this price cannot be beat. In addition to a great price, TaxACT is also user-friendly with phone and audit support.

If you are still considering your options, then hang in there because the next review in this short series is H&R Block. Stay tuned . . .

Question: What do you look for in a tax service?