Wirecutter - If you haven't done your taxes yet ...

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It’s unfortunately that time of year again. Doing your taxes may never be fun, but the right tool can turn the worst annual chore into a manageable—and, dare we say, rewarding—afternoon. The best tax software ensures that you get all of the credits and deductions you deserve, without dragging you through forms hell.

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After testing nine online tax apps, we can say with confidence that TurboTax Free Edition is the most sophisticated, accurate, and straightforward tool for the job.

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But there are two instances in which we believe you should take a different route:

• If you have a very complicated return, we suggest that you skip tax software altogether and find a tax professional. A professional service is more expensive, but it will save you time and stress and potentially uncover hidden tax breaks that even the best tax software might not surface. For in-person assistance with simple tax returns, you might qualify for the IRS’s free tax-preparation services. 
  
  
• If you have student loan debt or college tuition payments and an otherwise simple return (say, just a W-2 and an interest statement from the bank), file with H&R Block Free Online instead. Unlike TurboTax Free Edition, H&R Block Free Online covers the student loan interest deduction and the tuition and fees statement.

 Dana Davis

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