Tax Software Discounts

One of the ways you can save money this tax season is to get a discount on tax preparation software. If you like to do your taxes yourself — with some help from tax programs — you can find a number of discounts. Here are a few ways to get tax software discounts:

Brokerage or Bank Tax Discounts
Some banks and brokerages offer access to discounted tax software. One good example is Vanguard. The brokerage offers you access to a discounted version of TurboTax. If you are a “regular” client, you get access for 25% off. Flagship Services clients at Vanguard actually get free access to TurboTax. Fidelity also offers access to discounted tax software.

Banks and credit unions like FNBO Direct and USAA also offer discounted tax software. Check with your bank or credit union, or with your broker, to see if you can access discounted software through their site, or if there is a special promo code you can use when purchasing tax software.

Business Tax Promotions
You can also check with other businesses to find out if there is free or discounted tax software available. Some office supply stores offer it at a discount when you buy other items. In some cases, you might get it free when you make a large enough purchase. A local car dealership offers free tax prep software when you go in for a test drive. Keep your eyes and ears open to possible discounts and promotions. And, of course, look online for special sales and discounts at retailers like Amazon.com.

Customer Tax Discounts
If you are already a customer, you can usually go to the source and get updates. Some tax software programs offer discounted updates that let you use what you already have, but then update for your current tax return. Or if you’re already a customer, lets say you use H&R Block, you might be able to get a discount on their software, like H&R Block at Home. Jackson Hewitt also regular offers promos and discounts. Be sure to check with the TurboTax, TaxCut, TaxACT and other web sites to see if they are offering specials and discounts for repeat customers.

Tax Coupons and Deals
Naturally, you can look for tax software discounts with the help from coupon sites. There are any number of discounts and deals on sites like Dealio to find the latest coupons and discounts. You can also search online for “tax software discounts” or “tax software coupons” to find more deals. Just be careful; not all coupons and promos you find online are reliable.

FreeFile
Another option is to check out FreeFile from the IRS. If your adjusted gross income is less than $58,000 a year, you can actually go to IRS.gov and get access to tax software. You fill it out and e-file for free. The tax software comes from The Free File Alliance, LLC members. This includes a number of  tax software providers including:

• H&R Block
• TurboTax
• TaxSimple
• TaxACT
• TaxSlayer

Even if you make more than $58,000 a year, you can get help from the IRS by using the free fillable forms available. These come with directions, and can help you with fairly simple calculations. You may have to pay to file your taxes if you use a tax provider, though. Or you can simply print the finished forms and send them in.

Miranda writes about personal finance almost every day. An experienced freelance writer, she's covered your money online and in print from every angle and is always looking for new ones.

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