Hard to Pick Tax Software Winner

Let me first say that this is not a review of the tax-preparation programs out there.

A good review would take at least three different tax returns with entirely different tax issues and work each of them through the different tax-preparation programs.

I didn't do that. Quite frankly, I don't have that kind of time. I still have to get my return done!

And let's face it, if you stick with a big name, such as TaxCut, TurboTax, CompleteTax or TaxAct, you really can't go wrong.

They all have a thorough interview process that asks you a bunch of questions and then just plops the numbers on the tax forms, unbeknownst to you. They all offer assistance along the way with Q&As and online research. And they all enable you to electronically file your completed return.

And many of you will just stick with the program you used last year, because all your information will be carried forward, and that's fine. The end result is the same.

But if you're looking for a new one this year or you're one of the 17 million people still using pen and paper (please stop!), read on to find out which program will satisfy your particular needs. Because as similar as these products are, they each make an attempt to differentiate themselves. So here are some of the things that make them stand out from their competitors.

Calling All Traders

CompleteTax is put out by CCH, a company that has been providing tax and business law information to the pros for years. CCH hopped into the consumer market six years ago, and the company's tax-prep product holds its own.

The biggest perk to CompleteTax, which is only available online, is its relationship with GainsKeeper.com, a tax lot accounting program. GainsKeeper tracks all the corporate actions that complicate the stocks in your portfolio and continuously updates your basis, a.k.a. your original cost. So when you sell your holdings, you'll know exactly what your cost basis is, even after your stock merged, split and offered a distribution.