Description:
For most users, TurboTax Deluxe 2002 will make April 15 just another day. This incarnation of the most popular tax-preparation title is as streamlined and simple as before, and its integration with Quicken is better than ever. Intuit has striven to make the software easy to use even for those with an aversion to both tax forms and computers. The wizard-based system guides users through each step with plenty of context-sensitive advice. Installation of TurboTax is just as easy as it's always been. The activation procedure requires an Internet connection, but overall the brief procedure is transparent and painless. Quicken users can swiftly import their financial data, as can those who've used previous versions of TurboTax. Each copy offers free (after rebate) electronic filing and TurboTax State, which can be ordered from within the program. The preparation itself is almost as simple and reliable as going to an accountant; each step and each piece of information required is fully explained. If some financial data is temporarily unavailable, it's a snap to skip ahead and complete the rest while waiting on that information. Once the numbers are all in, TurboTax does the math and instantly releases the news, good or bad. Printing is simple, as is e-filing, and all data can be saved for future reference. The Tax Library feature is comprehensive and well worth exploring, as it contains all the information users need to save countless dollars and hassles. From IRS documents to professionally produced videos explaining key concepts, the materials are sharply focused and helpful to the broadest range of taxpayers. For 2002, Intuit has instituted a licensing system that, while mostly harmless, has caused enough problems to become controversial. Each package requires an activation that links the full product irrevocably to one machine and installs background software to monitor licensing compliance. People who want to use more than one computer may do so, but they will have to settle for one fully functional product and one in trial version mode (only printing and e-filing are disabled in trial version). To enable trial version users just need Internet access. This functionality makes it easy to prepare in multiple locations-for example on a laptop and a home PC. When users are ready to file they just need to return their data file to the computer with printing and e-filing capability. This multiple-PC issue shouldn't affect most buyers, and should not alter the opinion that TurboTax is still the best tax preparation package available. --Rob Lightner
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