With tax season coming up, there’s a chance that you’re going to have to file your taxes.  Without having to go to an accountant and pay $250, there are other alternatives that you can take.  You can either do it yourself with the manual forms, which will take you forever or you can simply buy software online that can help you do everything quickly and easily.

I started using student tax software a few years ago and I was amazed at how easy it was.  It walked me step by step to make sure that I was getting the tax cuts that I need as well as filling out my tax forms 100%.  When it comes to the IRS, you don’t want to screw up because you will hear from them regardless if it was intentional or not.

If you’re looking for some great software packages online, I’m going to spotlight 2 major brands.  Each of these packages are generally under $50 if you follow the link below.  You’ll find that it’s easier to buy online rather than in store.

H+R Block TaxCut 2008

With all the websites that I went to, H+R Block received the best rating compared to it’s rival at TurboTax.  With H+R block, you’re going to receive the following with it’s software package –

• Includes up to 5 free federal e-files
• You get extra assistance and money saving advice to maximize your deductions.  This will allow you to turn your donations into big savings when it comes to tax.
• You get live tax advice on the phone or via e-mail.  This is well worth the price alone.
• You’re able to transfer all your tax and federal information from TaxCut, TurboTax, Quicken, and more.

All this can be found on Amazon for less than $35.

TurboTax Deluxe Federal 2008

The TurboTax version is very comparable to H+R block but received lower ratings across the board at many online retailers.  TurboTax is going to run you a little bit more when it comes to price.  If you’re looking for something cheap, I’d recommend H+R Block

With TurboTax’s software, you’re going to get the following –

• Able to prepare and print your federal and state returns, as well as e-file up to 5 returns.
• You get a free federal efile.
• Easy to do.  Asks simple questions as well as put the correct answers on forms as well as fix mistakes you’ve made.
• Searches for more than 350 deductions for you.  From mortgages to education.
• TurboTax boasts to be the only software with both e-filing and audit support with every federal return.

As I already mentioned, TurboTax is going to run you about $45, which about $10 more than H+R block.

When it comes down to doing taxes, I would highly recommend you look into getting software, you’re going to get more back when it comes to returns, especially as a college student.  When I first started using this software, I was able to get a  few extra dollars that I wouldn’t have got doing it on my own.