TaxCut Platinum Review

We highly recommend that you use the TurboTax online filing program. You can start right now, and pay nothing until you decide to file, while using the program's extensive features and help files.

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Don't have time? File an extension online right now, with H&R Block.

If you prefer using software installed on your computer, then the TaxCut family of products will fulfill this function on a budget.

TaxCut Platinum, at a glance: • only 29.95 after $10 rebate • step-by-step filing guide • free e-filing w/rebate • free Next-Day Delivery

Our review of TaxCut Platinum

Overall rating: (out of 5)


This is probably the best-value tax preparation software on the market, for those with little or no self-employment income.

Is it right for you?

Most likely. The price is definitely right, and although TaxCut Platinum does not have as many features as Turbo Tax Premier, it does have more than you are ever likely to use (see the list of features below).

This software is perfect for 1040 filers, especially for those who itemize, and it includes a free rebate offer for the state version.

If you also need to attach schedule C and/or D with your return, you will be better off with the slightly more expensive Turbo Tax Premier Home & Business, or TaxCut Platinum Home & Business.

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TaxCut Platinum product information

Note: the following is the manufacturer's own product description.

  • FREE! TaxCut State program and Electronic Filing after mail-in rebates. Simply complete the mail-in rebate forms and send it in with the required proofs of purchase.

FREE! TaxCut Financial Planners Assists you in determining if your investments support your financial goals and if your asset allocation matches your risk tolerance. You can also create "what-if" scenarios for future savings.

NEW! Rental Property Assistant Helps you maximize your rental property tax savings by providing tax tips and reminding you of overlooked individual rental property expenses.

NEW! Capital Gains Assistant Provides detailed tax tips and in-depth answers to Frequently asked questions focused on ways to maximize you tax benefits and minimize your tax liabilities.

NEW! Stock Options Advisor Provides you a central location to find answers to all your stock options questions, including the consequences of your transactions. Get help and advice regarding all types of options - such as an incentive, a nonqualified and even employee stock purchases.

NEW! Business Expense Assistant Helps sole proprietors enter, track and report business expenses to maximize deductions. It also provides additional tax tips and answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

NEW! Depreciation Assistant Provides guidance and advice about depreciation to sole proprietors, rental property owners, and others who may qualify for this tax break and save by depreciating certain assets.

NEW! Portfolio Manager Tracks your stock and mutual fund sales and generates your Schedule D powered by Gainskeeper®. Corporate actions and wash sale tracking, as well as asset allocation tools, simplifies decision-making about trades and maximizes your tax benefits.

NEW! Exclusive Customer Technical Support With your TaxCut Platinum purchase. Through our dedicated number, your call will receive Platinum priority status.

NEW! 9-Year Tax Preview Shows you all the ways in which the tax legislation of 2001 will affect you now and in the future, from how your standard deduction will change, to how tax brackets will change, and projects your taxes over the next nine years.

NEW! Home Office Assistant Enables you to maximize your home office tax benefits by walking you through a series of questions to see if your home office qualifies for tax purposes.

NEW! Retirement Savings Enhancer Provides ways to increase your tax and retirement savings to ensure you get the most out of you 401(k).

IMPROVED! Error Check Catches mistakes or omissions that could cost you money or flag your return for an IRS audit. This improved functionality makes it easy to correct mistakes, ensuring that your return is error free!

IMPROVED! Entry Manager Tracks where your data originates, guides you to related forms and itemizes your entries. It also allows you to flag entries as tentative for you to go back and review before you finalize your return.

TaxCut Video Tax Advice Listen to TurboTax and Kiplinger experts share tips on how to get the most out of your tax return. Learn how changes in your life affect your taxes andsave money by foll owing simple strategies.

IRS Publications Answers questions on specific forms and provides details about particular tax situations. The publications are updated annually to reflect IRS changes. Be sure to also visit Help Central for additional tax tips and IRS instructions.

Kiplinger Publications Practical Guide to Your Money helps you control debt, minimize your taxes and stay ahead of inflation. Buying & Selling a Home takes you through the home buying process, from assessing your resources to applying for a loan. Practical Guide to Investing tells you how to make your money work for you, and Retire Worry-Free helps you plan for the future without fear.

TaxCut Tax Law Assistant Helps you understand the implications of the changing tax laws, provides information about how the changes affect your taxes now and in the future and ensures you get the maximum tax benefit possible under the new laws.

Auto Entry Automatically imports W-2 and 1099 information from participating employers and financial institutions. Auto Entry saves you valuable time and prevents costly data entry errors. Multiple W-2s are easy to deal with when using Auto Entry.

Seamless financial data imports from TurboTax®, Quicken® and Microsoft® Money transfers your tax and financial information from last year's TurboTax®, Quicken® 2000-2003 and Microsoft® Money 2000-2003 into TaxCut for speed and accuracy. Kiplinger Advice Gives you trusted tax advice from the financial experts at Kiplinger.