E-file Review: E-file Features, Versions and Cost
When you or your military spouse have varied sources of pay and move from state to state, taxes can be a challenge. E-file can help.
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As a service member, you may have a unique tax situation, especially since you may have residencies in multiple states and forms of payment that may be tax-exempt–for example, combat or special duty pay. You may also receive income from rental properties or investments.
E-file is one of the most affordable tax software solutions available to military personnel, veterans and the spouses of service members. This product offers a wide range of features on par with top-performing solutions on the market.
How E-file Works
E-file features a tax filing interface that is more streamlined than those of its competitors. Although this simplified platform is user-friendly, it is not as easy to use as the platforms from, say, TurboTax and H&R Block.
E-file’s lower pricing appeals to cost-conscious filers, even though the interface feels more clinical than competitors.
When you use this software to prepare and file your taxes, you will see that the entire process is divided into sections (for example, “Income”). Each of these sections is, in turn, divided into subsections, like “Investments.”
Before starting with a section, the software will ask you a few questions to determine your unique tax situation.
Based on the answers you provide, the software will present you with the correct tax schedules and forms you should complete.
If you are an experienced filer, you can skip these questions to save time.
E-file’s Best Features
Prior Year Return Importing
If you filed with E-file during the previous year, you can import the information from your last return directly into the tax return you are currently working on.
This feature saves time and helps you enter your personal and financial information without making mistakes. A drawback of this feature: You will not be able to import your return from third-party or competitor platforms.
Audit Assistance
If you file your tax returns with E-file, you can opt for Audit Assistance. If the IRS audits you, E-file’s team of tax professionals will provide audit assistance support and guidance during an IRS audit.
Help Sidebar
E-file’s help sidebar is a valuable feature, especially if you are an inexperienced tax filer. The help sidebar shows you where you are in the tax preparation and filing process and provides you with topic information about fields that you are busy completing.
Pay With Your Refund
Apart from conventional payment methods like credit and debit cards, you can also pay for E-file’s tax return preparation and filing services with the tax refund you receive from the IRS.
This feature is helpful, as you won’t have to provide your credit card information upfront. Keep in mind that there are fees when using this feature.
Filing Your Return for Previous Years
If you didn’t file your returns during previous years, you can do so now with E-file at no additional cost. You can only claim refunds for the past three years.
If, for example, you didn’t file your return four years ago, you will not be able to claim that year’s tax refund today.
Accuracy Guarantee
If E-file’s software glitches and causes a calculation error, E-file accepts responsibility for any penalties or interest imposed by the IRS. Most other tax software products offer this guarantee, and now E-file does, too.
Versions
With E-file, you can choose from three versions: Free Basic, Deluxe, and Premium. You can file federal and state taxes with all three versions.
When deciding on a plan, you have to take the complexity of your tax situation into account and the level of tax, technical and audit support that you want to receive.
If you choose the Free Basic or Deluxe plan and the software determines that, based on the answers you provided, you require a program that is one tier up, it will recommend that you upgrade your plan.
E-file will not pressure you into upgrading your account if it isn’t necessary, however.
Free Basic
The Free Basic plan is the most straightforward plan E-file has to offer. This plan is suitable for a single or joint filer with no dependents and no additional schedules to file. Free Basic includes free federal e-filing and access to their online tax support line.
To qualify for this plan, your total taxable income must be below $100,000, and your taxable income must be exclusively from wages, salaries, tips, unemployment compensation, taxable scholarships, and fellowship grants. Any taxable interest earned cannot exceed $1,500.
Deluxe
The Deluxe plan offers the same benefits as the Free Basic plan as well as additional benefits and perks. Deluxe provides filers with the ability to file with dependents, deduct mortgage interest, and claim retirement income. This plan covers up to $100,000 of taxable income.
Alongside the online tax support line, Deluxe customers can also call E-file’s full telephone support line.
Premium
The Premium plan was developed for people who have complex tax situations. If, in addition to your military income, you earn income from investments, rental property or a small business, the software will recommend that you upgrade to the Premium plan.
This comprehensive plan supports itemized tax deductions, all credit schedules, and both business and personal income. IRS Audit Assistance is available to every Premium customer.
All features from Free Basic and Deluxe are also available to Premium customers.
Costs
If you have to file returns in multiple states, E-file may be your most affordable solution.
The cost for state filing is $32.99, regardless of where you are subscribed to the Free Basic, Deluxe, or Premium plan.
This state fee remains the same, irrespective of how many state returns you submit – an excellent benefit for military families.
The cost for federal filing differs from plan to plan. Federal filing is entirely free with the Free Basic program. With the Deluxe edition, you will pay $23.99 per return, and with the Premium edition, you will pay $39.99 per return.
The prices listed above may fluctuate. Visit E-file’s website to find the current pricing structure.
- User-friendly: The software features a straightforward and intuitive interface.
- Affordable: E-file’s versions for complex tax situations are affordable in comparison with comparable products.
- Accurate: With E-file, you have access to a 100% accuracy guarantee.
- Free audit support: Users can opt for free audit assistance.
- Flexible payments: In addition to debit and credit cards, you can also pay E-file with your tax refund.
- Secure: E-file’s software is entirely secure, and your privacy and information are sufficiently protected.
- Limited customer support: You can only access customer support via email or by completing and submitting a support ticket.
- State filing fees: None of E-file’s plans allow for free state filing.
- Imports: Users can’t import W-2 forms or tax returns from competitor platforms.
Keep filing straightforward and inexpensive with E-file.
