Customer Reviews

TaxCut 2004 Premium for Macintosh [Old Version]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I switched from TurboTax 2 years ago. The main reason being the issues with spyware in the PC version of that program. I also didn't like all of the hoops they were trying to make their customers jump through. Or the fact that they charge a 25% higher premium price for the Mac version of their software.

Using TaxCut was a decent experience. The program itself is easy to use and negotiate. Jumping back and forth in the return was a fairly simple process. There were significant improvements over the previous year's version. Which is always a welcome thing.

I was able to quickly import my tax info from the previous year's TurboTax files without any problem. The user interface is easily understandable. Overall, TaxCut seems to be a step or two behind TurboTax. But the end results are the same, a tax refund which more than pays for the program. And those steps behind are small steps.

Keep in mind that the "free" state version (which you have to pay for and get reimbursed), and any rebates, require that you send in receipts within 30 days of the purchase. If you don't then you'll not be getting any rebates or reimbursements.

I'm another unhappy user of this program. It's Feb. 12th and I've been done my return for close to 2 weeks now. I'm still waiting for the Charitable Contributions Update. I switched from TurboTax because of Intiut's bundling of Spyware in last years edition. But at least they released a finished product. I feel like I wasted $40 on this.

Even the State was delayed. I bought the download on the TaxCut website and didn't receive confirmation that the download was available until this morning. Back to TurboTax next year...

I've used Taxcut to file my taxes since 1996 but this was my first year using Taxcut for Mac. I wanted to get it over with right away so I got the download version of the program and it whizzed through my taxes in no time.

There is an update pending it states on the update screen but I didn't run into any issues and was able to e-file my return. If anything in the update affects me (and I don't believe it will because they have always disabled filing before if that was the case) I can always amend.

The forms for my records printed perfectly has usual on my laser printer and yet another year is taken care of with little headache or worry. I heartily recommend this version because if you go on over to TurboTax you'll see just about as many complaints. If you have a complex return you might run into issues but if your return is straightforward as mine was you should have no problems.

Yes, the state edition isn't ready but that is to be expected -- 50 different entities to work out all the programming with, the state program is always a challenge for BOTH companies to get out on time. I have no problems waiting a couple of weeks until it is to put the state taxes to bed given the amount of time Taxcut will save me in doing that.

My System: iMac G5, Panther 10.3.7, Lexmark Rn+ Laser Printer

This is my second year of using TaxCut for Mac, and I've found the software to be easy to use, with helpful tips and links. In fact, I would say that TaxCut makes e-filing a breeze except for one thing.

Early on, you're prompted to download updates, which the software states should take a few minutes. I suppose "a few" is subjective. I actually thought the update was stuck, but it turns out the size of the file is 13.9 MB. If you have dialup, you may as well download that while you sleep, the night before you plan to sit down to the actual task.

But that's not all: once the update has downloaded, there are some key components not yet up and running, if you itemize, primarily having to do with charitable contributions. The update says that these will roll out on January 27... And that's simply not true, as I downloaded the update on January 29. If you go to the H&R Block site and poke around, you find that the missing forms will be available "mid-February." Well, which is it?

If I had wanted to wait until mid-February to file, I wouldn't be buying TaxCut in the first place. Kind of kills the advantage of e-filing. Although once filed, my returns last year were processed in blazing speed, in under 10 days until showing up in my account. I still like the ease of use, but the updates make me wonder whether I will use TaxCut 2005...

I used H&R Block TaxCut for 2002 for Mac OS and it was really bad ... buttons didn't work, the update feature didn't work for California state, things didn't print correctly. It was very, very lame. I swore I'd never use it again ... but then Intuit managed to become even more arrogant last year (I forget what they did THIS time) and I got fed up with their taking Mac users for granted. So, based on some decent reviews here for TaxCut for 2004 (I saw these reviews about a month or so ago), I decided to give it one last try. Well, "last try" is right. This program just doesn't cut it, especially not for something as sensitive as doing one's taxes. The 2004 version is better than the 2002, at least (small compliment) but TurboTax is still far and away smoother, less buggy, clearer, and much better at giving you a sense that it's not bolloxing your taxes up. Examples: TaxCut's update feature is not clear; it prompts you to update the software at regular intervals (good), but instead of saying, "you're already up-to-date" it says "there are no updates planned" (confusing). I couldn't e-file my state income tax because of a bug (and judging from H&R Block's support website, this is a bug that appears in many places). Their solution was very consistent: print your return and mail it. So much for e-filing. There were several places where the software asked me to pick a number from a table, or decide which form to use. Isn't that what the software is supposed to do? It gives "error-check" warnings where there is no apparent problem (at least I hope there isn't; neither the Help or the error itself gave much of a clue). And there were several places where both the interface and the Help provide muddy and unclear instructions. TaxCut ended up wasting a lot of my time, turning a fairly straightforward return into an ordeal. As much as I loathe Intuit, I'm afraid that, for FY2005, I'm going to have to once again grit my teeth, curse under my breath, and pay too much for the greater confidence, fewer bugs, and smoother experience of TurboTax. GRRRRRRR.

This is my first time using tax preparation software, and after looking over many poor reviews for TurboTax on the Mac, I went with TaxCut. I found the product to be simple to use, very intuitive and filled with just the right kinds of "interviews" that made filling out forms and filing my taxes very easy.

I too had the problem of downloading the updates, and after trying to click the "get latest version" button to no avail I followed the directions to the TaxCut site where I was able to successfully download and install the updates. I filed my return electronically yesterday, and found out 12 hours later that it had been accepted by both Federal and State.

Overall an excellent product for the Mac, and one that I'll purchase again next year.

It is clear that this product was not sufficiently or fully tested.

I am so frustrated that if I could throw a bushel of rotten eggs at the programmers and everyone else responsible for the time I'm wasting, I would.

I have completed my federal and state return, and I'm ready to file the return. But the program insists that I need to check for updates, which I have done already, and again, and again, and again just trying to find a way out of this horrible programming do-loop.

If you have just a W2, some interest and dividends, along with a simple mortgage, TaxCut gets you through the interview process faster than Turbotax. I was in and out in 30 minutes including State. By the way don't download State prior to installing Taxcut Federal since State will not load without Federal.

I'd give them 5 stars but their rebate process is excessively complex.

I bought TaxCut for the Mac based on reviews on this site. I am one of those people who do their taxes right away - and what did I get for my efforts? The software informs me that a necessary update won't be ready until mid-February. And it does not allow you to file until you update. I even tried to eliminate my charitable contributions (which is what the update said it was waiting for) and it STILL wouldn't let me send it.

In addition, TaxCut for State (Illinois) was suppose to be available for download 1/28. It is now the 2nd of February and I am still waiting. I tried talking to two separate people via their live Help on their website, but neither of them knew when the update or the state would be released.

I would stick to any of the free online tax sites that the IRS suggests on their web site, or head on over to TurboTax.

Very disappointing.

Finally after years and years of amatuerish programming they have a half decent

product. 3.5 stars .