Customer Reviews

TaxCut 2008 Federal+State+efile (Old Version) [DOWNLOAD]

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(20)

 

 

The one star rating is not about the Tax Cut software, which I've used for many years, but rather Amazon's software download service. Thinking I would be environmentally friendly and skip the packing and shipping, I opted to purchase TaxCut via Amazon download rather than the boxed set. It turned into a multi-hour headache that ultimately never worked, despite the fact that I am a CompTIA A+ certified computer technician with years of experience configuring and troubleshooting systems. Buyer beware:

1) Nowhere on the product description front-page does Amazon tell you that you first need to install the "Amazon Games & Software Downloader" software onto your computer. There is no direct download link to the TaxCut software.

2) The Amazon Games & Software Downloader software has serious flaws. After installation, I repeatedly received an "update required" error message when trying to download TaxCut -- even though I had just installed the latest version. Uninstalling, rebooting, redownloading and reinstalling the software twice did not resolve the issue.

3) I sent an email to tech support, which responded simply that this error "is typically associated with a personal firewall or network blocking internet access of the Amazon Games & Software Downloader." I disabled both the built-in Windows firewall and plugged the computer directly into the cable modem to bypass the router's firewall altogether, still to no luck.

4) Fed up with the process, I requested a refund since I had never successfully downloaded the TaxCut software or obtained a licensing code. I was informed that "software downloads are not returnable once they've been purchased. Since you are having trouble downloading, we highly recommend calling for further troubleshooting steps."

5) I called the tech support number (technically they called me, since you have to enter your phone number on a web page and wait for a call-back, which admittedly happened almost immediately.) The first call dropped, a glitch the VoIP system they seem to use. They second call connected me to a very nice, but technically limited young man who kept reading to me generic "fixes" from a script. When I asked him which ports the Amazon Games & Software Downloader actually used, he had to go ask his supervisor (and never got a response.) His final "solution" was that I should find another computer on which to attempt the download, then burn the file to a CD and load it onto my main computer from the CD. At that point, I simply refused to continue with this debacle and he admitted that they have had a lot of similar issues with the software and it is currently being revised. He finally agreed to issue a credit for the purchase.

Long story short: Amazon's download process is still only half cooked. If you run into problems, you'll have to jump through hoops before they agree to refund the money. Save yourself a great deal of hassle and buy the boxed set for just a dollar more with free shipping.

I've been using this software for 10 years for my relatively simple returns. It works fine. However, this year with essentially the same packaging and advertising as 2007, the state e-file is not included. It's an extra $19.95. When you see Premium Federal + State + e-File on the back of the box it leads one to believe that state e-file is included. On the bottom of the box in very small print it says that there is an extra fee for state e-file.

After reading many bad reviews about the Amazon Games & Software Downloader. I was bit cautious. So I followed the links and installed the downloader and then tried downloading one of the free games. I was able to download it without any issues. I then went and purchased the Taxcut 2008 and download was a breeze. I would recommend the approach before you purchase the software.

I can't tell you how TaxCut stacks up as an application because I CAN'T GET IT TO DOWNLOAD!! I'm not a novice, but hell- can't Amazon do better than this for a digital download? If there is some special browser setting- run a test to determine if this will work, and provide USEFUL help in getting it resolved. Bascially, there is a FAQ file, and THAT IS IT FOR SUPPORT! Pay the extra $15 and go to Best Buy or Target and just buy the CD of the program and save yourself a lot of time. Can I ever trust a download from Amazon?? Doubt it...

The box set download from H&R Block is $34.99 for Premium + efile. Amazon.com is downloading for $23.99. Cheaper here for some reason with the download and it is cheaper then downloading off of the H&R Block website.

I have been a TaxCut customer since 1996. It is a fine program, no real difference, actually in the past TurboTax has always the higher price.
It is the best program for me, try it you'll like it. First time I am downloading in from Amazon.com.

Several hours of frustration. Waiting on response from Amazon. Check other reviews... TAXCUT is great, just don't download it from amazon.

I had a rather tricky question about my taxes this year, so wanted to use the "Ask a Tax Advisor" feature. I filled out all the forms, and it asked for my key code. I entered it and it told me it was invalid. I've now spent an hour on a chat with two customer support reps trying to get me a working key code. Awesome.

Secondly, when I went to file, it told me "some of the forms are not yet available". And that there would be an update to Tax Cut on the 11th.

Combine all this with the fact that I have to run it in VMWare on my Mac because the Mac installer wasn't included, and I'm not a happy camper.

I've used the online version the past 3 years, and always been very happy with it. I wish I would have done the same this year (this version on Amazon was cheaper, but sooooo not worth the $10 saved).

Yes, the government should provide this software free. Hiring some software engineers should have been part of the "bailout." That aside, do not be mislead by the OS requirements listed for this software download on Amazon. It is windows only. It suggests that under the product name, but when you click on the "system requirements" link it lists Mac OS 10 etc. The software certainly exists for Mac, but not for download on Amazon. The downloader needed just to download the software is windows only. Mac users can head for the back of the Amazon bus. Well, actually they can't even get on this bus.
The software is actually ok, other than the price. I will just have to get it elsewhere.

I just bought this to file my extension because the item says it includes 5 free federal e-files. I figured I would use one for the extension filing and another for the later filing. Turns out it does not allow you to file the extension as a free e-filing but CHARGES $19.95!!! I would not have bought this. And now I see another comment that even though it includes State it does not include State e-filing

This is the kind of crap that gets companies in trouble with governments for deceptive advertising. The product title of federal+state+efile indicates to any rational person that a state efile is included. Having used TaxCut in the boxed 2007 version, this is how the product was marked and it included a state efile in the cost.

This product does not include a state efile and will request $19.95 in addition to the purchase price in order to complete a state efile.

I wish I could reccomend TurboTax instead, but that package is just as useless as this one was. I tried them both and found inexplicable differences in refund ammounts between the two.

I can assure you after this experience, next year it will just be me, a sliderule, a bottle of scotch and uncle sam duking it out.