Kiplinger TaxCut
Company: Block Financial Corporation
Estimated price: $14.95
http://www.taxcut.com

Kiplinger TaxCut is a new product just introduced for the Macintosh. I have been doing my own taxes for years, and so I was very much interested when I saw that another company had developed a tax program for the Mac. Not only did it have well known names, Kiplinger and H&R Block, it was less expensive than the other program I had used in the past. After acquiring a copy, I was ready to give it the ultimate test: my parent's taxes.

I am one of those people who doesn't like to open a package and see a "STOP - Read This First!" warning on a manual as thick as "War and Peace." I did not find this when I began this program. I just popped in the CD and followed the instructions.

TaxCut gives you four ways to complete your tax return.

1) The Interview Method
You are asked easy to understand questions and based on your answers, TaxCut fills in your forms automatically and does all the calculations for you.
2) Fast Lane (my personal method) If you know all the forms you need, Fast Lane asks only those questions necessary to get you finished in record time.
3) Fast Forms Use this if you want to enter data directly into your forms without the extra help.
4) All Forms Use this one if you know all the forms you need, want a hands on feeling with filling in the forms, again without extra help from the program.

When Kiplinger says it's as easy as 1-2-3, they really mean it. You prepare your form following their easy click-by-click instructions. As you fill in the necessary information, the program monitors your return. On one side of the window is an area that lists the most frequently asked questions concerning that particular part of the return. If you click on those questions the answers are given to you in a clear and concise format There is also an area called "Help Central" that allows you to access tax tips to help save you money and to get the best use out of the forms you will need to maximize your refund.

I found several outstanding features that my other tax program lacked. I want to name just a few that I found particularly useful:

1. You can import from Quicken®, Managing Your Money®, or any other software used to track tax-related data.
2. Free state program (where applicable)
3. Easy electronic filing (free with mail-in rebate)
4. The Refund Rewards option
5. Auto Update

The Refund Rewards option allows users to receive their refunds loaded onto a prepaid spending card that can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted. You'll have to read the details on this one to believe it.

I found that TaxCut doesn't particularly like you to override an entry. It can be done, but not without giving you a terrible feeling of guilt! On the other hand, I don't imagine there will be too many people wanting--or needing--to override its suggestions or calculations.

Well, how did it perform on the taxes I was preparing? Great! I made deliberate mistakes and was caught each time. I did not use all the deductions I was entitled to and was reminded about them. Upon completion, the program even checked to be sure there were no new tax updates and, at this time there were none.

As of this review's writing, there will be only 15 states available for the Macintosh and the release date is February 11. This is where I find the only problem with the program. Where are the other 35 states? Luckily, my state was among the 15 available at the time.

What is included
Included in the Kiplinger TaxCut package is a CD-ROM, Quick Start Guide, Electronic filing instructions and rebate, Registration Card, Order form for next year's edition of TaxCut, $15 in-box rebate, US Airways discount coupon, and CitiFi online banking discount coupon.

Requirements and Installation
Kiplinger TaxCut requires a 68030 or better (PowerPC recommended), System 7.1 or higher, 8MB RAM (16 for PCI-based machines), 20MB free disk space, 2x CD -ROM, printer, and Internet connection (for electronic filing and the Auto Update feature).

Summary
Kiplinger TaxCut is quick, easy to use, and well worth its cost. I made as many errors as I thought my parents would make (and then some) and I was corrected each time. I really like this program. I found that it more than supplied my needs as far as the Federal Return, and I feel it's a great alternative to MacInTax! But I was a little disappointed that only 15 states were available at the time I write this. Perhaps this has changed in the past two months, and I would check into this if this is a consideration to you.

The Federal program is fantastic, but because of the limited state support I'll have to keep my rating lower than the 5.0 I would be inclined to give.

Kiplinger, thanks for saving me money, but finish those other states!

MacMice Rating: 3.5

Lyn Price
lyn@mymac.com