It does that, and manages to keep up the pressure on its competition with a redesigned interface and a lower price than the previous year. Before starting, the most current version of the software should be loaded. Updates are easily performed through the Internet. It checks to see if an update is necessary and when one is required, it tells you what it is about to update and gives you the choice to abort. Many easy-to-use options that can speed up initial data entry are offered. Data transfers can be made from the 1998 files from any Intuit tax program, including MacIntax, and it will fill in static information. If you have Intuit's Quicken or Quickbooks installed on the same computer, you can import data from them. Data from other financial programs can be imported, as long as they can create a .txf file. You use TurboTax's preview mode to review data and delete unnecessary forms before importing them. The program's preferred, simple method, EasyStep, uses a step-by-step interview process. It provides checklists to direct the process along the way. The EasyStep Navigator allows you to go directly to any point in the process and shows a checkmark if a particular step has already been worked on. Finally, the program offers to uninstall itself as the last step in the EasyStep process -- a very nice touch. The EasyStep screen is somewhat reminiscent of a Web browser. The tax due or refund expected is shown in the upper right hand corner of the screen and is constantly updated with each entry. Scroll your mouse over these right-hand corner results and you will also see total income, deductions, etc. Links to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) are displayed along the right side of the screen for each section. The interview process takes up the rest of the screen with an option that allows you to see the tax form being affected -- which you can also directly fill in. Note that some forms are awkward to read on an 800 by 600 screen. There are video clips interspersed at many points, outlining what steps are about to be taken or what information needs to be prepared. Video clips also provide explanations of program features. Even more information is available by clicking the "More Info" button. The final review process, in addition to pointing out incomplete or inaccurate information, also points out areas that may trigger Internal Revenue Service audits. One could almost drown in the information presented. The video library, documentation and the help guides can all be easily accessed via a big yellow "Help?" button, which is always visible on screen. Electronic copies of many IRS guides and Money Magazine's Income Tax Handbook are also included. For those who prefer a direct approach, forms can be completed in any order at any time and the Easy Step interview can be resumed at any point. Be forewarned, the direct approach is recommended only for people who know exactly what they are doing. Like the pen and paper method, it is likely to be frustrating if you are a novice. There doesn't appear to be any limit to the number of mail-in federal returns you can file with this Deluxe edition. It comes with an option to download one state form and to electronically file one state return. If you need additional state forms, or wish to file more than one return via the Web, this will incur additional cost. This TurboTax Deluxe edition comes as part of the package if you buy the Quicken Suite 2000. Reviewer's rating: 4.25 / 5 Comments: TurboTax Deluxe endeavors to take the pain out of tax preparation and succeeds. Perfection might be achieved if it would only pay our taxes for us. Minimum system requirements: For PCs, Windows 95/98/NT4, 16 MB RAM, a 486DX processor, 30 MB of hard disk space, a 2x CDROM (4x is recommended) and an SVGA monitor. For Macintoshes, Mac OS 7.5.3, 16MB RAM, a PowerPC processor, 30 MB hard disk space, a 2x CDROM (4x is recommended) and an SVGA monitor. Prices: TurboTax: $14.95 US TurboTax Deluxe: $29.95 US (reviewed here) TurboTax Home & Business: $64.99 US TurboTax for Business: $79.95 US TurboTax State: $23.95 US MacInTax: $29.95 US MacInTax Deluxe: $43.95 US MacInTax Home & Business: $64.95 US MacInTax State: $23.95 US   
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