What Is the Best Tax Software to Be Using in 2019?

Published on: 28 March 2019 Last Updated on: 04 November 2024

If you fail to file your taxes correctly, the IRS can fine you a penalty up to 20% of the amount you owe.

Taxes are a complete nightmare for many people especially if you can’t pay them. And the last thing you want to deal with is owing even more money to the government.

That’s why the emergence of tax software has helped so many people. It helps you make sense of the confusing terminology, perform calculations, and break the process down into easy steps.

But what is the best tax software and how does it help simplify everything? This article covers everything you need to know.

The Criteria for Best Tax Software:

Everyone is different and the tax software available now tends to be tailored to different audiences with bank products and other solutions available.

For example, a family of four with a house and one income earner will have a fairly straightforward process. But what about someone who is self-employed or a small business owner? In these cases, some companies offer tiered pricing models that can quickly become expensive.

When asking questions like “Why would anyone use a bank product?” or “Is this service right for me?” it’s important to consider the following.

Ease of Use:

There’s no point paying for a system that is just as confusing as the tax forms themselves. Check out reviews from other people to see what their experiences with the company were. Or watch a ‘how to’ video for a preview of the software.

Are Your Taxes Complicated:

Between deductibles, donations, and multiple sources of income, taxes can get complex very quickly. If you’re unsure what you qualify for and what options are available to you then tax software may be the way to go.

Look at State Tax Prices:

Some tax software companies include state tax in their services free of charge. Others ask for a fee and class it as an additional service. Be sure to look into the costs behind each one to be sure.

With that said, here are the best online tax filing options out there.

TurboTax:

Known for its simplicity and ease of use, TurboTax has many features and designs to help you file without a headache.

The use a simple step by step process that puts questions in laymen’s terms and does the hard work and calculations for you. They even offer a W-2 scanner where upload a photo of your form and it automatically sorts the information on your tax forms.

They have a free option for getting your taxes ready to file. But can charge past $100 if you want more premium services like a tax specialist to talk to.

Tax Act:

Similar to TurboTax, TaxAct offers a sliding scale of costs for users depending on the level of service they want.

Their layout makes it easy to input data and offers free state tax returns for simple forms. If you’re a homeowner or business owner however, then you will have to pay a fee for state taxes.

If you are unhappy with the service you’ve received from other tax software companies, TaxAct makes it easy to import your old information over to them.

H&R Block:

Known for their stand-out customer support, H&R Block takes the uncertainty out of the equation with tax specialists on call and online.

It has a similar model and pricing structure to the previous companies but also offers up to $3000 of interest-free loans to anyone entitled to federal tax refunds.

Shop Around:

Knowing what the best tax software is for you takes time and research.

This list helped narrow things down but you should still look into each company in more detail to see what will work best for you.

Check out our other finance articles for more tips and advice.

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How to become a sub-broker?

To become a reputed and successful entrepreneur, it takes hard work. In India, the opportunities for launching new businesses are umpteen, but the competition is fierce. There is no magic mantra that can help one company find success within record time. It requires dedication, perseverance, and knowledge. Sub-brokers are entrepreneurs with immense potential for making a profit. They are not trading members of stock exchanges, but they can act on the behalf of one. They can also assist business owners and new investors to buy or sell securities through registered trade members. The opportunities of a sub-broker business are plenty. If you have a fair idea of the share market and its products, it is going to be a rewarding business for you. In fact, it is a rewarding profession for novices as well. Anyone with the aptitude for share trading and the will to learn about the share market should be able to master the necessary skills of a sub-broker. What are the necessary qualifications of a sub-broker? The qualifying criteria remain more or less constant across the country for sub-brokers. Here’s a list of the edibility requirement for joining the elites – The person should have a graduate degree. Any subject should do, but the aptitude for share trading is a must. The applicant should have passed their 10+2 examinations at the least. They should know about the financial markets of the country. They should either have the qualification that gives them the knowledge of it or previous experience that gives them the insight of the share markets. He or she should also be able to manage basic financial transactions. They should have the latest information on the economic, socioeconomic, political and environmental scenario in the country. That is because every change in the scenario impacts the share market. They should know how to operate computers. The applicant must also be able to learn specific trading and monitoring software necessary for the process. Nothing can replace good communication skill for sub-brokers. They should be able to convince and comfort their clients during and after investment. It is a highly competitive niche and reliable skills of communication can give you an edge over your competitors. They should be good at management. You must remember that every business is about great management. Nothing can take the place of management when it boils down to man, market, and money. The aspiring sub-broker should clear the basic NISM modules on mutual funds, equities, F&O, and commodities. These regulations ensure that all sub-broking work should follow the completion of these modules. How to find a stockbroker to work with? Next, it is time for the sub-broker to find a broker as a partner. It is the most crucial step towards setting up the sub-broking business and you need to keep a few things in mind before you go down this path – i. Pick a good broker Finding a good stockbroker does not mean looking for one with a lucrative office or higher profit share. The broker you should look for should be reputed in the market, should be trustworthy and active. Make a list of the priority values you want to see in your stockbroker. Consult with your friends, family and fellow sub-brokers during the selection process. Check the broker’s profile before you go into business with him or her. ii. You should be ready for the full-time commitment Being a sub-broker is not a part-time hobby. It is a business and a full-time commitment. You will almost never be off the clock. Even when you will be away from your desk, you will be receiving updates on your mobile phones. Staying connected 24/7/365 will ensure that you will always be ready when a big business opportunity knocks on your door. iii. You need to be more than the average sub-broker Clients expect a lot more than the usual assistance and dealing. It is a competitive market, and you need to cater to your clients’ needs for market advice, investment aide, and product selection. Every client now deals in multiple products like mutual funds, currency, equities, and securities. It has become the responsibility of the sub-broker to advise them on the selection of products to avail the best investment opportunity at the time. What are the finishing touches of becoming a fine sub-broker? Get your own client database Becoming a good sub-broker takes a lot of practice and time. It is important to have databases of people, who are likely to become your clients soon. It is possibly the only profession where cold calls are still valuable and useful. The first stage of the database may consist of your family, friends, ex-colleagues and social media contacts only, but you need to start working on that data. You will have to go through multiple rounds of meetings with your clients, explain the prospects, your business USP and their chances of making profits in the long run. Build your network Finding a reliable sub-broker is a challenge for many regular share market clients. You need to fill that gap and become the sub-broker they can trust. So, do not push sales from the first round of calling and meeting. Ask for references once you establish a relationship with the client. Attend networking meetings. They might be a tad bit cliché, but they are always effective in getting new leads for the new sub-broker. Yes, you should expect to find them the moment you step in. It will take some time for others to warm up to you and for you to notice the new opportunities in the market. Keep yourself updated Lastly, no great sub-broker can remain great without regular brush-up of their market knowledge. So, go ahead, install some of the best market update applications, follow rewarding share trading blogs and follow the news on the changes in the financial policies of the country that can affect the market. To offer your clients a little more than the next sub-broker is offering, stay updated with the international market news as well. The ups and downs of the global market always influence the prices in the Indian share market. Read Also : How To Choose The Best Broker For You How Real Estate Factors Into Business Decisions

Tips to Lower Your Insurance Costs

Investing in life insurance can be an intimidating thought. It is safe to say that the younger and healthier you are, the lower your insurance costs will be. This is because a healthy person has a lower risk of dying as compared to a person with an unhealthy lifestyle. Hence, if you are thinking about life insurance here are a few tips that could help lower the cost of your insurance. Stop Smoking A smoker has to pay a much insurance premium as compared to a non-smoker of the same age. In some cases, this can be as high as triple the premium. So, if you smoke or use any other tobacco-based products, now is the time to quit. You will be considered a non-smoker after you have quit smoking for at least 3 to 5 years. Lose some Weight A number of health issues are caused by being overweight. Hence, insurance companies consider obese or heavy people a high risk and hence charge them a higher premium. Maintaining a healthy BMI can help you live a longer, healthier life by reducing your risk of heart diseases, blood pressure problems, etc. Schedule an Early Physical A thorough medical examination is one of the prerequisites of most life insurance policies. Try and schedule this exam in the early part of the day or on a day when you are relaxed and well-rested. This is because studies show that testing for blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. have lower results in the morning as compared to in the latter half of the day after you have had a stressful day or eaten a heavy lunch. Fasting for 24 hours before your physical could also help lower your cholesterol count. Be Honest If you suffer from a preexisting condition it may be tempting to try and hide this information from your insurance agency. However, doing this could cause you a lot of trouble. In most cases, the insurance company will recognize your health condition during the review of your medical history and medical exam. Since you did not disclose this condition, you will then not have an opportunity to explain the situation. Drive Carefully Along with your health records, an insurance agent might also ask for your driving record. While this may seem unconnected, it is not. According to many insurance agencies, a driver who frequently breaks traffic rules is likely to put himself or herself in a dangerous situation and hence is considered high risk. So, if you have more than the occasional ticket to your name, it may be wise to wait a few years before applying for insurance and drive more carefully in the meantime. Keep an Eye on Insurance rates Like everything else, insurance policy rates also change from time to time. Thus, even if you have already bought a life insurance policy, it is important to review and compare policies every few years. Affordable Life USA has great rates on life insurance. Along with comparing quotes, you should also update your policy from time to time to reflect the changes in your personal situation.

11 Ways to Save Money while Studying in Israel

Israel is a wonderful country to visit. Whether it is the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, the religious landmarks, and historical sites, or the people themselves, there is always something to check out in Israel. However, it is no secret that Israel is not a cheap place to visit. The country is quite expensive by any measure so travelers would be well-advised o save money wherever they can. Whether it is currency conversions, the price of food itself, or accommodations, Israel tends to empty your wallet. What follows are some tips for saving money during your time in the Holy Land. Hopefully, by utilizing these you will be able to extend your stay in Israel or come home with a little bit more money. 1. Buy a RavKav: Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org Instead of buying bus tickets from the driver, you’ll save money by purchasing a RavKav, which you can swipe on most forms of public transportation in Israel. You’ll save money on Egged buses and on the light rail in Jerusalem, plus you won’t have to dig for coins each time you get on the bus. 2. Don’t Negotiate with Taxi Drivers: Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org There’s no way to come out on top when bargaining with the notorious Israeli taxi drivers. Instead, insist to the driver that he turn on the meter, and let that dictate the price of your journey. 3. Work out your Communication needs before leaving: No matter what country you’re in, people will look to take advantage of travelers who failed to make all their necessary preparations back home. For this reason, it is imperative that you take care of your telecom needs before you leave for Israel. Renting a SIM card for Israel or domestic cell phone is a good way to go. 4. Supermarkets over Makolets: Image Source: commons.wikimedia.org The local makolet on your school’s street corner might be the most convenient place to shop, but everything will cost a lot more than at a larger supermarket. Do yourself a favor and avoid doing your heavy shopping there. 5. Street Food Instead of Restaurants: Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org With cheap hummus and shawarma widely available throughout the country, you’re never far from a tasty and inexpensive meal. Use this to your advantage and avoid eating out in expensive restaurants. 6. Improve your Hebrew: Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with the cellphone company, the bank, or your local pharmacy. It’s always more effective when you’re negotiating in Hebrew, and if you don’t speak the language well, try to bring someone along who does. 7. Avoid American Food Products: Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org Your favorite cereals and snacks at home are going to be extremely overpriced in Israeli stores, so for extra savings go with an Israeli brand. You’ll save money and get a better feel for what Israelis are eating! 8. Buy a Reusable Water Bottle: Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org Purchasing bottled water in Israel can add up, and there’s no reason to pay for it. Tap water in Israel is of the highest quality that can be found worldwide, so just fill up your bottle whenever you’re thirsty. 9. Buy from the Shuk: Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org Like other Middle Eastern countries, the best deals are to be found at the local marketplace. If you’re studying in Jerusalem, then a great place to do your shopping is in the Mahane Yehudah market, where all the local Israelis find the city’s best bargains. 10. Circumvent ATM Fees: Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org Most students studying abroad get access to their funds by withdrawing cash from Israeli ATMs. Don’t use ATMs that charge high withdrawal fees, so avoid using ones not connected to a recognized bank. 11. Work Part-Time: Image Source: upload.wikimedia.org There are plenty of opportunities in Israel for English speakers to work part-time. If you’re having trouble saving money, why not earn a few extra shekels on the side? Travelling to Israel is exciting for anyone. If you’re fortunate enough to have a trip planned for some time in the future you will want to plan things out so that you don’t end up spending any more money than you have to. Whether you’re going through the whole country or just visiting Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, these tips ought to help you keep a little more in your wallet so you can enjoy your trip longer. Safe travels! Read Also: Benefits Of Internship Programs 7 Wise Financial Choices That Will Help You Follow Your Budget

What Is the Best Tax Software to Be Using in 2019?