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With tax time approaching, you’re probably trying to figure out the best way to file your taxes. There are many online options, one of which is eSmart Tax.®.
However, before you decide to go ahead with any tax software, it’s important to read reviews to get an idea of which ones are likely to be right for you and your situation. If you’re considering eSmart Tax, here’s what you need to know:
cost – 6
Customer Service – 8
Ease of use – 5
Tools and Resources – 6
Imports of the previous year – 10
Mobile app usability – 0
6.5
eSmart is Liberty Tax’s online tax preparation service. Its product is pretty bare-bones and there is no longer a free version to try. Please note that there is no mobile app.
What is the e-smart tax?
e-smart tax Owned by Liberty Tax. Liberty has its own features, online filing softwarewhich may be better known for its face-to-face services, also offers this online-only platform. eSmart offers a DIY electronic filing option for filers who do not require professional tax support.
With eSmart, navigation is auto-guided so you can go at your own pace, but it’s pretty clumsy.If you are familiar with other tax preparation software, many of which use a question-and-answer format to guide you through the return process, so you may find eSmart’s platform difficult to use. But we’ll see later how it all works.
Who is eSmart Tax suitable for?
eSmart Tax is perfect for filers who are fairly confident in their abilities and know what they need to do. If you don’t mind simplicity and just need a little guidance when filling out tax forms, this might work for you.
However, other providers offer a better user experience and more filing options. While eSmart Tax is priced on par with mid-range tax software products, it lacks usability, features and support. It is much more limited when compared to both expensive and cheap providers.
turbo tax and H&R Block, for example, there are more plans to choose from and plenty of options for adding extra help. There is a possibility. What’s more, with H&R Block you can go to the office if you need help in person.
For the most part, eSmart Tax does not offer anything out of the ordinary and is less recommended than other platforms. Confident filers can get better features for a lower price. tax slayer again tax law Filers who need more handholding can get it with TurboTax and H&R Block. There is nothing that sets eSmart Tax apart.
Features of eSmart Tax
Free version
Simplified tax return only |
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Import function | |
Small business features | |
Investor characteristics | |
Includes audit assistance | |
refund tracking | |
Accuracy guarantee | Penalties and Interest Refunds |
filing support | Email, Live Chat, Phone: M-SUN 9A-12A EST |
Sign up for eSmart Tax
eSmart Taxes and Pricing
eSmart Tax has three different price levels: Basic, Deluxe and Premium.No free option advertised for simple filers on the price pageAll products come with a few features no matter which online plan you choose.
- Free tech support including live chat
- Import previous returns
- Preparing State Tax Returns at an additional cost
- Download W-2
- Accuracy Guarantee, Satisfaction Guarantee, Maximum money-back guarantee
Note that for all filing plans, eSmart Tax limits you to one state return per federal return. Therefore, it is not possible to submit multiple state returns.
online service
Basic
Federal Return: $45.95
Status return: $36.95
The eSmart Tax Basic online plan is for easy filing using Form 1040 or Form 8853. Supports schedules A and B, W-2, unemployment income, and both standard and income deductions.
This plan is only suitable for applicants with taxable income less than $100,000 and no dependents. If you do not qualify for this product, you should upgrade to at least Deluxe.
deluxe
Federal Return: $65.95
Status return: $36.95
if you need Itemize the deductible amount, which is the version you can use. This online plan gives you tax deductions for homeownership, child care, and education, among other common deductions. eSmart Tax Deluxe supports both Schedule C and Investment and Retirement Income.
This is probably the right eSmart Tax plan for most investors and families.
premium
Federal Return: $85.95
Status return: $36.95
Our premium online plan with eSmart Tax is perfect for the self-employed. You can access K-1 forms for LLC and S-Corp filings, and Schedules E and F. In this plan, self-employed tax credit Manage asset depreciation. You can also use this plan to enter rental property income and report capital gains and losses on Schedule D.
This is the package you need when taxes are complex due to income, deductions and/or investments.
Tax refund option
There is nothing special about the refund options offered by eSmart Tax. In fact, there are only options provided by the federal government in the form of:
- direct deposit
- paper check
- US savings bonds
- apply to next year’s tax
Registration method
at the top of the home page[サインアップ]or next to the package description[今すぐ開始]Click to start filing with eSmart Tax. From there, create an account with your email and choose a username and password.
Once that’s done, you’ll be sent an email containing a code to access the site. Once you’ve verified your code, you can start importing tax documents and filing returns.
Support options appear next to the file.
Sign up for eSmart Tax
Synchronization
Being able to import last year’s returns is a plus, as is the fact that you can upload your W-2. If you choose to make a direct deposit after submitting your electronic file, that is the fastest way to receive your refund.
You can choose to save your tax form so you can log in and complete it later.
mobile accessibility
No eSmart Tax filing appso if you want to process your taxes from your phone or tablet, you’ll need to use your device’s browser to navigate to the site. , can be difficult to use.
We recommend using a tablet or computer to file to this provider, or choose another platform.
customer service
eSmart Tax gives you easy access to customer service, but you can only ask basic questions about the software and cannot get tax advice. eSmart not only provides email and chat support, but also support via Twitter and Facebook. The software also has a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ feature, where you can find answers to your questions when filling out your tax return. Most of these questions are technical.
It doesn’t have the tools found in more comprehensive platforms like TurboTax or H&R Block. They provide info boxes and helpful tips to guide you through the process.
Pros and Cons of eSmart Tax
Strong Points
- We guarantee. eSmart Tax guarantees accuracy, maximum reimbursement and satisfaction. This isn’t uncommon, but it’s still appreciated.
Cons
- No free option. Most tax software providers offer free filing plans for simple tax situations.
- No mobile app. This is a significant drawback for filers who prefer the convenience of uploading forms and completing their returns from their mobile phones.
- Limited features and functions. eSmart Tax does not include as many helpful tools and resources as many other providers, nor does it offer additional support for more complex tax situations such as self-employment tax.
- Limited support. Online chat may be available for technical questions, but there is no option for live support from tax experts.
- Clumsy platform. The provider’s interface isn’t as easy to use as competitors’ platforms.
- No software downloads or professional preparation required. eSmart Tax does not offer software purchases in lieu of electronic filing and does not provide preparation services.