Survivor's guide to taxes: The best tax software for Macs

With a little over six weeks left before this year's April 18 filing deadline, finding the right software to get the job done can be paramount. For those who are self-employed or have a variety of investments, having the proper tools to import statements and double check for errors can save time and money. AppleInsider this week is rounding up a list of the top tax preparation software deals and where to find the lowest prices on both downloadable and boxed versions of each.

TurboTax

A top choice due to its easy to use interface, TurboTax has a wide range of online and boxed software options available for tax year 2016. Simple tax returns (1040EZ/1040A) may qualify for TurboTax's Federal Free Edition, but users needing more robust features, such as expert help from certified public accountants (CPAs) and enrolled agents (EAs), can opt for the Deluxe version. Those who are self-employed or have investments and rental properties will want to opt for the higher-tier versions to handle more complicated filings. Please note, some MacOS Sierra users have had difficulty opening the application. Please ensure you're logged in to the machine using an account with Administrator Rights.

Ways to save

If you're ready to get started on taxes and want to download the software right away, shoppers can save up to 40% on Mac versions at Amazon or $20 to $25 when purchased directly from TurboTax. TurboTax is also throwing in a free credit score from Mint when you order online at TurboTax.Intuit.com.

For those that prefer a physical disc, Amazon and TurboTax are also offering the same discounts on boxed versions of the tax prep software. Warehouse clubs, such as Costco and Sam's Club, periodically offer coupons and rebates on boxed TurboTax software as well.

Downloads

TurboTax Basic 2016 Federal + Fed e-file for Mac $28.49 @Amazon

(5% off)

TurboTax Deluxe 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac $39.86 @Amazon

($20 off)

TurboTax Deluxe 2016 No State + Fed e-file for Mac $29.86

($20 off)

TurboTax Premier 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac $50.65 @Amazon

($39 off)

TurboTax Home & Business 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac $64.94 @Amazon

($35 off)

Boxed software

TurboTax Basic 2016 Federal + Fed e-file for Mac $28.49 @Amazon

(5% off + free shipping)

TurboTax Deluxe 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac $39.86 @Amazon

($20 off + free shipping)

TurboTax Deluxe 2016 No State + Fed e-file for Mac $29.86

($20 off + free shipping)

TurboTax Premier 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac $50.65 @Amazon

($39 off + free shipping)

TurboTax Home & Business 2016 Federal & State + Fed e-file for Mac $64.94 @Amazon

($35 off + free shipping)

H&R Block

A staple in the tax world, H&R Block has prepared more than 680 million tax returns, and the company continues to offer online solutions ranging from basic tax software to premium products for small business owners in 2017. Users can also take advantage of free unlimited advice from a tax expert and up to five free federal e-files.

Ways to save

While H&R Block software starts at $29.95 for the Basic version and runs up to $89.95 for the Premium & Business option, users can save 30% instantly with link-activated offers at H&R Block directly. However, the best deals can be found at Amazon where the software is up to 43% off with a 5-10% refund bonus on an Amazon gift card.

Please note, H&R Block Basic, Deluxe, and Premium offerings are Windows and Mac-compatible, but Premium & Business works in Windows only.

Downloads

H&R Block Basic 2016 for Mac $14.97 @Amazon

($5 off + refund bonus offer)

H&R Block Deluxe 2016 for Mac $19.95 @Amazon

($15 off + refund bonus offer)

H&R Block Deluxe + State 2016 for Mac $29.99 @Amazon

($15 off + refund bonus offer)

H&R Block Premium + State 2016 for Mac $44.95 @Amazon

($20 off + refund bonus offer)

Boxed software

H&R Block Basic 2016 for Mac $14.97 @Amazon

($5 off + refund bonus offer)

H&R Block Deluxe 2016 for Mac $19.95 @Amazon

($15 off + refund bonus offer)

H&R Block Deluxe + State 2016 for Mac $29.99 @Amazon

($15 off + refund bonus offer)

H&R Block Premium + State 2016 for Mac $44.95 @Amazon

($20 off + refund bonus offer)

TaxAct

TaxAct, a budget-friendly alternative to TurboTax and H&R Block, offers users three products for tax preparation: Free, Plus and Premium. TaxAct Plus, the most popular option, is best suited for homeowners and investors, while the Premium product is tailored for freelancers, contractors, and those that are self-employed. TaxAct also offers free phone support and seven years of access to your tax return with a price lock guarantee.

Ways to save

TaxAct is currently knocking 15% off Plus and Premium versions of the tax prep tools, bringing the prices down to $22.95 and $31.45 respectively. At this time, TaxAct Online is Mac-compatible, while downloadable TaxAct products are not.

Additional alternatives

There are several other tax prep tools on the market today. Credit Karma just launched a free tax return service, but several forms are not included, such as multiple state returns and estate and trust income from Schedule K-1. TaxSlayer also offers four tax prep products, including a Military Edition that gives active duty military members 50% off federal and state returns. Neither are as robust as TurboTax, but they do offer an economical solution for simple tax returns.