Comparisons Most of online sites allow you varying levels of use so that you can actually key in your return information to see how you like program. With turbotax.com and hrblock.com, you only have to pay when you print out your return or e-file it. 2nd Story Software lets you prepare and print out your federal return for free but can only let you file state returns in 24 states.

For analysis of best tax software available, here are links to two excellent articles prepared on subject.

One by ZDNet says ZDNet Reviews pick is H&R Block's TaxCut Deluxe 2001, which snagged Editors' Choice award. The other article is by MSNMoney:

http://www.zdnet.com/anchordesk/stories/story/0,10738,2841716,00.html

http://moneycentral.msn.com/articles ax/basics/8806.asp

If you are interested in more comparison shopping, http://www.epinions.com also provides ratings of tax preparation systems by individuals.

And another good article comparing tax software packages can be found at http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi axes/2002/02-22-tax-prep-software.htm

CANADA In Canada, there are two electronic methods that individuals can use to send their personal income tax and benefit returns. With EFILE, you use services of any registered EFILE service provider. With NETFILE, you send your return directly to government over Internet. Last year, more than 1.4 million tax returns were received through NETFILE service.

EFILE is an automated system that lets registered electronic filing service providers send individual income tax return information electronically. Using software and a computer, individuals can prepare and save their return on a disc and take it and their documents to an EFILE service provider for transmission. Also, clients can take their documents to a tax preparation service provider who can prepare their electronic return and send it using EFILE.

Netfile http://www.netfile.gc.ca lets Canadians file their personal income tax and benefit return directly using Internet. Income tax returns must be prepared using software that has been certified for NETFILE use.

From "former About Guides", here is a listing of tax software available for Canadianshttp://www.formeraboutguides.com/investingcanada axsoftware.htm

Ensure prior to using these products that you see a confirmation on their site that they have received official certification from Canada Customs and Revenue Agency (CCRA).

For a list of currently certified software, visit CCRA at http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/eservices ax/business/efile/menu-e.html#efilesoftware They do note that additional providers will be added to this list as they are approved.

Two of major players in Canada are QuickTax www.quickenstore.ca and Taxwiz http://www.taxwiz.ca

Here is a link to an excellent Globe and Mail article detailing cost comparisons between these two dominant tax software competitors in Canada. http://www.globeinvestor.com/servlet/WireFeedRedirect?cf=GlobeInvestor axzone axzone_config&date=20020117&archive=taxzone&slug=RCARI SITE PICKS

Tax Assistance from EY Ernst and Young's site has excellent tax tools, tips and calculators. http://www.ey.com

Use pull down menu at http://www.ey.com to choose your country or visit some of links I've chosen from this site below.

Canada - Tax Calculators http://www.ey.com/GLOBAL/gcr.nsf/Canada/Tax_welcome_Calculators http://www.hrblock.ca - H&R Block has over one thousand offices across Canada, and now help is available online as this site provides Canadians with calculator tools, news on tax changes, tips and a section of FAQ.

US Tax Planning Tips http://www.ey.com/global/gcr.nsf/US/Tax_Planning_Tips_2002_-_Ernst_&_Young_LLP

http://www.taxplanet.com - TaxPlanet.com bills itself as "All Things Tax for Individuals" and can claim numerous awards including Forbes Best of Web, Yahoo Internet Life: 100 Best Sites for 2002 (Best Tax Advice) and Money Magazine "Best Tax Site". Tips, tools, new legislation, tax news and guides - it has something for everyone.

And finally, here is an excellent article from USA Today with a comparative price chart for tax software. http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi axes/2002/02-15-efiling.htm

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Jim Slobodzian, BComm (Hon) is and investment promotion consultant and publishes the Enroute.ca E-MONEY GUIDE providing weekly news and tips for consumers using money online.

Top Financial Services Sites ranked by Media Metrix based on impressions

1. Moneynest.com 2. Bankrate.com Sites 3. VANGUARD.COM 4. INSWEB.COM 5. PROGRESSIVE.COM 6. GEICO.COM 7. COUNTRYWIDE.COM 8. LENDINGTREE.COM 9. STATEFARM.COM 10. ELOAN.COM 11. MADISONFINANCIALGROUP.COM 12. CONSECO.COM 13. METLIFE.COM 14. QUICKENLOANS.COM 15. INSURE.COM 16. MORTGAGEEXPO.COM 17. AMERIQUESTMORTGAGE.COM 18. MYONLINECREDIT.COM 19. ABOUT.COM Business and Finance 20. THEHARTFORD.COM

Here is Top9.com's list of top online lenders based on # of unique visitors.

getsmart.com - borrowers marketplace lendingtree.com - loan marketplace creditprovider.com - credit specialist eloan.com - consumer loans and debt management countrywide.com - home specialist (also has a Spanish language site) moneynest.com - financial marketplace peoplefirst.com - largest online vehicle lender interest.com - mortgage specialist ditech.com - direct mortgage lender (also has a Spanish language site)

If you want to know who offers best in certain categories such as price or service for mortgages, our trusted research firm Gomez has ranked Top Internet Mortgage Sites for Q1 2002 ranked by Overall Score. http://www.gomez.com/scorecards/index.asp?topcat_id=39&subSect=finance

Firm Score 1. IndyMac Bank Home Lending (review) 6.99 2. Countrywide Home Loans (review) 6.28 3. E-Loan (review) 5.81 4. E*Trade Mortgage (review) 5.73 5. CitiMortgage (review) 5.39 6. Mortgagebot.com (review) 5.02 7. Quicken Loans (review) 4.80 8. Charter One Direct (review) 4.64 9. East West Mortgage (review) 4.61 10. ditech.com (review) 4.45 11. WaMuHomeLoans (review) 4.43 12. First Union / Wachovia Mortgage (review) 4.30 13. GMAC Mortgage (review) 4.26 14. PHH Mortgage Services (review) 4.26 15. Regions Mortgage (review) 3.50

And as a closing note, many of "money" providers listed above are exactly that and more. They not only provide you with loaned money for your home, but will also finance your car, credit card consolidation, give you free credit reports etc. So while we have tried to keep our focus narrow, in future articles we will look at other services for credit cards and cars, etc.

Large loan decisions deserve a clear-headed comparison of products and prices so that you can get best deal possible - nothing delivers this better than online "emoney" comparison shopping. Enjoy!