
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, November 21, 1993                   TAG: 9311190087
SECTION: BUSINESS                    PAGE: F-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: By Harold Glicken Knight-Ridder Newspapers
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

REDDOFOR YOUR TAX PLANNING, TRY THESE SOFTWARE PROGRAMS

If April is the cruelest month for taxpayers, October and November are the kindest. In these pre-winter months headstart editions of the popular tax-preparation programs begin making their way into software outlets.

In the past, I've had a fondness for Andrew Tobias' TaxCut. That fondness, however, faded a bit against TurboTax, which seemed to have an edge with its straightforward question, answer, data-entry manner.

This year, TaxCut made it into the gate first. The headstart edition, which sells for $12, has a new feature, called Navigator, which is the Magellan of the tax world. You're asked some basic questions before you import data from last year's tax form, even if it was created in TurboTax. Those figures find their way into your '93 forms. Details such as your kids' Social Security numbers, the name and address of your employer and the banks where you had interest-bearing accounts last year.

Large, colorful Navigator icons at the left of your monitor get into key parts of TaxCut quickly. The interview helps you fill in data that wasn't imported from last year's return, such as how much you earned (or expect to earn) this year. At each step, you can call up extensive help screens that guide you through possible deductions. And the auditor goes over your return with startling speed and efficiency.

While you can read all about changes in the '93 tax law, the final edition, due at the end of January, will incorporate them. This headstart edition is for tax planning only, and in that respect, it does its job very well.

You'll have to wait for the final edition to print your return, or you can file electronically with TaxCut's help.

The beauty of headstart programs is you can play "what if" before the year ends. That $5 million endowment you're considering might make more sense this year. And as you play "what if," entries you make in one form are transferred to related forms. In all, there are nearly 100 forms and worksheets, enough for most personal and small business returns.

TaxCut for Windows requires Windows 3.1, 2 megabytes of RAM, 7 megabytes of hard disk space and a VGA or better monitor. DOS and Macintosh versions, along with programs for more than 20 states including Virginia, also are offered. Upgrades for the final edition cost $29.95. For new users, expect to pay about $40. For more information: MECA, 55 Walls Drive, Fairfield, Conn. 06430. (800) 820-7461. The technical support number is 203-259-3427 in case the 800 order number workers can't answer your questions.

by CNB