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Net Xpress: Today is the day to have your taxes filed

April 17, 2012

Midnight today marks the official federal tax deadline for those filing their 2011 tax year returns on schedule. Those with a filing extension still have until Oct. 15 to file.

If by chance you have procrastinated until the very last minute, there still is time for you to grab some great software. If you have the know-how, you could save yourself some money by preparing your own return and e-filing. This will aid in getting your returns in on time and without worry.

There are a ton of software packages available to file your taxes. TaxACT at taxact.com offers one of the best values. It is inexpensive and easy to use. TaxACT offers a complete filing solution with several different versions for both personal and business users.

Their software offerings include a free edition and bundles with both federal and state returns included. Their prices range from free to $17.95. Users are able to file one free federal return; state returns cost as little as $8.

Returns can be prepared and filed both online or offline. Last year’s returns can even be imported from a PDF or from over 11 other tax software preparation programs to simplify keying in data.

For filers who are on the go, TaxACT offers free iOS and Android apps called TaxAct Central. All versions of TaxACT Online 2011 are compatible with an iPad.

The IRS offers an e-filing section on their Web site at www.irs.gov/efile/ index.html. The site offers all the information needed in regards to e-filing. According to the site, everyone is now eligible to e-file any Form 1040 series tax returns for free. Users can do so by using the IRS’ Free File tool at http://1.usa.gov/Ihijai.

The site also provides a list of links to more than a dozen other Free File Web sites that offer free tax return e-filing at http://bit.ly/IhimmL.

Net buzzz

• Seven Android tablets, including the Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime, Asus Eee Pad Transformer, Motorola Xoom, Motorola XYBoard 10.1, Toshiba Thrive, Acer Iconia and LG G-Slate now are able to access Hulu Plus. The new Android Hulu Plus app was released March 29. It is available via the Google Play marketplace.

Other Android devices such as the Amazon Kindle Fire, Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet and various Android phones are also compatible. Additional Android devices are expected to be added to the list in the near future.

A Hulu Plus subscription costs $7.99 per month.

• Amazon Instant Video is now available on the PlayStation 3 game console, making it the first console to offer this service. The app is available for installation in the PlayStation Store. Amazon is offering both Prime and non-Prime members first episodes of more than 100 TV shows for free instant streaming to celebrate the new PS3 app.

• Off-lease iPhones are now able to be legally unlocked. To do so, an iPhone user’s iPhone must be off lease and not associated with a current contract. In addition, their account must be in good standing. Unlocking provides an iPhone user with better security than jailbreaking the device does.