TaxCaster: Tax Calculator Reviews

by Victoria Ace 1981

this app has shown my estimated refund to be over $12,000 since earlier this year. I did it again today to double check. However when I used turbo tax to actually file, using the exact same numbers, my refund is only $4,500. That’s a ridiculous difference and I am so disappointed because I thought I was getting $12,000 this year. Not happy with TaxCaster.

by Endir1001

TaxCaster said we would get over 10k back in taxes. I entered the exact same info on their turbo tax service and now it says we only get $500 back!!!

Not sure where the discrepancy is, as I have double checked the entries in both systems.

My best guess is that they are trying to get it to look like you’ll get a big return so you start to file with their paid service, then find out that it’s not so rosy, but you’ve already entered all the info so you don’t want to go somewhere else to do it again.

Very frustrated with their setup/software.

We don’t have a complicated tax situation, just 2 w-2s, single family home mortgage, and child care expenses.

Don’t trust their numbers. You’ll likely be disappointed.

by Ladyofdragons

It doesn’t account for ACA healthcare (Obamacare) and federal discounts received, which was the crucial thing I needed it for. Discounts are granted based off estimated AGI at the start of the year, if your AGI ends up higher at the end of the year, you have to pay back the discount at tax time. And If you are over the amount to qualify, you pay it ALL back and end up owning THOUSANDS of dollars on your tax return. That single aspect can swing your tax refund in a huge way, and it’s not included in TaxCaster as far as I can tell.

Beyond that, it was easy to use and the interface was pleasant. Just totally inaccurate for our situation.

by MidtownReader

The Dark Mode is the default display mode for most iOS users since the recent updates. The 2019 version of TaxCaster is unusable in that mode because all data entry fields are displayed white-on-white; therefore invisible. I had to figure this out and change the display mode to the harsh Light Mode. The fields became magically visible.
This should be an easy fix for any developer as soon as they read this review. How they did not catch this bug themselves before release is surprising. How fast they will respond will be an indicator if their professionalism.

by App-frustration

The IOS app only allows for tuition/fees entry for undergrads which assumes American Opportunity Grant. Needs to allow for tuition & fees deduction used by graduate students and others. Website version already allows for this.

by Chris Gores

This is a simple but excellent tool to forecast your tax due or refund coming.
But as a new retiree with a lot of options for income vs. just salary and maybe stock sales I need more detail of what makes up the total tax amount.
-SS is fixed but other income can make a portion of it taxable at a point.
-Stock sales are taxed as capital gains.
-IRA disbursements are taxed as income and taking too much could make SS taxable.
So in order to select the right income source in any one year I’d like to see the detail tax to determine the best options.

by D-Jay848

2018 version good. Will you have. 2019 version anytime soon or do we use the current app?

Update: Why not have two entry points for filers? One for 2018 filers on extensions and one for 2019? I’m sure the number of 2019 filers outnumber the 2018 filers working on extensions. Putting out the 2019 calculator in late October doesn’t leave much time to make any adjustments. Thanks for first response.

by Jackie7211

I have been using this for a few years and it’s usually within a few dollars away from the actual amount I get. When is the 2019 version coming????

by Siddingo

Great app. Would be better if it included an option to either print or store both the inputs and calculated results. That option would allow one to directly compare the tax implications of various scenarios; like ROTH conversion amounts, filing jointly vs separately etc.

by Hm2anderson

TaxCaster is GREAT for anticipating your federal income tax owed/estimated return.

I love that they put the “looking at 2018” estimate on hear as well. You can see home the new tax bill will affect your bottom line next year.

Please keep TaxCaster updated and free.

by Ray1ray3

Tax caster allows you to get a jump start on your tax return. Very helpful. Been using for two years now and I recommend to friends and family to use.

by MAH2588

Always works great and so close or exact. I was just looking and it still is going by 2014 tax year. When will it be updated to 2017 tax year, it's pretty far behind. Great app and always recommended it!!!

by Rocky081214

Very easy app to use. Just plug in your estimated income and deductibles, and that's it. I'm leaving the military for a much higher paying job and this is helping me to adjust for my tax changes since I will likely owe the next tax season. Thanks

by Willshrly

I’ve used TaxCaster for years and I find it very useful in planning my taxes. The numbers are always very good estimates. In one occasion, regarding 2018 changes, they immediately responded to my email and provided an excellent explanation. I am a satisfied customer.

by Buda330

TaxCaster works well. One of the best features is that it saves all of your data so you can go back and update it as your situation changes--for instance, if you make additional charitable donations after you first estimate your taxes.

by Woody_360

Downloaded last year to estimate my tax return and understand what how my deductions worked. I downloaded it again this year and within 2 minutes had a rough estimate it was quick and easy.

by CandiceLacrosse

I love TaxCaster. It's super easy to use and helps me track where I might end up tax wise at the end of the year. I still have mine professionally done, but love to get a conservative view of where I am likely to land.

by Mvanarsd

This is an excellent app. I wanted to find out my taxes would be for 2018 vs. 2017. Especially with the new tax reform. It is hard to believe, but it took me less than a few minutes to make the calculations . I highly recommend TaxCaster from intuit!

by Ryguy525

I used TaxCaster last year before I started my taxes, just to see how much I would get back, and it was right on the money! Did it again this year and it's looking just as good. Highly recommended.

by Pajprz3

Easy to use and quick entries to try and guess before you actually do your taxes. I'm always off but my accountant seems to surprise me with more back than this is forecasting so I come out on top. Cool app.