Is My Tax Software Updating Correctly?

Question: Is My Tax Software Updating Correctly?

Is your tax software updating often enough, or too often?

My tax software has downloaded an update the last three times I used it. Shouldn't tax software be complete before I start my taxes? What if I file an incomplete return because my tax software is not updated when I finish my taxes?

Answer: The updates you see happening in your tax software are normal and you need not be alarmed.

Each year, tax software providers make their products available in retail channels as soon as they can so consumers can get started on preparing their income taxes. However, there are still tax laws being passed after tax software is released, so you will be prompted to download these updates occasionally.

Sometimes tax software updates are few and far between and sometimes, as you have experienced, the updates are more frequent. Good tax software will also prompt you to check for one last update before you file, and it will not allow you to print or e-file a final return unless all the forms in your personal tax return have had their final update. Even so, I suggest not filing or e-filing your income taxes any earlier than mid-February so you can be most confident that your tax forms are finalized and you will not have to amend your return later.