Review: Taxcalc utility software

Since HM Revenue and Customs (formerly the Inland Revenue) made it possible to file a tax return online, it's been a (slightly) less stressful task.

Taxcalc aims to make it even less taxing (yes, we know) by guiding form-fillers through the process. The HMRC site does this, it's true, but there's not much advice available (and what is available can be hard to find).

While those with complicated tax affairs are still going to be better off using an accountant, Taxcalc is fairly helpful for others. It can calculate things like Capital Gains tax liabilities based on dates (something you have to do yourself otherwise) and there's a stack of tax tips and explanations in the program's help file that could easily save you money. The interface is a bit rough around the edges, though.

The Personal version, at £25, includes six tax returns, and there's a 'lite' version for those on the basic rate of income tax, which costs only £5. For those with more complicated tax affairs, more versions are available on the website - make sure you check, before buying, that it includes the pages you need to complete.

Vista compatible: Yes