TaxCalc 2003

I have been using TaxCalc for several years to complete my self-assessment return and those for members of my family. It is reasonably priced at £25.59 for up to 12 returns

You can either enter information into a "clone" of the HMRC form or use "simple step". The latter takes you through the process in, as the name implies, simple steps. TaxCalc automatically checks your entries and keeps a running total of any liability; at the end warnings are shown if any entries appear incorrect.

When you have finished your return, you can either print your return if you want to submit it as a hard copy (by October) or can submit it online (by the end of January). As TaxCalc is approved by HMRC, on-line submission is supported from within the software. You can submit a test transmission to HMRC before you go "live".

There is plenty of embedded advice, more on their web site and a very efficient email help desk.

TaxCal works well with Windows XP-Windows7 (I haven't tried it with Windows8). One small drawback is that there isn't yet a version for Mac (although I understand it can run under a Windows emulator on Mac).

I will certainly be buying Tax Calc 2013 when it is released