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TAX TIME FOR YOUR COMPUTER

Every year you keep telling yourself that this is the time you're going to use your computer to prepare your Income Tax return. And every year like millions of others, you keep putting it off. Why? This year's software offerings make their use just about as painless as its going to get and it's certainly a lot less costly than having everything prepared by a tax professional. I asked H&R Block's Public Relations Manager of E-Solutions, Tom Linafelt what he would say to those who continue to resist. He suggests you try their TaxCut software up to the point where you actually file to see how fast it gets everything done. The old manual pencil and paper method can take many hours not to mention the calculation errors that can occur. Linafelt says that with TaxCut, most can get the job done in around an hour. And it's a great way to compare your results to those of the person you hired.

Most of us know you get your refund more quickly when filing electronically. Another benefit to electronic filing is accuracy since your information need not be transcribed by an IRS employee from the paper forms into the IRS computer where a clerical error might occur. But a lesser known and very good reason to electronically file is authentication. The electronic filing of your tax return is the only way the IRS will certify it has received your information. Sending your return via the mail albeit registered or certified is not regarded by the IRS as positive proof you filed. For all they know, you could have sent them an empty envelope. The U.S. Mail or any other delivery service can only certify an envelope's delivery and not any of the information it contains.

And finally, when making a decision as to which tax software product to buy, Linafelt is quick to point out that TaxCut is the one backed by a nationwide company whose main business is that of preparing tax returns. TaxCut comes in three Windows versions. TaxCut ($9.95), TaxCut Deluxe ($19.95) and TaxCut Platinum ($49.95). Deluxe adds a multimedia component to the preparation process. Videos of tax professionals will pop up to help you make the proper choices and alert you to tax advantages of which you may not be aware based upon how you answer questions. Deluxe also includes one free filing and one TaxCut State. Additional electronic filings are $14.95. Each TaxCut State is $19.95. Platinum adds additional forms needed by those with small businesses, partnerships and Chapter S Corporations. A TaxCut Deluxe version is also available for the Macintosh ($19.95) and is compatible with OS X. Check the H&R Block web site for other services and associated charges such as their "Ask a Tax Advisor" service.

www.hrblock.com

Portable mouse has retractable tail

If you're like a lot of us who can't stand those alternative mouse devices found on portable computers such as a trackpad or trackpoint nub, then why not continue using a mouse? Anyone who's used to a desktop mouse will find that notebook pointing devices will just never feel right. And of all the portable mouse offerings available that offer a smaller size, the most clever design to date comes from Kensington. The PocketMouse Pro deals with the clumsy cord, a portable mouse's most annoying feature, in a most resourceful manner. A compartment in its body conveniently stores a 2-foot, retractable USB cable, which is just the right length for use with any laptop. Just press the button and the cord compartment slides open to reveal the cord. Pull it out and the cover snaps shut. Press the button again and the cord retracts back into the mouse. It couldn't be more simple. The $40 PocketMouse Pro is of the optical variety, is slightly flatter than most desktop mice and its shape will accommodate both left and right hand operation. The PocketMouse Pro requires no special drivers and is compatible with Windows and Mac machines.

www.kensington.com