Over the last few years, TaxACT has built a reputation as a viable alternative to the top two tax programs. It's sleek, fast, and provides a respectable amount of guidance to taxpayers. Tax advice has been expanded this year, and the interface revamped.

TaxACT 2003 Deluxe starts out by asking about taxes already paid in, then moves into the Life Events screen, which asks what significant changes have occurred in your life since your last tax return. For each event checked, TaxACT generates informational screens describing its tax implications and how it is handled in your return. No other program is so thorough up front.

We also like TaxACT's new interface, which is now a close match for those of its better-known competitors. A drop-down box serves as a navigational tool, listing program topics and letting you jump to any of them. Buttons on the side also provide navigation as well as links to Help tools. A pane across the screen's bottom lets you toggle between the current form/instructions, your return history, and tax help. Unlike TaxCut and TurboTax, though, the program doesn't hyperlink unfamiliar terms or provide FAQs. But navigating around TaxACT is faster than in its competitors.

TaxACT's Q&A has grown over the years to its respectable current state. It's thorough and explains tax topics clearly for the most part in the Q&A, though we still encountered too much jargon. There are other quirks. In more than one instance, TaxACT asks you to enter a number manually from elsewhere on the return rather than pulling it in itself as the others do. Another possible drawback: On some screens, TaxACT directs you to an IRS publication. These instances are rare, though; the bulk of the Q&A is very capable.

Help is good, but it can't match that of its competitors. IRS instructions and excerpts from the well-respected J.K. Lasser income tax guide provide supplemental help within the Q&A, but we'd like to see more. And TaxACT's search functions do not dig as deeply as its competitors do. Live tax advice is offered by financial professionals for a $19.95 fee (up to 10 minutes).

TaxACT's review process flags three types of items that may need your attention. One identifies entries that may render your return incomplete or may trigger attention from the IRS. The second looks for problems that may require additional attention. And the third offers suggestions for tax savings. Additional reports let you compare filing jointly vs. separately and compare your return to national averages.

We can recommend TaxACT for taxpayers who are perhaps a little more tax-savvy than the average bear, have fairly straightforward returns, or whose software budgets are strapped. But keep in mind that if you need to add a state return program and some live advice, there go your savings.