Top Tax Software Programs for Your 2017 Tax Return

Late last year, Congress passed legislation that will cut tax rates, limit or eliminate some popular deductions, and double the standard deduction. As a result of the changes, the percentage of taxpayers who itemize deductions is expected to drop from about 33% this year to less than 10% next spring, when returns for 2018 are due.

But none of those changes will affect your 2017 tax return, for which the old rules still apply. If you've always itemized and your tax situation hasn't changed, you'll still want to itemize this year.

Fortunately, tax software can help you identify all the tax breaks you're eligible to claim in a fraction of the time it takes to fill out a paper return. And if your tax situation is uncomplicated, you may be able to file your return electronically at no charge.

For this year's tax-program review, we used a hypothetical taxpayer