The latest tax software bargaining chip: People

You’ve probably already seen them, the TaxCut TV ads touting the software’s "people." As it did last year, the computer tax program is emphasizing its H&R Block connection that allows clients to get human help with filing questions.

Now TurboTax is doing the same, at least for the month of January.

For the last several years, TaxCut has offered its customers the chance to talk with an H&R Block tax staff via phone or e-mail. One free session is included with all TaxCut Premium online programs and TaxCut Premium + State + E-file software. Details at Ask a Tax Advisor.

This year, Intuit’s TurboTax is letting its customers submit one free question online through Jan. 31. A TurboTax tax pro then will call them back at a time they request within the site’s hours of operation. Details at Free Tax Question.

Another popular tax software program, 2nd Story’s TaxACT, doesn’t have tax peeps yet, but its deluxe package includes tax info from J.K. Lasser’s "Your Income Tax Guide."

Picking a computer tax package: If you’ve yet to choose your tax software, this story has some tips on picking one.

As for specific products, Top 10 Reviews looks at, what else, 10 tax software options, both boxed and online, and rates them.