Extension Assistance...?

If you filed an extension for your 2006 income taxes, you've earned yourself another six months and now have a bit of leisure to decide HOW to prepare them.

Paper is good, but complicated for your average individual taxpayer. Software is good, and getting better, but still best-suited to relatively uncomplicated tax situations.

For complex taxes, especially for the self-employed or anyone who has experienced a major (taxable) life change like a death or lay-off, a tax pro is your best bet, with doing it yourself and having a tax pro review it running a close second.

For do-it-yourself types, USA Today test drove the two biggest tax software programs in the country. Here's what they thought of Turbo Tax and Tax Cut. AccountingWeb.com had a few words on the subject, too.