Is there any COMPLETELY offline tax prep software now?

[jabbajabberer]

I've used TaxAct for about a decade on a non-internet connected PC. I download the software to an internet-connected PC, copy the software to a flash drive and install it on a non-internet connected PC. I file on paper. Cautious or paranoid, you be the judge but I'll submit the 2022 scandal of the "tracking pixel" uploading financial data to Facebook (https://themarkup.org/pixel-hunt/2022/1 ... o-facebook) in my defense.

I purchased the 2025 version of TaxAct download, installed it on the non-internet connected PC, fired it up and was met with a statement that "An internet connection is required the first time you sign in on any PC.". I called customer support. There is no workaround. They assured me that "it's only checking to be sure you're the one who bought the software. Your tax returns still reside locally.". I asked for a list of specific information that is uploaded when I'm connected to the internet and TaxAct could not/would not provide that. Each time a software update is needed (which tends to be no less than 6 updates per season) you'll have to re-connect to the internet after installation.

Is there ANY competitor's product that does NOT require an internet connection?

Thanks.

[cheese_breath]

I doubt it. Desktop software still needs Internet connection to stay current with IRS forms changes through the year.

You can order paper forms from the IRS and do your taxes yourself the old fashioned way without any software.

[jebmke]

Check this out.
https://sites.google.com/view/incometax ... e/download

[crefwatch]

I am not accusing you of paranoia, but software flaws (and tax law clarifications) are very common. And usage-rights (as in "music wants to be "free") are a reasonable concern for a business. So while I sympathize with your concerns, and "change is hard", that's progress, today!

[jebmke]

I am not accusing you of paranoia, but software flaws (and tax law clarifications) are very common. And usage-rights (as in "music wants to be "free") are a reasonable concern for a business. So while I sympathize with your concerns, and "change is hard", that's progress, today!

Plus the software that has been released this early is typically flawed throughout. I don't use the HRB seriously until March; by mid March the updates are reduced to a dull roar.

[clip651]

I also use TaxAct. I recently opened last year’s downloaded software to play with various scenarios, and it required a login. This is new this year for TaxAct. They did not used to require login to just open software I had previously bought, downloaded, and used. I’m normally connected to the internet anyway (I’m as paranoid as OP but lack the energy to take as many steps) but I was surprised and not real happy about it.

[vtMaps]

HR Block requires registration in order to install it. Once installed, there is no need for an internet connection other than for updates.

--vtMaps

[tonyclifton]

Pencil, paper 1040, paper instruction book (if you can even find them anymore at your library), calculator, plus wetware brain is likely the only option that requires no internet or sending data to third parties.

[CAsage]

You might be able to use PDF Filler to fill in the IRS forms on a non-connected PC, if you downloaded them and moved them via USB stick, to at least get legible typed forms. Or consider downloading the software and then saving your file to a removable USB. As others have noted, you have to be able to get updates for the tax software, so offline doesn't work.
Edit to add: One can download the Excel 1040 form, which provides all the IRS forms in a spreadsheet file, move that via airgap to another PC to enter your sacred secret data, then print and mail. It's a great resource, and has back years if you need an older one...
https://sites.google.com/view/incometax ... e/download

[whonoze]

Check out this:
https://opentaxsolver.sourceforge.net/
Totally free!

[eukonomos]

Use a separate email address to register at any free online service like FreeTaxUSA or other with real numbers but dummy SSN, name, address, broker names, etc. Then use the results to fill out the PDF forms downloaded from the IRS and mail them in (like you already do).

Not completely offline and I don't know if it fully addresses your concern about a tracking pixel.

[crefwatch]

You might be able to use PDF Filler to fill in the IRS forms on a non-connected PC

I have yet to do this for 2024, but recent desktop versions of Firefox provide PDF annotation. So you can type text over a blank space, even if it does not recognize a fillable form field. I did that in 2023 to prep my accountant's input forms.

[snic]

HR Block requires registration in order to install it. Once installed, there is no need for an internet connection other than for updates.

--vtMaps

And if you are worried about data being sent over the internet, you can always print out and file a paper return.

But you have to trust the software provider to some extent because they do frequently need to update the software. I've encountered errors myself that get fixed in the next update. So you need to go online before filing to make sure everything is up to date. Will Block upload all your data while pushing your update? I doubt it, but you have to trust them

(A nice alternative for the really paranoid is to fill out your tax forms by hand, and do the math on a piece of paper rather than using a nefarious calculator.
/s)

[grampy]

Check this out.
https://sites.google.com/view/incometax ... e/download

FWIW I have used that Excel1040 off-line spreadsheet for several years now. I use it as a double check of my own spreadsheet I've developed over the last 20 years. Also as a check on when I eventually use an IRS Free File app to actually file my taxes. All three usually agree within a couple dollars ( and help me catch any input typos I may have made )

[GoldStar]

I certainly would not want a product that doesn't load updates. I also don't blame them for wanting to validate the license either.
Have you considered just form filling the PDFs?

[Doctor Rhythm]

I certainly would not want a product that doesn't load updates. I also don't blame them for wanting to validate the license either.
Have you considered just form filling the PDFs?

+1

Connectivity and auto-updates are definitely features rather than bugs

[enad]

Would you consider downloading the tax forms from the IRS & (your state), printing them and entering the values in by hand?

[Marq1]

Its offline but early versions dont have all the current updates and those have to be downloaded, after that your remote!

[bondsr4me]

OP....
this is not a snide comment
pencils, erasers, paper, tax forms and pubs, calculator, and most important of all.................lots of coffee!!
that's how we did it back in 70's at the CPA firm I worked at.
we were lucky..the IRS had an office in our building.
I just went down the stairs for more forms or pubs!

Have fun and Good Luck....seriously.

[cheese_breath]

OP....
this is not a snide comment
pencils, erasers, paper, tax forms and pubs, calculator, and most important of all.................lots of coffee!!
that's how we did it back in 70's at the CPA firm I worked at.
we were lucky..the IRS had an office in our building.
I just went down the stairs for more forms or pubs!

Have fun and Good Luck....seriously.

The final version should be neatly printed in black ink (all caps) so the scanners can read them. I don't think they key them in manually anymore, do they?

[bondsr4me]

OP....
this is not a snide comment
pencils, erasers, paper, tax forms and pubs, calculator, and most important of all.................lots of coffee!!
that's how we did it back in 70's at the CPA firm I worked at.
we were lucky..the IRS had an office in our building.
I just went down the stairs for more forms or pubs!

Have fun and Good Luck....seriously.

The final version should be neatly printed in black ink (all caps) so the scanners can read them. I don't think they key them in manually anymore, do they?

I doubt anyone keys-in the returns manually...but, not really sure.

[cheese_breath]

OP....
this is not a snide comment
pencils, erasers, paper, tax forms and pubs, calculator...

I remember doing my personal taxes BC. Before Calculators.

[bondsr4me]

OP....
this is not a snide comment
pencils, erasers, paper, tax forms and pubs, calculator...

I remember doing my personal taxes BC. Before Calculators.

[rkhusky]

Remove your data from the computer before connecting and installing.

However, I prefer to keep all my sensitive data in encrypted disk images on my computer. As long as those are unmounted, I wouldn’t worry about connecting to the Internet.

[Makefile]

HR Block requires registration in order to install it. Once installed, there is no need for an internet connection other than for updates.

--vtMaps

To follow up on this: if you buy an H&R Block keycard, you do have to provide information to receive the EXE off the H&R Block website.

Once you download that EXE, which doesn't appear to be personalized to your information, you can then install it and reject the activation nag screen that appears when you open the software (and if you do it about five times in a row, an additional "Don't Activate" instead of just "Activate Later" appears).

You can update without providing any personal information. Of course, if you want to e-file, they will have your information.

[Makefile]

The final version should be neatly printed in black ink (all caps) so the scanners can read them. I don't think they key them in manually anymore, do they?

I doubt anyone keys-in the returns manually...but, not really sure.

Another poster (talzara, I think?) has posted about this.
If you look at state income tax forms, they often have black squares in the margins. Those are calibration marks so that the forms can be automatically scanned.

IRS forms do not have that, and are re-keyed completely by hand (or if they aren't, it's only within the past year or two).
I believe they wanted to go to a scan-and-shred model, then remotely look at them, but that doesn't mean they aren't still transcribed by hand.

[cheese_breath]

Remove your data from the computer before connecting and installing....

USB attached external disk drive.

But you'll still need to connect to the Internet if you want to submit your return electronically. And frankly, I trust that more than the USPS.

[123]

If you don't have a computer you can call (during business hours) 1-800-TAX-FORM and request IRS tax forms and publications to be mailed to you.

[Asyouwish]

The final version should be neatly printed in black ink (all caps) so the scanners can read them. I don't think they key them in manually anymore, do they?

I doubt anyone keys-in the returns manually...but, not really sure.

I believe Form 1040 returns are still manually data transcribed. Yes. They hire seasonal employees every year to help with the crunch during tax season. The article below has a goal of 2025 for scanning. I’m not sure it’s happening.

One goal of Janet Yellen was to modernize and get more forms to be scanned. https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/ne ... e/2023/08/

[cheese_breath]

The final version should be neatly printed in black ink (all caps) so the scanners can read them. I don't think they key them in manually anymore, do they?

I doubt anyone keys-in the returns manually...but, not really sure.

I believe Form 1040 returns are still manually data transcribed. Yes. They hire seasonal employees every year to help with the crunch during tax season. The article below has a goal of 2025 for scanning. I’m not sure it’s happening.

One goal of Janet Yellen was to modernize and get more forms to be scanned. https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/ne ... e/2023/08/

Are the seasonal employees background checked?

[Asyouwish]

Are the seasonal employees background checked?

I believe the same vetting process as any employee. Fingerprints, etc.

Edit. https://www.jobs.irs.gov/hiring-process

Once fingerprinting is completed, the IRS will initiate a preliminary background check, tax compliance check, and investigate any previous conduct issues. We call these suitability checks, and this process normally takes 2-3 weeks.

[Nate79]

I dont understand what you are trying to protect against.

[Badinvestor]

If you view a piece of software X as potentially malicious (stealing your info and sending it to the mother ship), it seems to me that you need to keep the computer that runs software X off the Internet until you have cleared that software off the computer. This raises the question of how one can reliably uninstall a piece of software and know that the uninstall hasn't left something behind to exfiltrate your data.

Despite its age, I find the following article enlightening as to how to enhance a computer's security by not connecting to the Internet:

https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/ ... _gaps.html

[MBB_Boy]

Remove your data from the computer before connecting and installing.

However, I prefer to keep all my sensitive data in encrypted disk images on my computer. As long as those are unmounted, I wouldn’t worry about connecting to the Internet.

This is my approach as well, and I think OP will find this to be the most satisfactory answer

[talzara]

I doubt it. Desktop software still needs Internet connection to stay current with IRS forms changes through the year.

HR Block requires registration in order to install it. Once installed, there is no need for an internet connection other than for updates.

H&R Block does not require an Internet connection for updates. You can download updates manually from the H&R Block website and install them offline from a USB drive. The free state program requires an Internet connection to install, but you can install updates manually. https://www.hrblock.com/tax-software/up ... rior-year/

TurboTax also offers manual federal updates, but since you have to login now, it's not actually offline. Also, TurboTax does not offer manual state updates.

TurboTax 2024 Individual
If you're having trouble updating your TurboTax 2024 for Windows Individual software using the "Check for Updates" method, here are instructions for how you can get the latest federal program update:

1. Close TurboTax and all other programs except this browser window.
2. Select this link to download the 319 MB update.
3. Save the update file to your Windows desktop.
4. Double-click the update file w_perrelsuperpatch... on your desktop to install the manual update.

We don't offer manual updates for TurboTax state software. If you need to update your state, here are your options.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-suppor ... f_US_en_US

[talzara]

You might be able to use PDF Filler to fill in the IRS forms on a non-connected PC

I have yet to do this for 2024, but recent desktop versions of Firefox provide PDF annotation. So you can type text over a blank space, even if it does not recognize a fillable form field. I did that in 2023 to prep my accountant's input forms.

Most people do not need PDF annotation software. The IRS provides individual income tax forms as PDF forms. You can just enter data in the PDF form fields.

Annotation is only required if you have to enter data outside of the form fields. For example, the IRS instructions sometimes tell you to enter something to the left of the line number. That can only be done with annotation software because there's no form field to the left of the line number.

[talzara]

The final version should be neatly printed in black ink (all caps) so the scanners can read them. I don't think they key them in manually anymore, do they?

I doubt anyone keys-in the returns manually...but, not really sure.

Another poster (talzara, I think?) has posted about this.

I posted about this last month: viewtopic.php?p=8143080#p8143080

99.7% of tax returns were typed in by hand in 2023.

About 98% of tax returns were typed in by hand in 2024.

We don't know yet what the plans are for 2025.

If you look at state income tax forms, they often have black squares in the margins. Those are calibration marks so that the forms can be automatically scanned.

The states use a lot of technologies to process tax forms. Most of them use 2D barcodes and OCR. Some of them offer direct filing websites. Some of them even support PDF e-filing, and they use software to read the numbers directly out of the PDF forms.

The IT bureaucracy at the IRS has been unwilling to implement any of these technologies. It is not because of lack of funding, but what they want to spend the money on. Any one of these technologies would've cost much less than the two failed attempts to rewrite the Individual Master File.

[eukonomos]

You might be able to use PDF Filler to fill in the IRS forms on a non-connected PC

I have yet to do this for 2024, but recent desktop versions of Firefox provide PDF annotation. So you can type text over a blank space, even if it does not recognize a fillable form field. I did that in 2023 to prep my accountant's input forms.

Most people do not need PDF annotation software. The IRS provides individual income tax forms as PDF forms. You can just enter data in the PDF form fields.

Annotation is only required if you have to enter data outside of the form fields. For example, the IRS instructions sometimes tell you to enter something to the left of the line number. That can only be done with annotation software because there's no form field to the left of the line number.

Not all States offer fillable forms.

[talzara]

Not all States offer fillable forms.

I replied to a post about "IRS forms," not state forms.

The OP has not said whether state forms are needed, or which state they need to file.

[whodidntante]

You might be overthinking this

[Badinvestor]

I prefer to keep all my sensitive data in encrypted disk images on my computer. As long as those are unmounted, I wouldn’t worry about connecting to the Internet.

If you give your sensitive data to a program to process and produce a return, how do you know that the program won't write a copy of that data somewhere other than on the encrypted disk images which you unmount before connecting to the Internet?

[jabbajabberer]

Original poster, here. I appreciate the replies and advice. I think that I'll either try HR Block's package or see if I can store the TaxAct data files to a removable USB device. Yes, there always is a concern that the software will be writing data to the Registry or some place where they can immediately upload it even after I've taken precautions to obfuscate or remove it. That was the beauty of using a totally non-internet connected computer for finances until now. Thanks.

[rkhusky]

I prefer to keep all my sensitive data in encrypted disk images on my computer. As long as those are unmounted, I wouldn’t worry about connecting to the Internet.

If you give your sensitive data to a program to process and produce a return, how do you know that the program won't write a copy of that data somewhere other than on the encrypted disk images which you unmount before connecting to the Internet?

If connecting to the Internet allows anyone to download stuff from your hard drive, you’ve got bigger problems on your computer.

[jabbajabberer]

Refer to the link in the original post: https://themarkup.org/pixel-hunt/2022/1 ... o-facebook
The tax software companies themselves have proven to be untrustworthy.

[Makefile]

Original poster, here. I appreciate the replies and advice. I think that I'll either try HR Block's package or see if I can store the TaxAct data files to a removable USB device. Yes, there always is a concern that the software will be writing data to the Registry or some place where they can immediately upload it even after I've taken precautions to obfuscate or remove it. That was the beauty of using a totally non-internet connected computer for finances until now. Thanks.

I think you will be happy with H&R Block. It's as close an experience to traditional boxed software as remains possible today. I know relatives who have used it or its predecessor TaxCut since the 1997 edition; I go back to 2004. It has changed little in that time. The only notable change besides dropping support for old Windows versions when they upgrade their compiler (2023 at least still ran even on Windows 7) is not being sold on CD-ROM any longer.

[Badinvestor]

If you give your sensitive data to a program to process and produce a return, how do you know that the program won't write a copy of that data somewhere other than on the encrypted disk images which you unmount before connecting to the Internet?

If connecting to the Internet allows anyone to download stuff from your hard drive, you’ve got bigger problems on your computer.

I did not say that connecting to the Internet allows anyone to download stuff from your hard drive. The return producing program would presumably be the one that exfiltrates the data. There is also the Meta Pixel approach referred to by the OP.

[jabbajabberer]

Thank you Makefile. This was exactly the community insight I was hoping for when I posted.

[rkhusky]

If connecting to the Internet allows anyone to download stuff from your hard drive, you’ve got bigger problems on your computer.

I did not say that connecting to the Internet allows anyone to download stuff from your hard drive. The return producing program would presumably be the one that exfiltrates the data. There is also the Meta Pixel approach referred to by the OP.

Once you install the program and get verified by the developer, you would presumably disconnect from the Internet. You would have to reconnect to the Internet for any data to be stolen, perhaps for an update. I suppose you could imagine the program installing something that runs in the background, waiting to be reconnected to the Internet. Your system and virus protection should stop such malware.