The step-by-step data entry path tax services provide generally works quite well, as long as you work your way through your whole return without a lot of backing up or lurching forward (which some sites don't even allow). Jackson Hewitt, for example, asks whether you'd like to complete your 1040 by using its comprehensive interview. This option takes you through the entire process in one long Q&A session. It asks you about every tax topic that might apply to you. The other option, and one every online service offers, involves selecting only the tax topics that apply to you. You choose them from a list with options such as income, deductions, credits, and taxes. When you select one, the sites walk you through a mini-interview to get the information they need. Then, they return you to the main list to choose another topic, and you repeat the process until you're finished. The point is, no matter how you choose to proceed, all you have to do is read what's on the screen and follow the instructions. You spend most of your time responding to questions and clicking links to advance to the next screen or using the site-wide navigation tool. These sites are good guides, most of the time.