Melissa Perenson
Melissa Perenson is a freelance writer. She has reviewed the best tax software for Tom's Guide for several years, and has also tested out fax software, among other things. She spent more than a decade at PC World and TechHive, and she has freelanced for numerous publications including Computer Shopper, TechRadar and Consumers Digest.
Latest articles by Melissa Perenson
H&R Block vs. TurboTax: Comparing the top online tax services
By Melissa Perenson last updated
When choosing the best tax software, it often comes down to two of the market behemoths — H&R Block vs TurboTax.
The best tax software for 2024
By Melissa Perenson published
It’s tax season, and whether you prefer to do your own taxes or want some assistance, the best tax software can help you get your taxes filed to Uncle Sam.
Cash App Taxes 2022 review: Simplified free tax experience
By Melissa Perenson published
Cash App Taxes lets anyone file free federal and state returns — including self-employed. But the service lacks strong guidance.
FreeTaxUSA 2022 Edition review
By Melissa Perenson published
With a streamlined interface and manual input, FreeTaxUSA 2022 covers many tax situations, but don’t use it if you have a lot of questions.
TaxAct Deluxe review: Tax pro help for everyone
By Melissa Perenson published
TaxAct provides more guidance than ever, including live help with a tax pro at all tiers and specialty products for businesses and the self-employed.
TaxSlayer Classic 2023 (tax year 2022) review
By Melissa Perenson published
TaxSlayer Classic covers all tax scenarios, but it’s not a good choice for crypto holders.
Intuit TurboTax Deluxe 2022 review: Tax returns with the best guidance
By Melissa Perenson published
Intuit TurboTax Deluxe 2022’s hallmarks remain its extensive tax expert assistance and strong support for importing investments and cryptocurrency, but it comes at a higher price than ever before.
H&R Block Deluxe 2023 review (tax year 2022): Friendly, colorful, helpful tax preparation experience
By Melissa Perenson published
H&R Block Deluxe 2023 introduces multiple updates, and is a breath of fresh air with solid do-it-yourself tax prep services
Best online fax services for 2024
By Melissa Perenson last updated
Check out our full reviews of the best online fax services before picking one to securely and affordably transfer your documents.
Biscom 123 online fax review: Good service if you don't fax a lot
By Melissa Perenson last updated
Businesses that fax only occasionally but need to give multiple users access to the service will like Biscom 123's simple approach to online faxing.
Simplifi by Quicken review: Budgeting and tracking driven by an elegant interface
By Melissa Perenson last updated
True to its name, Simplifi provides a flexible approach to budgeting and a versatile view of your financial health.
The best budgeting apps for 2022
By Melissa Perenson last updated
We've tested the best budgeting apps to help you decide which one is right for you.
Asus Chromebook Flip CX5 (2022) review
By Melissa Perenson last updated
Good performance and a versatile design highlight this expensive Chromebook 2-in-1, which is capable of running Steam on Chrome.
Everydollar review
By Melissa Perenson published
The free version of EveryDollar isn’t the best for those making a budget, but the paid tier is worth the price.
Intuit Mint review: Personal finance made simple
By Melissa Perenson published
Mint’s free service provides versatile tools for tracking your spending and income.
Personal Capital from Empower review
By Melissa Perenson published
Personal Capital provides provides an at-a-glance view of your financial health, but its tools for budgeting and saving lack the depth and customization of competitors.
Nextiva vFax review: Decent price, lackluster interface
By Melissa Perenson published
If you're looking to save a few dollars with your long-term faxing use, Nextiva's service gets the job done. But other services are easier to navigate.
RingCentral Fax review: The focus on faxing is missing
By Melissa Perenson published
There's a lot to like about RingCentral Fax, particularly its flexible features and strong support. But faxing gets lost in the shuffle here.
Efax Plus review: High price still a hurdle for solid fax service
By Melissa Perenson published
Efax Plus offers what you'll find at rival online fax services, but at a higher price that the competition soundly beats.