They may have a hard time believing that anxious citizens paid hundreds of dollars to rumple-suited tax wizards who waved #2 pencils over arcane formulas and tax charts to navigate the Byzantine maze of IRS codes, loopholes and laws.

Technology and an abundant flow of information have taken the mystery out of the stressful annual task. Taxpayers now have several inexpensive alternatives — including a host of Web sites, low-priced software and other services — to get help with even the most complicated returns.

Online Filing

However, not all online sites are equal.

Online tax sites charge a minimal fee, usually between $7.95 to $14.95, depending on whether you choose to print out the completed forms, or electronically file the tax return through the IRS's "e-file" program.

Consultants advise those using online options to print out all forms. And those who have access to a financial professional, such as a certified financial planner, should try to have their taxes checked before hitting the "send' button.

While you save the hefty fee of paying a preparer to fill in the tedious boxes on your 1040, a professional can make sure the form is filled out to your best advantage, a human touch lacking from Web sites.

"The tax laws are just too convoluted," said Dennis Filangeri, a certified financial consultant in Metairae, La. "You may want to take it to a financial professional, just as a sounding board and to make sure you have covered all your bases."

Software - Tried and True

But it's not just a lack of personalized service that makes online services a little shaky. Many tax Web sites subject users to slow download times, annoying computer freezes and regardless of constant assurances from the companies, a lingering paranoia about sending personal financial information over the Web.

For those who want more bang for their tax preparation buck, but still not go into debt hiring a traditional accountant, several software packages are now on the market that help taxpayers through the IRS-induced maze.

Old standbys like Quicken's TurboTax and H&R; Block's Kiplinger TaxCut are complete, easy-to-use software packages that include an in-depth question-and-answer section to elicit all necessary financial information.

The programs offer expanded explanations of recent tax changes and a step-by-step guide to more difficult aspects of the dreaded annual task.

Intuit's TurboTax CD-Rom costs anywhere from $19.95 to $29.95, with a deluxe version ranging from $29.95 to $49.95. Both include step-by-step guides to prepare taxes, check for errors, and suggest overlooked deductions. The deluxe version comes with additional bells and whistles, such as IRS tips, advice from Money magazine and other financial advisors, as well as a Roth IRA planner.

Kiplinger TaxCut can be found for as low as $14.95, with a deluxe version retailing at $39.95. Both will guide users through their forms, crunch numbers and check for deductions. The deluxe version throws in free state tax preparation, provides video tips from tax professionals, and offers what the company calls "a complete tax and financial planning library."

The companies also offer online preparation and e-filing at their Web sites.

Come One, Come All

But the best deal may be one offered by the Texas-based money management boutique H.D. Vest.

The company's Web site guides users through the tax preparation process, and will file returns electronically.

The catch? Those who need more advice than the program can support are directed to one of the company's tax professionals. That costs money. And giving financial information to the company allows them to send taxpayers a tailor-made pitch to convince them to buy their investment advice and money management services.

But that may be a small price to pay. You've mastered the dreaded 1040. Now it may be time to conquer new financial horizons.