Tips on Doing my Taxes?

[kmp77]

So I usually do my own taxes the old way with the book etc. Last year it seemed people were doing it online but totally forgot anything I researched then. So any tips on how to move to software or online? Is it worth it? What about TurboTax?

My situation is pretty easy, single, one full time job and maybe a 1-2 freelance gigs I have to claim. That's about it.

 

[Hopeuhavechange]

Turbotax certainly simplifies and expedites it for you and you can submit your return online.

Now if you're self-employed I'd not recommended it, definitely (w some exceptions, such as very limited opportunity for deductions). You'll want an experienced (independent or sm practice) CPA to help with avoidance. Pay not one cent more than legally obligated.

 

[rynochop]

I've used taxcut software last several years. Cheap, and easy to use. Yes your horded with ads, but oh well.

 

[Boys122]

Turbo Tax is the way the wife and I have done it for the past few years. Very easy to use.

 

[bigdnlaca]

Turbo Tax is good if you have a simple life. (Work with one employer, kids, little or no deductions etc.)

If it is complicated, you will have to go to a EA or CPA. I would prefer an EA because they specialize in tax and maybe cheaper than a CPA.

 

[WoodysGirl]

I use Turbo Tax and I have a job, as well as a couple of side businesses.

Overall, TT is fairly easy to use, my needs to do make it more complicated. However, I haven't had any issues with my returns and I've used TT for years now.

It helps that I worked a tax season for Jackson Hewitt, so I have a slightly better understanding than most.

 

[big dog cowboy]

Turbo Tax. All we have used for years.

 

[jobberone]

Be careful with TT as if your return is rejected then you only get one email that says so and it doesn't flash red lights yada. So you can think you've filed online and its not accepted for whatever reason.

I've also had trouble with selling homes and it reporting it wrongly and trouble with rental depreciation. It's fun to save the money and do it yourself but if there's a booboo then it'll cost you money to fix the problem as dealing with the IRS is just plain nutso.

 

[WV Cowboy]

I use "H&R Block At Home"

Very easy.

My taxes aren't that complicated though.

 

[DFWJC]

I've been self-employed for 15 years and have used Turbo Tax for most of that time.

Does anyone here live in Texas and filing "married filing seperately"?
It gets a little messy I told due to common law assets.
Some one recently told me that you file that way, you and your spouse have to combine your incomes and then split it to file. That doesn't sound right.

 

[kmp77]

Thanks! I think I will try TurboTax this year since my taxes aren't too complicated.

 

[Boys122]

Real quick for those of you using the Turbo Tax!!

When you purchase the Turbo Tax deluxe software you are suppose to get a free state return, however they charged us $43.00 this year and this didn't happen on last years software.

So be prepared to pay for your state return. We posted on the chat site and we're waiting to hear back because we did pay for the state return when they should've given us at least one free state return. Just a heads up for those of you using the Turbo Tax deluxe return software.

 

[bsheeern]

My mother is in her 35th year of accounting and doing not only current taxes but also amending past years. Turbo tax is...... Well lets just say your are going to get way less on your returns guaranteed. I've seen anywhere from $200-17,000 "mistakes" missed by the turbo taxes, EZ Files, H&R block, and Jackson Hewits of the world.

Feel free to pm me if you want her info. She usually charges way less then anywhere I've seen and you don't pay her until you get your tax refund back. Hope this helps.

 

[theebs]

put an inc. at the end of your name.

declare yourself a bank or oil company and just dont pay them.

That is what I do.