Income Taxes - Does Anyone Else Do This?

Apple Head · ‎01-31-2015

I have always mailed in my taxes on paper. I just don't want to pay for a tax service on line or worry about software hackers. Plus, I like to see all the information in front of me (not on a screen) and refer to the instructions.

I know a lot of people do it electronically, but wondered if anyone else still files the "old fashioned" way?

Kalli · ‎03-11-2010

We pay an accountant to do our taxes. He files online.

Shorty2U · ‎03-09-2010

Yes! I file the old way via paper too. I might add, I get the forms at the library and this year there are no books to go with the forms. I have to use the websites to look through the directions. So, I guess the time is coming when I soon wont be able to do it on paper anymore.

The reason I use the old way is to keep my Math skills going by challenging my brain, and because I don't trust these sites with our SS numbers!

PS) I still have to do our taxes for this year. I will work on them next week.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make~ The Beatles

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

I've been filing my taxes electronically for years, but sending paper checks for estimated taxes and any other payments. That was true until January when my check did not arrive on time even though there was well more than enough time for it to do so.

Both my CPA and the IRS rep told me that because of mail fraud, it's not actually safer to file via the IRS protected website and even pay via that site than it is to mail, so now I'm doing everything electronically.

Suziepeach · ‎03-10-2010

On 3/14/2015 Kalli said:
We pay an accountant to do our taxes. He files online.

Us too. Both our Federal and State were deposited within two weeks.. both on the very same day.

Go VOLS
Rocky Top you'll always be home sweet home to me.. Good ole Rocky Top, Rocky Top Tennessee... Rocky Top Tennessee

Apple Head · ‎01-31-2015

My local senior center will do it online for free using tax professionals who volunteer their time. They do it for seniors and anyone in a financial crunch (I just lost a job of 20 years). Maybe I'll just let them do it this way this time. I am getting a refund.

Shorty2U... I know, they don't provide the books anymore. I like to do mine via paper anyway and then I'll take it to the center and still have all the figures already configured.

I know technology is moving on, but it's getting ridiculous. You have to buy a phone and minutes every year even if you don't need them. You need a computer but have to have anti-virus. I just bought a new printer (great timing that mine died) and I have to get a USB cable and toner... for $90.00 extra. It's really terrible that things are costing so much money just to live. Yet, the jobs out there are paying so low.

It's very obvious how people get into debt.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

No. Filing electronically is so much easier; the process is very streamlined to make it much easier to file online, you can see your estimated refund after the first few steps, and the program keeps up with what is needed so that you don't forget anything. Shortly after submitting your return, you receive an acceptance email, and then you only have to wait for final processing if you are receiving a refund. The plan is to phase out paper filing altogether, and in my area you rarely find the books and forms anymore, since these can be printed from the website.

Mominohio · ‎08-08-2010

On 3/14/2015 Kalli said:
We pay an accountant to do our taxes. He files online.

This is what we do. I can no longer see, with the constant changing laws, trying to get this right with either my own brain figuring it out, or using a program that might or might not fail me.

It costs us dear to pay for this service, but it is worth the peace of mind that comes with it, and I feel that the government is putting all this info into a computer so it is out there anyway, and someone can get it whether I'm doing it or the government is.

ivanatrump · ‎06-26-2014

On 3/14/2015 RedTop said: No. Filing electronically is so much easier; the process is very streamlined to make it much easier to file online, you can see your estimated refund after the first few steps, and the program keeps up with what is needed so that you don't forget anything. Shortly after submitting your return, you receive an acceptance email, and then you only have to wait for final processing if you are receiving a refund. The plan is to phase out paper filing altogether, and in my area you rarely find the books and forms anymore, since these can be printed from the website.

Don't tell this to some of the posters on the Wells Fargo bank thread.

rolen · ‎03-09-2010

On 3/14/2015 Shorty2U said:
Yes! I file the old way via paper too. I might add, I get the forms at the library and this year there are no books to go with the forms. I have to use the websites to look through the directions. So, I guess the time is coming when I soon wont be able to do it on paper anymore.

Yep, we still do ours on paper also. We are retired and do not need to file a long form any more. It only takes a couple of hours at most to fill it out. I am not about to pay someone else to fill out the forms for us. I personally feel much more secure doing it ourselves. I am sure it is done in the proper way and no one else had access to our info.

Yes, it is getting harder to get the instruction books to go with the forms these days. But we go to the IRS web site and you can order any of the instruction books and forms you need. It takes about 10 days to receive it. We would rather have the printed booklet to look at rather than finding the info on line.