Community Chat

[cuddlesmama]

I don't understand why the stores sell the software because you can do them online. Is it different than the one online? Which would be better to use? Thanks

[Mz iMac]

I have always done my own taxes the old fashion way.  I pick up the forms from the local library.

After I am done, I go to the IRS website & file online w/o submitting.  If the online website figure is the same as mine, I know I did mine correctly.

I see no reason to "pay."  The instructions that come w/the forms are very easy, detailed & takes you step by step.

Can you still do your taxes over the phone?  I believe I tried it once.  Received my refund in 2 weeks!

[Annabellethecat66]

I hand everything to my oldest daughter (she does her own).  Then she goes over them and tells me all of the things I have missing that I need.

Then I search and find what she's given me the list I need.

Then I give her THOSE papers and she goes over them.

Then she calls me up and says (this is a quote), "Mom!  You need to come over and pick up this envelope and take it to the accountants so they have time to do YOUR taxes".  

If i don't respond by end of day, I get another phone call!

My taxes are a bit complicated because of my late husband's companies and investments.

The accountants have always managed to get refunds from Federal and State so it all works for me.

I was told places if they aren't complicated (and that means really not complicated) it's OK to do them yourself or on line.

However, my daughter told me there are a lot of changes this year.  When I went over for a visit a few weeks ago, she was very upset because there are things she could previously do and can no longer do.

Sometimes it's simply a manner of interpretation.  However, I was told by the guy who does the investing that the IRS is more of a stickler than ever.

My late husband used to do ours.  He said as long as you stay withing a certain range (whatever that means) you don't cause any red flags.  I guess red flags aren't good??? Ha!

My youngest daughter goes bonkers this time of year.  She's single, no children, rents her townhouse so she says she pays through the nose in taxes.

[jannabelle1]

We buy the TT software every year. The software compares the previous filing with the current filing; walks us through everything, questions anything we've left out, and points out changes in the tax code when something different is asked for. We're retired and can buy the basic software for $49 and feel comfortable that we have a tax form that we've done correctly without a lot of angst! We don't have complicated taxes that would require an accountant or CPA, so we like the simple instructions and guidance we get from TT at a reasonable price. I like the support we have with TT...not sure what kind of support we'd get if we just used the online government form.

[Carmie]

I have filed my taxes both ways.  The best answer I can give you is the price.  Both methods are pretty much the same.

[Mz iMac]

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@jannabelle1 wrote:

not sure what kind of support we'd get if we just used the online government form.

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@jannabelle1  Toll free # to talk to a "live" IRS agent who will walk/talk you through your problem/issue(s).

[Financialgrl]

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@jannabelle1 wrote:

We buy the TT software every year. The software compares the previous filing with the current filing; walks us through everything, questions anything we've left out, and points out changes in the tax code when something different is asked for. We're retired and can buy the basic software for $49 and feel comfortable that we have a tax form that we've done correctly without a lot of angst! We don't have complicated taxes that would require an accountant or CPA, so we like the simple instructions and guidance we get from TT at a reasonable price. I like the support we have with TT...not sure what kind of support we'd get if we just used the online government form.

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For the last 12 years I've been buying H&R Block for the very same reasons.   I took tax law years ago and my father always did other family members' taxes and once he died I ended up doing them for my younger nieces/nephew and brother/SIL.  Years ago I tried to do them using online program and it only allowed me to do 2 returns. I got an email saying that it looked like I was a business trying to use free software and it bounced the third return - wouldn't allow me to do more than the 2 returns. 

I have four returns I prepare each year; however, if I buy H&R BLock or Turbo Tax software I can e-file 5 returns free.  Like jannabelle said, if you have prepared your taxes using the software the year before it asks questions and autofills your personal info from the year before.  

[Nuttmeg]

It depends on your income, deductions etc. I use TT software. Sometimes you pay more for online taxes from one of the named companies. 

You have more choices when you are able to file early. 

[songbird]

We do none of the above.  We go to a CPA.  Our taxes are way too complicated to be tried anyewhere else. 

[VaBelle35]

I never understood buying the CD because I think the CD software allows all the same features as the online version.  If there's an update, you still have to download it if you have the CD.

I know that i get a discount on the online version from every financial service I have an account with.

And don't forget Mr. Rebates.  That one is tricky because you have to make sure you log in through Mr. Rebates when you submit.