Tax Time

[BA.]

Has there ever been any comparisons done regarding the various tax software that is available?

I usually just have the normal home interest and property taxes, some stock stuff and typical charitable deductions.
This year I maysee about some deductions for working from home. (office space)
I have used TurboTax for a few years but it seems for my simple crap that there's gotta be something just as good and a little cheaper. (normally around $45 for Fed/State)

[BA.]

One more try! Anyone?

[indebt69]

I've always used taxslayer and turbo tax a few times. Mostly taxslayer, but I only pay $9.95 to e-file fed and state. I don't download the software though, just do it online. Not for sure why yours is higher. Understand might be a few more forms but doesn't sound like it's much.

[6'9"Witha69]

We use Turbo Tax and pay the higher price for my wife's home business.

BTW, working from home, you would have to prove, if audited, that the space is DEDICATED to business. If it is dual or multi purpose area it should not be considered a write off. All equipment and services can be written off regardless.

[ErikLS2]

I think I just saw a commercial for Turbo Tax that you could use online for free for the Federal return.

Be careful on the home office deduction. Quite a few years ago I thought about doing that and my tax guy said that when the house is sold, the percentage of it that is used for business is the percentage of any gain from the sale of the house that is not factored into the primary residence capital gains exemption. Should obviously check the current rules though. For me it wasn't worth it.

[6'9"Witha69]

I think I just saw a commercial for Turbo Tax that you could use online for free for the Federal return.

Be careful on the home office deduction. Quite a few years ago I thought about doing that and my tax guy said that when the house is sold, the percentage of it that is used for business is the percentage of any gain from the sale of the house that is not factored into the primary residence capital gains exemption. Should obviously check the current rules though. For me it wasn't worth it.

Fed is free, State is where they charge the bucks.

[JMarsa]

Being in IT, I have an issue with doing taxes online. Free or not, my confidential info is staying on my PC and only being transferred to the IRS.

--JMarsa

[Steve1968LS2]

We use TurboTax.. in fact I did it last weekend.

Easy to use and handles everything we need.

[BA.]

I must be an idiot. I tried doing a TurboTax just now and even though it let me fill out ALL of my Fed and State info, it won't let me print the forms out to mail them unless I pay the $50 for Fed and another #30 for state.

$80 is just rediculous IMO for a basic 1040A setup. All of a sudden the $50 I remember paying for TubroTax in previous years seems like a bargain.

EDIT: I see H&R Block is charging basically the same thing for a Fed/State.

Am I mis-reading above that someone was able to fill out / print their Fed for free? I'm all about mailing **** in if it means more $$ in my pocket.

[BA.]

yeah, I'm bored since my evening plans are now ruined.

Here's a great site listing some free-filing places, limits to your AGI and participating states. Good stuff!

I found some less than glowing problems for Tax Slayer so maybe I'll wait to see if they grow up in a few years.

[Damn True]

Here's a fun tax day fact: 47% of your fellow Americans don't pay any.

Enjoy your April 15th.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100407/...ge/us_no_taxes

[BA.]

LOL. you suck dude.

[wmhjr]

Here's a fun tax day fact: 47% of your fellow Americans don't pay any.

Enjoy your April 15th.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100407/...ge/us_no_taxes

It's worse than that. This year I helped my son file his first tax return. He's always been a dependent on my return but this year he earned too much and is 19yrs old.

He got $1200 MORE THAN HE PAID back on federal. No joke. I mean literally, he got every single penny withheld back PLUS another $1200. This is ridiculous. I've been giving him a hard time about it. He's happy he's getting a free gift but agrees that it's just plain wrong.

I've heard the stories and know the stats, but it's never hit this close to home before. I'm paying through the nose and other people not only pay zero, but they get free money back.

[dcozzi]

No offense to anyone but, I do my own taxes and it takes about 30-45min. for Federal and about 10-15min. for State. I just itemize the usual donations, property tax and interest.

Really, all you are doing with Turbo Tax is plugging in figures you already have. IMHO it is a waste of $$.

I realize it may work well for some situations but, for most people, it is not worth it.

[MrQuick]

Some people get it and some don't. Turbo tax makes it easy to understand for the later.


vince

[rob07002]

Unless doing "short form" tax prep, I'm a believer in having a professional prepare my taxes. If just for the simple fact that you could be leaving money on the table.

And please don't get me started on the whole scenerio of those who pay NO taxes or in some cases actually get a "rebate". I guess I'm just a "patriot" according to Biden. Heck, considering how much I pay, they should create a holiday in my name.

[BuddyP]

I must be an idiot. I tried doing a TurboTax just now and even though it let me fill out ALL of my Fed and State info, it won't let me print the forms out to mail them unless I pay the $50 for Fed and another #30 for state.

$80 is just rediculous IMO for a basic 1040A setup. All of a sudden the $50 I remember paying for TubroTax in previous years seems like a bargain.

EDIT: I see H&R Block is charging basically the same thing for a Fed/State.

Am I mis-reading above that someone was able to fill out / print their Fed for free? I'm all about mailing **** in if it means more $$ in my pocket.

The "prnt scn" button does wonders

[parsonsj]

I just sent a check to Uncle Sam myself. You can personally thank me for the new fighter wing over at Patrick AFB. I think I paid for the whole thing, lol.

jp

[rob07002]

I just sent a check to Uncle Sam myself. You can personally thank me for the new fighter wing over at Patrick AFB. I think I paid for the whole thing, lol.

jp

You sir are a patriot as well. Joe B. thanks you. John & Rob national holiday

[wmhjr]

I just sent a check to Uncle Sam myself. You can personally thank me for the new fighter wing over at Patrick AFB. I think I paid for the whole thing, lol.

jp

That's great. Now they have some planes for the AFB I just apparently bought.