Question about paying taxes.

[Tafiti]

Is there good software out there to do taxes with? Or is it cheaper just to have someone do it? I've never done it myself, and my "case" isn't complicated (two employers in '04). I've heard it's simple to do on your own, too, but like I said, I've never done it.

[Beer Snob-50]

1. I use tax cut

by HR Block. It is an easy to use program, and it is not expensive if you just get the basic package.

[Tafiti]

2. Thanks, I'll check it out.

I've seen commercials for Turbo Tax, but that's about it.

[Nite Owl]

3. Turbo Tax

from Intuit. Supposed to be good. Guess it depends on how complicated your taxes are. I'm trying it this year instead of getting it done.

[Tafiti]

4. That's why I wasn't sure.

I know mine aren't complicated, so I didn't know if it would be worth buying the software.

[China_cat]

16. Turbo Tax

is what H & R Block uses in this area.

We've used it for several years now with no problems. It really does just walk you right through it in simple English and easy questions (Do you have any more W-4 forms? yes/no )

We've even efiled with it the last couple years and had our refund in less than 2 weeks.

This year, though, thanks to GW's tax 'cut' and only half the salary, we will be owing the gov't. for the first time in 31 years so we aren't paying them until 11:59 April 15.

[MissMillie]

5. I pay someone to do it

I bring in 3 or 4 documents, hand it over, sit and watch for about 5 minutes, and they tell me what my refund will be. They file electronically for me, and then I get a check in short order.

I refuse to spend time on this process.

[Tafiti]

7. How much does it generally cost?

As you can tell, I have zero knowledge on this subject.

[Left Is Write]

13. Cost will vary depending on how complicated your taxes are.

Simple taxes prepared by H.R. Block or similar won't be terribly expensive.

We have the same accountant do our taxes every year, especially when my husband was self-employed. Way too complicated to do ourselves! The most expensive fee we paid was $180.

[Solon]

6. I don't use any...

How complicated can filling out ones and zeros on a form be anyway. Yep, I'm single, and it isn't complicated for me.

[Tafiti]

8. Single also.

I figured it'd be easy to do myself, maybe I should ask my sister how to do it or something.

[Solon]

14. If you don't have any itemized deductions, and no kids on the tax forms...

Then it is a piece of cake. If I remember, just mark 0 or 1 for everything that applies to you, mail it in, and if you are lucky, you get a dollar back. :evilgrin:

[freestyle]

9. You can do the 1040 EZ by phone in about 10 minutes

If your income was below about 50K, and you can't claim anything more than the standard deduction, go that way. It is extremely easy. I think e-filing is now available to everyone and not just through a paid preparer. Do it yourself.

[Tafiti]

11. Thanks for the tip.

I'll probably go the do-it-yourself route.

[loudestchick]

10. TaxAct Online is pretty nifty...you e-file w/ little or no paperwork

in many cases it is free if you meet certain guidelines.

[Tafiti]

12. And I think I might.

Hmmm, choices.

[Misunderestimator]

15. Turbotax online... easy as pie...

have used the online version for three years now, and before that the software for about ten. My taxes have been slightly complicated... with Schedule Cs and itemized deductions. Turbotax is a breeze. No software to install, just go to www.turbotax.com and when you file, they charge $20 which includes the electronic filing fee.

[LynzM]

17. TurboTax on the web....

Usually ends up costing us $30-40, walks you right through the process. You can do it in steps, come back and finish later. You don't pay until after you file. The first year, you have to print it out and mail it in, but after that, if you have the previous year's tax info, you can use that as you 'signature' and do the whole thing online.