TaxesFollow

I'm getting ready to do my taxes, just waiting on one more W-2. I have always done my own taxes in the past..first using the EZ when I was single, then switching to the short form once I graduated from college and could claim the student loan interest.

In 2005 we bought a house, had a baby, etc. I guess that means the long form. I still insist on doing my own taxes, but I'm thinking of getting Turbotax or some such to figure out deductions and whatnot since I feel it's getting a little over my head. I'm also not sure if it's better for us to take the standard deduction or to itemize, but I'm assuming Turbotax would figure that out, right? Have any of you used it, recommend it, think it's a waste of money? It's a little pricey, so I don't want to buy it for nothing.

Nexa

Compared to what H&R Block charges or any of the others, its really not that much and you can write it off the following year.

We've used Turbotax every year for the past 5 years and as other poster said, have not been disappointed. Refunds are quick and they are pretty thorough regarding asking you questions on deductions etc. It's worth the $20 for the software.

I think it's worth the money, personally. It simplifies the filing process, it reminds you of deductions you might be missing, it prompts you for the details (baby's SSN, etc.).

If you're not comfortable filing electronically you can print it out and send a paper copy. Either way you have a record of your work.

I normally file electronically for free, but if it charges for that on top of charging for the software, I may just print and mail.

Nexa

If you have to file state, then yes you need Deluxe. We live in Texas so we don't have state taxes.

If I'm not mistaken I think they charge $13.95 per e-file. All told, for me and hubby we probably paid a total with software, about $60.

You might check Wally World (Wal-Mart) or Sam's club or some other large chaine store for software. I know this time of year they may have an even cheaper price than Amazon.

P.S.

I think Turbo offers a rebate as well.


Edited, Mon Jan 30 13:09:34 2006 by Spirish

Cool, thanks!

The last time I did H&R Block, it cost me 80 bucks. But that was for a straight forward non-itemized return. I imagine if you are itemizing, it will cost you more.

I've used the online version of Turbotax for the last few years. So far it has scaled to handle everything I could throw at it, including investment income, 1099s, multiple W2s from different states, changing residency, and more.

I recommend it.

I have used this site for the past five years or so with nary a problem. They'll do your state as well as Federal and efile both if your state is set up for electronic filing.

Walks you through everything and you can go into as much detail as the average taxpayer should ever have to.

Also, it's like me: cheap.

They also sell boxed software, but why bother when you get the same thing from the online service? Just print your returns and keep copies and you've got all the benefit of buying the software and keeping the information in it....

we've been doing turbo tax for quite awhile and havent had any problems. Sit down on a Sunday with some coffee, still in your pjs, and get it done.

well first I brew a pot of coffee, then saunter into the library in my yoga pants and tank top, while hubby prepares the paperwork. I sidle my armchair over to his desk after grabbing my own reciepts and paperwork as he turns on the computer. After it slowly warms up he deftly uses his fingertips to bring up the proper site. Once the two of us have established where we want to go, we get to it. Usually it takes us about an hour, maybe two, to finish. Afterwards we sit back exhausted but satisfied and I pop out in a couple minutes to have a celebratory cig

he didnt specify

Hawt!