Taxes (pay, credit, account, business) - Personal Finance -debt, loans, credit cards, banks, insurance... - City-Data Forum

redwhiteblue · 03-18-2008, 09:05 PM

I would like to know from those of you that do your own taxes what software or online tax service you would recommend?

ColoWeb · 03-18-2008, 10:34 PM

Low cost: TaxCut (Made by H&R Block)
Free (with promos for the paid version): TaxACT
TaxACT has free Fed. e-mail but no state return (unless you pay for it).

Submariner · 03-19-2008, 06:17 AM

None.

Instead attend one of the annual IRS courses.

To begin to think about filing taxes, after the tax year has already passed, it is too late.

We have found that we need to have the knowledge 'during' the tax year. As we are making budget decisions, as we purchase things, we consider will this go onto a schedule 'C', or an 'E', or an 'F'. How are we going to use this expense to keep us fully sheltered?

No software, and no accountant can do that for you; after the tax-year has gone to history.

sirron · 03-20-2008, 05:14 PM

I couldn't have said it better! At Internal Revenue Service there is a wealth of information - all free! What to do if you can't pay; how to file an extension; frequently asked questions; how to contact a tax advocate; etc., etc.

heavyweight · 03-21-2008, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redwhiteblue

I would like to know from those of you that do your own taxes what software or online tax service you would recommend?

About.com has reviews of freeware. They're free with AGI limits of up to $54k.
Tax Reviews

Forbes has "Best of the Web" reviews as well.
Tax Sites

The IRS has a similar list with the software provider's ad/description rather than an "independent" review.
E-file Solutions (http://www.irs.gov/efile/lists/0,,id=101223,00.html - broken link)

I don't qualify for the freeware and don't care to pay. I select any software (i.e., Turbo Tax) and go through the motions, without actually filing. This ensures I remember to take all deductions, credits, and properly account for special situations (i.e., moving , a new business). As I navigate through the screens, I simply complete my taxes in PDF available on IRS.gov. I cut and paste my information into the appropriate forms as I go. It keeps me organized, checks my math, and I remain thoroughly underwhelmed.

You can easily find each relevant form by "topic" on the IRS site.
Forms by Topic (http://www.irs.gov/formspubs/article/0,,id=98171,00.html - broken link)

Hope some of that is helpful. Best of Luck!