Tax Preparation Software

[jazz lady]

I've used TurboTax for many years with no problems. I finished mine over the weekend, got the last piece of information I needed today, and should have them submitted in the next day or so.

 

[BadGirl]

TurboTax. Information filed on Friday night, and had my state refund on Monday. Still awaiting Federal, but expect it any day now.

 

[purplepassion]

Fire/EMS question

Has anyone who is a firefighter or EMT used it? I have wondered about using it instead of having someone do ours and wondered how it worked for all the items you need to take into account when you're a volunteer like that.

 

[redfish]

I must be the only one around here to do it the old fashioned way. Tried it (I think Turbotax) one year, but realized it DIDN'T ask me about a deduction I could take and have been completely soured on it ever since.

 

[Chasey_Lane]

For anyone using TaxAct and living elsewhere than Leonardtown, did you leave the city/town part blank? This can be a significant impact, especially since Leonardtown has a separate tax unlike California, Lexington Park, etc.

 

[awpitt]

What tax preparation software do you use and how thorough is it?

Just curious. I've been using TurboTax but have used Kiplinger's TaxCut. I debate this every year since both of them appeared to be pretty user-friendly but I wonder if one maximizes the deductions over the other.

I need all the help I can get in the deductions category.

I’ve been using Turbo Tax for years and have never had a problem with it. Fed refund usually shows up in my bank account after about a week. Maryland gets it there in two or three days. As for record keeping, Turbo Tax lets me “print” to a PDF file. Then I scan the rest of my docs into another PDF file. This allows me to keep all of my tax records on a CD.

 

[juggy4805]

I'm thinking of trying the free version of Turbo Tax online for Federal. Anyone else use this and is it considerably better to get the more advanced software?There is nothing special on my returns like investments or a house or anything.

 

[Agee]

I'm thinking of trying the free version of Turbo Tax online for Federal. Anyone else use this and is it considerably better to get the more advanced software?There is nothing special on my returns like investments or a house or anything.

If you're not itemizing or you are, and your itemizations are limited, don't spend the money for the tax software. Use the IRS sponsered tax preparation web-sites. You'll have the option to file ellectronically or just print out your return and send it in. Of course, with E-file, the fees start to apply, but minimul as opposed to buying the tax software outright.

 

[Hollywoodmom]

Filed Turbo Tax on a Sat. am, MD refund was direct deposited on Thurs. We've received it free for years through Vanguard, but must access it through the Vanguard site. Never had a problem. Info. is retained year to year so all you have to do is update your figures. W2's are even automatically downloaded using the employer ID #. Couldn't be easier.

 

[Chasey_Lane]

Hypothetically you pay a CPA firm to prepare your taxes. If the firm screws something up and you end up owing the IRS money, who takes the blame? Can you get back any interest/penalty fees associated w/the mistake from the CPA firm? Anyone know or had a similar experience?

 

[Mikeinsmd]

Hypothetically you pay a CPA firm to prepare your taxes. If the firm screws something up and you end up owing the IRS money, who takes the blame? Can you get back any interest/penalty fees associated w/the mistake from the CPA firm? Anyone know or had a similar experience?

It's my understanding that you are responsible for the bottom line. The CPA/firm should support you in every way but you're the one held accountable.

 

[Chasey_Lane]

It's my understanding that you are responsible for the bottom line. The CPA/firm should support you in every way but you're the one held accountable.

That's what I figured.

 

[SamSpade]

That's what I figured.

When I was at HR Block, we pushed the "Peace of Mind" guarantee. But all it does is ensure that if there's a mistake WE MADE that caused trouble for the taxpayer, we would assume the blame and pay for the costs. Which is kind of weird because we charged the customer 30 bucks for a service we should stand behind no matter what.

They were very clear when I was there that if the customer provided false information or in any way cheated on their taxes, THEY were to shoulder all responsibility. We were also advised to stay away from anything that looked like we were being urged to "cheat".

 

[Dougstermd]

Yes I have used it 3 times. I didn't download it, I use the online version. I have a straight, simple return and can't see paying someone $70.00 to file it when Taxslayer works for my non complicated return.

well I am flat broke and when I used the 1040 form with out itemizing I owed 2k to federal

I need some cheap way to do my itemizing

 

[cdsulhoff]

well go to the IRS and show them your beaver watch out they might want to nestled with you, but it is worth it.

 

[RadioPatrol]

What tax preparation software do you use and how thorough is it?

Just curious. I've been using TurboTax but have used Kiplinger's TaxCut. I debate this every year since both of them appeared to be pretty user-friendly but I wonder if one maximizes the deductions over the other.

I need all the help I can get in the deductions category.

the version we used for year was MAC in Tax ....... till Intuit rolled it into the TurboTax Name ...... now we have to suffer assocation with a PC Product