Online Tax Preparation & Filing

[scfr]

It's that time of year again ...

Here are a couple suggestions on getting the best deal on online tax preparation and filing.

1. First, check the IRS Web Site first to see if you are eligible for their Free File service:
Free File Home - Your Link to Free Federal Online Filing

2. Look for a discount on tax preparation software.
Looks like Vanguard investors can once again get a discount on Turbo Tax online for their 2007 tax returns. Here's a link with the info:
https://personal.vanguard.com/us/pla...WebContent.jsp

Anyone know of other (perhaps better) offers?

[sweeps]

Good post. I'm sure there will be good deals as the tax season rolls on.

Reportedly State Farm customers who have at least one policy viewable online get free access to TurboTax Deluxe again this year.

[Beccagold]

I can confirm State Farm is doing the deluxe free, again. I signed into my account last night and there was a link.

I prefer to do it w/ software on the computer. Costco sent out coupons that include $15 off TurboTax Deluxe, Premiere or Home & Business. This is really good b/c according to the website they are selling the Deluxe for $35 before the coupon.

[puck36]

Originally Posted by scfr

It's that time of year again ...

1. First, check the IRS Web Site first to see if you are eligible for their Free File service:
Free File Home - Your Link to Free Federal Online Filing

If you earned $54,000 or less in 2007, you can use Free File to prepare your taxes online beginning in mid-January 2008 at the IRS website.

it’s important to remember that you must access Free File through the IRS website.

[project15]

any deals for H&R Block's TaxCut? I used that last year as I got it as a Christmas gift and would probably like to use it again this year since not much has changed in 2007 financially.

[safari]

50% off Online TaxCut Premium + State + E-file (you will pay $22.48) - Link

[dardhel]

Taxcut and Turbotax have been in years past offering free filing for military members. I would check with militaryonesource.com towards the end of january for this. The only downside it is only for a basic filing, if you have capital loss or anything that would need a premium edition you are better off checking out safari's link above...

[sweeps]

Originally Posted by project15

any deals for H&R Block's TaxCut?

TaxCut Premium Federal + State + E-File 2007 $20 After $10 Rebate

[Cashguy]

taxslayer offers both fed and state filing for a flat $9.95

TaxSlayer.com, Online Tax Filing For $9.95,

[poundwise]

I'm not a fan of online tax prep. TaxAct, who is known for their free online offering, now furnishes the standard version of their software as a free download.

[sweeps]

Originally Posted by poundwise

I'm not a fan of online tax prep.

Poundwise, why not? The tax prep software on the web site doesn't have to be any different than what you get on a CD. In fact the web site can be immediately updated with the latest updates and bug fixes, whereas the DVD might be out of date and require manual updates.

[poundwise]

Originally Posted by sweeps

Poundwise, why not? The tax prep software on the web site doesn't have to be any different than what you get on a CD. In fact the web site can be immediately updated with the latest updates and bug fixes, whereas the DVD might be out of date and require manual updates.

It's really just a personal preference.

I do not like giving social security numbers and other private data to these individual companies. Despite their security and privacy assurances regarding their sites and data storage, I simply prefer to have the program and keep the data on my own machine while preparing my taxes.

Upon completion, I am then able to transfer the data to removable media for archiving and/or to do anything I may want or need to with the program and data at any time rather than having one of these companies keep my information perpetually in online storage.

It also seems that the installed software package runs more smoothly than the online versions; though I'm sure experiences may vary.

As for updating, it is a minor thing; easily accomplished in the software at any point.

I don't mean to suggest that online filing is inherently unsafe or otherwise a poor choice; it works well for many people. As I said, this is just my preference.

[Broken Arrow]

Originally Posted by poundwise

I do not like giving social security numbers and other private data to these individual companies. Despite their security and privacy assurances regarding their sites and data storage, I simply prefer to have the program and keep the data on my own machine while preparing my taxes.

That's a good point, although when we send this information off, wouldn't we still risk it in some way?

[poundwise]

Originally Posted by Broken Arrow

That's a good point, although when we send this information off, wouldn't we still risk it in some way?

No argument. Though I am not concerned with the electronic format or transmission, per se, but rather with the storage of my data by the software company in a web-based system rather than having both the program and the data file myself to utilize and store as I wish.

I can't emphasize enough that I not making an argument that people shouldn't use online tax prep. It is just my own personal preference to use the installed software version.

I didn't mean to interrupt the thread. My "I'm not a fan" comment was simply a lead-in to pointing out that you can download a free version of the TaxAct software as well as perform free tax prep on their site.

[scfr]

Originally Posted by project15

any deals for H&R Block's TaxCut?

35% off for American Express card holders:

www.hrblock.com/partner/AMX

[sweeps]

Costco: $15 Off & Free Shipping TurboTax® Deluxe 2007 Plus State ($20.99)