Do it yourself taxes.

[fruitbowlk]

I have been thinking about doing my own taxes for a couple of year now but this year I think I'm going to go for it. It think it will have me a few hundreds. I have a mac so which one would be best? Do you have to purchase the software every year? Which version would I use? We don't have a house or anything like that so our taxes are basic. Any advise would help.

Thanks.

[cicy33]

You can file your taxes on line for free at many sites. I would never pay unless I had to. as you said your taxes are very basic. I believe irs.gov has a place to do it too for free.

[SnoopyCool]

If you purchase the software, you have to repurchase every year as tax laws change.

The IRS is packed with the information you can use to complete your taxes. There are also plenty of inexpensive online sites to do your taxes. If you are typically a 1040EZ, you might think about H & R Block because 1040EZs are free through Feb 15th. HTH.

[kork13]

Personally, I've been doing my taxes completely manually for a couple years, and at least for now, I'm going to keep doing it that way.

Work out your taxes on the Form 1040 (referencing schedules/instructions as needed).
Once you have it all finished, use the IRS Free e-File service. I use the fillable forms (the second option, open to anyone), and just copy all of the lines from the 1040 and schedules into the online forms. When I finish, it's all e-filed for you. No problems, very simple.

If you don't want to do it manually, there are also free automatic options available to you (on the same site I listed above) if you make less than $57k.

Be aware, the free e-File program has ended for the 2009 tax year, but I'm almost positive they'll restart it for 2010--it's been a resoundingly successful program for them.

[littleroc02us]

I must be sick and dimented but I kind of enjoy the manual process. I learn a lot from doing it. Someday I'll go auto.

[cypher1]

I must be sick and dimented but I kind of enjoy the manual process. I learn a lot from doing it. Someday I'll go auto.

I should try doing mine all manually this year. Automatic online is pretty convenient, but I wouldn't mind the experience also.

[annalaurab]

I actually received in the mail a copy of the free personal version of Turbo Tax. I've used it in the past and it was great but now that I have a business I have to either pay someone or use the premier version which is not free. That said, if your taxes are simple, I'd do them yourself.