Filing taxes - with who?

**cypher1** · 02-15-2013, 02:55 PM

While I personally file with TaxAct, I will use others like TurboTax online to confirm my numbers match or if there's any kind of discrepancies. Otherwise you're not getting charged until when you actually file them.

As for getting the most refund back, I'd assume that's more to do with deductions and lowering your taxable income amount. If you're trying multiple tax software and coming up with different amounts of refunds on each, then I question what's being entered for wages/deductions/credits.

Or you can pay more money and have a tax professional do it like at H&R, or pay extra for online services like audit protection, etc.

**kork13** · 02-15-2013, 03:13 PM

For those who are eligible (2012 AGI below $57,000), the IRS' "Free File" program is excellent. I actually just finished and submitted my tax return 15 minutes ago... I used Free File, through H&R Block online. There are actually a bunch of different options there, including H&R Block, TaxACT, TurboTax, TaxSlayer, and about a dozen others. For those who qualify, I would strongly recommend any of these options to do your taxes simply, for free, and electronically (fast turn-around for any refund you receive).

Side note, I was disappointed to find out that I'll be getting a $1900 tax refund... That's over $150/mo I could have kept in my paycheck (though I do appreciate the sudden boost to my slightly-underfunded EF that will be). But between buying a house, moving from Japan back to CONUS, and a bunch of charitable donations, apparently I didn't plan/estimate my taxes very well this last year. Hopefully I do better here in 2013...

**creditcardfree** · 02-15-2013, 06:41 PM

OP, I tried HR Block Online, TurboTax, and TaxSlayer this year, before I ended up going with FreeFileUSA. I had issues with the other three. One did the math wrong, one was going to require me to mail a form (that I have NEVER had to mail in the past), and another didn't have a place for me to input a specific deduction! It is a good idea to run your return through at least one other software program or manually calculate your refund.

@kork, I'm sure you will do much better next year

**MJtwelve** · 02-23-2013, 10:04 AM

Thank you very much!

I did not realize that taxact does not offer free filing to those with an income over 51. very good to know, was about to use them.

**GrimJack** · 02-23-2013, 08:43 PM

Free File on the IRS site is good, my home state (WA) has no state income tax so OLT (on line tax or something) walks me all the way through free file then asks for me to pay to file for federal. They sucker me every year because 'lousy memory' so I have to do it all again with another company. Also, there is a program of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) that is available in your area; they will do your taxes and file for free in a sit down session for those people who are intimidated by the idea of doing it yourself. They have an AGI maximum also but I forget what it is. They will help with more complicated returns like single parent with a mortgage. AARP will also help with taxes in person.

If you make less than 51,000, you do not have to pay hundreds of dollars to get your taxes done.

**~bs** · 02-24-2013, 12:38 AM

noticed most of the advice you received suggesting filing it yourself. This is ok if your taxes are relatively simple, and you're just entering numbers off forms (W-2, 1099, 1098s). For more complicated issues, you will want a tax adviser or a CPA.

**MJtwelve** · 02-24-2013, 09:30 AM

Yeah, my taxes are simple enough.. I have a lot of forms to enter (had 3 jobs in 2012, interest income, school, etc..) so I'm doing it myself and trying to compare among a few different sites.

Does anyone know a site where I can get a state refund done for free?

**Thrif-t** · 02-24-2013, 03:07 PM

I've been using TurboTax for years, can't get any easier. You usually can pick up a discount code somewhere, like we invest w/Vanguard so get 20% off. I file my state for free with my state. I live in Ohio. That's easy too, took all of 10 min so check your states site to see if they let you file free.

**Baby_nurse** · 02-24-2013, 04:46 PM

I'm a turbo tax fan. I've used it for the past 12 years without a hitch. Though after reading everyone's comments, I may try to run my numbers through a second site just to make sure...

**bjl584** · 02-25-2013, 05:50 AM

I take my taxes to a local CPA. She has a good reputation and charges fair rates.

**elessar78** · 03-08-2013, 04:06 AM

Originally posted by davaoaccountant

Why go through the hassle of doing everything yourself? In my opinion, hiring a CPA is way easier and not to mention, the safest way to go.

I used to impress my friends when they found out that I would do my own taxes with a pencil and a calculator. But since the first year we got married my taxes have not been straight forward. Our first year we were in two different states the months before we got married and moved to a third state after the wedding. I had a sole proprietorship. So anyway, the accountant took care of all that that year. Subsequent years had their own unique situations, so I had the accountant do it as well.

It turned out to be a sage move, as we had the IRS and state say we owed more but I just gave it to the accountant and he showed them how they were wrong.

Additionally, when we were buying a house, I discovered in the process that I could not find one year of my tax returns. But all I had to do was call the accountant to print up a copy.

We probably pay double the cost of tax software, but it's no skin off our backs and I like the convenience and expertise of a tax professional.

**~bs** · 03-08-2013, 09:45 AM

Originally posted by elessar78 View Post

I used to impress my friends when they found out that I would do my own taxes with a pencil and a calculator. But since the first year we got married my taxes have not been straight forward. Our first year we were in two different states the months before we got married and moved to a third state after the wedding. I had a sole proprietorship. So anyway, the accountant took care of all that that year. Subsequent years had their own unique situations, so I had the accountant do it as well.

It turned out to be a sage move, as we had the IRS and state say we owed more but I just gave it to the accountant and he showed them how they were wrong.

Additionally, when we were buying a house, I discovered in the process that I could not find one year of my tax returns. But all I had to do was call the accountant to print up a copy.

We probably pay double the cost of tax software, but it's no skin off our backs and I like the convenience and expertise of a tax professional.

The irs isnt always right. And a cpa usually can provide the answer or documentation that the irs is looking for to help back ypu up. Also they aren't stupid. Some audits are random but most are targeted. If the habe a history of auditing returns prepared by a certain cpa, and their clients always pass with flying colors, the chances of future audits drop. But if the return is self prepared or done by a crappy accountant, your risk profile is higher. Especially if mistakes were made in the past or if you engage in certain activities or take certain tax positions.

Schedule c or self employment is one area that the irs loves to audit. Tons of personal expenses being included and tons of errors.

**Mr Nice Guy** · 03-08-2013, 11:47 AM

Thanks Kork

Filing taxes - with who?