Tax season is here…
What do you think about the software/online tax prep instead of going to a CPA or other onsite tax professionals?
My opinion is that its beneficial to use the onsite tax professionals if you have something complicated other wise I feel very good about doing the taxes myself online since most of them are free.
What’s you take on this?
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
I been using turbo tax and I like it.
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
What would be a good free online tax prep website?
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
I have been using taxact.com for about 5 years. The only fees I pay is to file electronically which comes around $10.
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
^ Is it really that easy to file? I've been paying CPA around 75 bucks. I hear you can file state tax online for free but you gotta pay for fed taxes.
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
As long as your tax return is not complicated, Yes.
We don't have state tax in Texas.
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
No state tax. Whoop whoop!
I would suggest that this year, first calculate your taxes online (just fill out the free online form but don’t submit) and look at your return. Then go to the cpa and have him do your taxes. You need to pay him but the exercise will let you know whether you get higher return through cpa or not, so from next year, you’re sure about how to file.
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
I would suggest that this year, first calculate your taxes online (just fill out the free online form but don't submit) and look at your return. Then go to the cpa and have him do your taxes. You need to pay him but the exercise will let you know whether you get higher return through cpa or not, so from next year, you're sure about how to file.
....and do let us know so if filing through a CPA gets us more refund...I will start going to the CPA although we did this with my brother in law and since he had only one W2 and one tax form it didn't make any difference for him. He did it for the piece of mind.....
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
I would suggest that this year, first calculate your taxes online (just fill out the free online form but don't submit) and look at your return. Then go to the cpa and have him do your taxes. You need to pay him but the exercise will let you know whether you get higher return through cpa or not, so from next year, you're sure about how to file.
I am thinking about doing it online this year but this is a good idea. Just to see who is screwing me more. Is there a website you guys recommend?
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
I have use taxact for the past 5 years.
^ IRS website should let you fill it out for free, only thing is that you cannot save it, so should finish it in one sitting.
In my case, cpa's return was highest, in fact about 2 times higher than what I was getting when I was using software. But then my returns are always complicated cause I run a business on the side.
The worst ever return I got is when I went to H&R block. I highly recommend not to go to them.
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
^Yep. That's what I have been told as well. Mine is very straight forward since I work and go to school. Online tax return only works well if you know the forms you need for different types of filings otherwise CPA works best.
taxact will also let you fill for free. You only have to pay when you want file your return electronically.
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
Mine is fairly simple as well. I'll give TaxAct a try. Thanks for your help guys.
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
:k:
Done and dusted.
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
Cool. Did it help at all?
I know it asks you questions about your life events right in the beginning to present you with the forms you will need.
From what I have heard people who are expecting a refund should do it quick since the government shutdown is coming again.
Re: Tax prep software and online tax prep (Its tax time)
Yeah it did. It was pretty easy and I'm definitely getting a refund.