He owed the Federal two bushels of grain, but got a refund from the State (some spices and a baby goat).

^ Did mcpapa literally render unto Caesar?

I do both of the top two. Have done them for family as well.

Turbo Tax... I find it very easy and organized, even with a house, college expenses and minor investments. I like the side to side comparison they keep right in front of you (this year vs last year) and I find the tips fairly useful.

 

Before I begin I always go online and type “Turbo Tax discount”, and can usually find a code to get $20 bucks or so off. This year I went via the Fidelity Investments website.

 

Federal + State came in just under $100 (filed State right before they halted it).

Those of you who pay to use Turbo Tax, I'm assuming you bought the software? Why are you paying to do it with TurboTax? Mine has always been free?

.....

 

I use a great independent tax firm whom I trust a great deal.

I also use HR Block online. I started with Kiplinger Tax Cut years ago and HR Block bought their software. They prefill a lot of the information. By the time you put all the information together for the CPA, you might as well fill in the blanks yourself. Cost is somewhere around $50?

Those of you who pay to use Turbo Tax, I'm assuming you bought the software? Why are you paying to do it with TurboTax? Mine has always been free?

 

I do mine online. There are 4 different types of TurboTax.

 

Federal Free Edition - Simple tax returns (1040EZ/1040A) - Free federal and free state

Deluxe - Maximize your tax deductions - $34.99 (federal) + $36.99 (state)

Premier - Investments and rental property - $54.99 (federal) + $36.99 (state)

Home & Business - Small business owner or sole proprietor - $79.99 (federal) + $36.99 (state)

 

The more complicated your return, the more you pay.

I do mine online. There are 4 different types of TurboTax.

 

Federal Free Edition - Simple tax returns (1040EZ/1040A) - Free federal and free state

Deluxe - Maximize your tax deductions - $34.99 (federal) + $36.99 (state)

Premier - Investments and rental property - $54.99 (federal) + $36.99 (state)

Home & Business - Small business owner or sole proprietor - $79.99 (federal) + $36.99 (state)

 

The more complicated your return, the more you pay.

 

Are those the costs per return? When I looked last night (at the download products), it seemed that the Premier one, which is what I'll need, allows up to 5 Federal returns before you get charged.

Those of you who pay to use Turbo Tax, I'm assuming you bought the software? Why are you paying to do it with TurboTax? Mine has always been free?

 

 

Turbo Tax online charges you for the Package (software) & Filing Fees. There are checklists or they can walk you thru which package that you'll need: the Free EZ one, the Deluxe, the Premier, etc.

Are those the costs per return? When I looked last night (at the download products), it seemed that the Premier one, which is what I'll need, allows up to 5 Federal returns before you get charged.

 

I am not sure of the answer to that question. I'm stuck with "Home and Business" myself.

Those of you who pay to use Turbo Tax, I'm assuming you bought the software? Why are you paying to do it with TurboTax? Mine has always been free?

 

I always just do it on the website.

What? How is that?

 

I can't remember now. Been using a bona fide pro to handle my taxes this year and last. I just know I always felt like Turbo Tax got the best of me everytime I used them.

Here is a picture of mcpapa's first tax return...

 

 

I admire people who have the initiative to do their own returns with TT, etc. And I understand that they are saving let's say $100-$150. My thought has always been that a qualified professional, who takes an interest in you and your financial affairs, would only have to make a suggestion/recommendation of approximately $400 to save you the $100-$150 you saved by doing them on your own. I would think that a close ongoing relationship with a professional should well overcome the minimal savings from doing them yourself.