Tax prep software

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  #16  
Old 02-12-2019, 10:49 AM
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I used to use Turbo Tax for many years. I also do my kids taxes so I've got 3 to do and they used to offer 5 free filings. A few years back, they cut it to 1 free filing so I changed to H&R Block Deluxe since they have state returns too. Basically about the same as far as functionality. If your taxes are simple , I'd choose one of the free offers, regardless I'd absolutely suggest doing them yourself instead of paying.
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Old 02-13-2019, 10:28 AM
collie1228 collie1228 is offline
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I've used Turbotax or HR Block for many years now, and they both do the job. I use Block right now as it is cheaper than Turbotax. In fact, I bought it this year on Ebay and saved an extra $20.00. I have to use the business/premium version as I'm doing an estate tax, and the normal personal tax version doesn't do 1041 forms. Either company's software will download the other company's tax records from your previous year, so that shouldn't be a consideration.
  #18  
Old 02-13-2019, 04:26 PM
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Thanks to all who who answered. I've decided on TurboTax.
  #19  
Old 02-13-2019, 05:06 PM
retiredguy123 retiredguy123 is online now
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Excellent choice.
  #20  
Old 02-13-2019, 06:17 PM
valuemkt valuemkt is offline
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I've used turbo tax for years. In addition to itemizing deductions, I file Schedule C, schedule D, Schedule E, K-1s and and all sorts of things .. It logs in and automatically updates stock transactions, keeps track of year to year depreciation etc .. it would cost me a fortune to have a CPA do it .. and I have no reason to change brands ..
  #21  
Old 02-13-2019, 06:28 PM
JerryLBell JerryLBell is offline
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At one point, TurboTax was deliberately installing malware on users PCs. That turned me off on them so bad that I've never used them since. I've used H&R Block's software several times (including when it had a different name) and never had a problem. In fact, I just used them to do my taxes yesterday. It was $20 to download and included the fee for eFiling.

Note that you can do your taxes for free online (assuming they are simple enough) by going to IRS.gov and clicking on the link to the free tax prep page. To eFile, your income has to be below something like $56000 but you can still use it even if your income is higher than that. I tried using it and didn't know what to select in a couple of drop-down lists and couldn't find an explanation on their site to clear it up for me and so gave up and went H&R Block. Your experience may be different.
  #22  
Old 02-13-2019, 06:57 PM
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Have been using turbo tax deluxe for as long as I can remember. It's a very good product. I am old school and don't like the e-file option, I still print out our returns and mail them in.
  #23  
Old 02-13-2019, 07:12 PM
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Another vote for TurboTax.
  #24  
Old 02-13-2019, 07:35 PM
biker1 biker1 is offline
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I suspect one the major advantages of e-filing is the elimination of possible mistakes by human handling of your return. The IRS may need to do manual entry of your paper return. Perhaps they have OCR but someone will still have to handle your return. If you have a refund due, you may receive it faster. I have been e-filing for years and have never had an issue.

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Originally Posted by tophcfa View Post
Have been using turbo tax deluxe for as long as I can remember. It's a very good product. I am old school and don't like the e-file option, I still print out our returns and mail them in.
  #25  
Old 02-13-2019, 07:44 PM
saratogaman saratogaman is offline
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H & R Block on-line software worked well...and it's free. Did mine early last week, e-filed and refund was deposited in my local bank account yesterday.
  #26  
Old 02-13-2019, 09:21 PM
OrangeBlossomBaby OrangeBlossomBaby is offline
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I don't know if you all have this where you are but up here in Connecticut there are several places that provide free tax filing assistance from AARP. You just have to be a member (which I assume most Villagers are).
  #27  
Old 02-13-2019, 10:10 PM
Fraugoofy Fraugoofy is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jazuela View Post
I don't know if you all have this where you are but up here in Connecticut there are several places that provide free tax filing assistance from AARP. You just have to be a member (which I assume most Villagers are).
And snow.. UConn has snow...

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  #28  
Old 02-14-2019, 08:02 AM
Regor Regor is offline
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I use free tax usa . com They have all the forms for free. I get a small ($25) 1099-MISC that turbotax and other want to charge me for. It requires a Schedule C and in Turbo Tax that requires purchasing their program ($35). I have already got my refund using Free Tax.
  #29  
Old 02-17-2019, 11:04 AM
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I have used TaxACT for about 10 years - began with the downloaded version, now use the online version. Very easy to use, very thorough, very reasonable cost. It has helped me through the stages of being employed, retiring, moving, living from retirement income. I will continue to use it.
  #30  
Old 02-17-2019, 11:17 AM
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Right now on Amazon, you can get TaxAct online (Federal Only) for $10.
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