This is the first time I have decided to use software to do my taxes.
I was wondering who else has been using this software?
It would be great to get some Pro's and Con's or Tips and Tricks before hitting the SEND button and filing online.
Bubski
Its Tax Time !
Started by
Bubble2Bubble
, Apr 08 2008 09:05 PM
11 replies to this topic
#1
Bubble2Bubble
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Posted 08 April 2008 - 09:05 PM
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#2
netmage
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Posted 08 April 2008 - 10:02 PM
Been hooked up e-filing for a while using software... I do so much online transactions it's second nature....
Been doing the web only thing for three years I think... My taxes are fairly simple..., no mortgage, generally no itemized deductions, etc... so it's an hour or two tops and I'm done... Also fortunate to live in a state w/ no income tax, so I don't get hit up for the extra $15-20 for state filing....
Probably the only hassle is typing all the w2's and interest in... also have a check handy for the aba information for your checking account if your expecting a refund... Don't fall for the 'instant loan/refund', it's a rip off.....
-Tim
Been doing the web only thing for three years I think... My taxes are fairly simple..., no mortgage, generally no itemized deductions, etc... so it's an hour or two tops and I'm done... Also fortunate to live in a state w/ no income tax, so I don't get hit up for the extra $15-20 for state filing....
Probably the only hassle is typing all the w2's and interest in... also have a check handy for the aba information for your checking account if your expecting a refund... Don't fall for the 'instant loan/refund', it's a rip off.....
-Tim
"I aim to misbehave...."
#3
Brinybay
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Posted 09 April 2008 - 02:06 AM
I use the free software I get, but then I just print out my filing and mail it so I don't have to pay for the software to e-file. I bought the software just to be able to e-file last year, but won't again. They not only charge you for the software, but also a fee to e-file.
One clue: Don't wait until April 15th to e-file. EVERYBODY will be trying to upload as the time draws nigh. I did me e-file way before the deadline last year and had no problem. But then I heard news reports that people were having trouble uploading due to the system being congested because they all waited until the last minute to try to e-file.
One clue: Don't wait until April 15th to e-file. EVERYBODY will be trying to upload as the time draws nigh. I did me e-file way before the deadline last year and had no problem. But then I heard news reports that people were having trouble uploading due to the system being congested because they all waited until the last minute to try to e-file.
Edited by Brinybay, 09 April 2008 - 02:07 AM.
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#4
cat fish
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Posted 09 April 2008 - 05:11 AM
I've used TurboTax for several years. You can load the software on your machine, or access it via the web. I've done both. Currently, I buy the web-based version through Fidelity.com (you don't have to be a Fidelity customer), at a 25% discount. I do have a mortgage, and fill out Schedule A. When you are a repeat user of TurboTax, last's year's relevant data is downloaded (name, work place, SSN, companies you got dividends from, etc.) so it saves time in subsequent years. There is other software like TurboTax, and I assume they are all good. You can log into and out of your file as often as you want; you don't need to do it all at once.
Last Saturday nite, I did my Federal taxes, hit the Send key and then went to bed. When I got up in the morning, my taxes had been accepted by the Fed govt and I'll have my refund cheque by next Saturday. Tis easy. Tax prep and e-filing are bundled in the same price. State tax prep is an additional charge, and I don't do that, as it's simple anyway.
Last Saturday nite, I did my Federal taxes, hit the Send key and then went to bed. When I got up in the morning, my taxes had been accepted by the Fed govt and I'll have my refund cheque by next Saturday. Tis easy. Tax prep and e-filing are bundled in the same price. State tax prep is an additional charge, and I don't do that, as it's simple anyway.
#5
Guest_PlatypusMan_*
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Posted 09 April 2008 - 07:55 AM
Been hooked up e-filing for a while using software... I do so much online transactions it's second nature....
Been doing the web only thing for three years I think... My taxes are fairly simple..., no mortgage, generally no itemized deductions, etc... so it's an hour or two tops and I'm done... Also fortunate to live in a state w/ no income tax, so I don't get hit up for the extra $15-20 for state filing....
Probably the only hassle is typing all the w2's and interest in... also have a check handy for the aba information for your checking account if your expecting a refund... Don't fall for the 'instant loan/refund', it's a rip off.....
-Tim
I'm in the same place as netmage in tax-filing terms; been using the TurboTax product for several years now with great success.
This year took about an hour.
One consideration is if you use any of the book-keeping packages for your business; some of the tax preparation software out there can import your numbers directly from that and parse them into the various tax forms (check the box for compatibility). My finances are not that complex, but you should be aware of this possibility if you are in business.
PPM
#6
Parrotman
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Posted 09 April 2008 - 09:45 AM
I have been using Turbo Tax for several years. I do the e-file as well as the refunds come back really fast. I do have a fairly complex return but even with that it usually takes an hour or so. All of my previous years tax return are kept on file and the program rolls them into the new year. I also down load my W-s's directly as well as the interest and mortgage info from my bank.
I started using Turbo Tax the year that I was having my taxes done by an accountant. She left the room for minute to go get something and I looked at her computer screen. On the screen was the turbo tax program. I figured that there was not point in paying her to do something that I could do myself and have been using the program ever since.
Jim
I started using Turbo Tax the year that I was having my taxes done by an accountant. She left the room for minute to go get something and I looked at her computer screen. On the screen was the turbo tax program. I figured that there was not point in paying her to do something that I could do myself and have been using the program ever since.
Jim
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#7
Latitude Adjustment
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Posted 09 April 2008 - 12:40 PM
I used TaxCut a few times and it was always buggy, used TurboTax the last few years without any problems.
In NJ I don't need to buy the state version because the state has it's own free e-filing system.
In NJ I don't need to buy the state version because the state has it's own free e-filing system.
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#8
ScubaPunk
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Posted 09 April 2008 - 12:53 PM
I've been using it for years. It's easy, quick, and if you are getting a refund, it comes back to you faster. Try it you'll like it!
#9
Bubbles
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Posted 09 April 2008 - 07:05 PM
I highly recommend the web version of TurboTax. I've been using it for years, and each year it seems to take less time. I really hate paying the fee for efiling, but it was great getting my federal and state refunds within 10 days. Good Luck!
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#10
H2Oaddict
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Posted 10 April 2008 - 10:45 PM
Been using TurboTax for years. It's great and very easy!
Happy Diving, LJMongy
#11
Bubble2Bubble
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Posted 13 April 2008 - 07:53 AM
I bought Turbo Tax as well.
It was so easy I think a "Caveman could do it"
If you gona use this software for the first time you will need your tax return paperwork from the year before because you will need some of the info on it. and if you lost or cant find it like me the IRS has a toll free number 1-800 829-1040 I was surprized that I didnt have to wait on the phone very long to get some help
you can call them and get an extension if needed.
Bubski
It was so easy I think a "Caveman could do it"
If you gona use this software for the first time you will need your tax return paperwork from the year before because you will need some of the info on it. and if you lost or cant find it like me the IRS has a toll free number 1-800 829-1040 I was surprized that I didnt have to wait on the phone very long to get some help
you can call them and get an extension if needed.Bubski
Dive into Life and Live for Diving!
no trees were harmed while posting any of my messages,
however a significant number of electrons were inconvenienced.
Buy Lawn Mower and Chain Saw Parts at...
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no trees were harmed while posting any of my messages,
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#12
Mermaid Lady
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Posted 13 April 2008 - 09:20 AM
I highly recommend the web version of TurboTax. I've been using it for years, and each year it seems to take less time. I really hate paying the fee for efiling, but it was great getting my federal and state refunds within 10 days. Good Luck!
I too have had very good experiences with the web version of TurboTax. (filed and got refund back in february this year). Also for ~$30-40 US you can sign up for Audit Defense[tm]. Cheap insurance if you ask me.
Good luck with your home version, Bubski!!
Cheers,
Teresa,
The original Mermaid Lady
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Teresa,
The original Mermaid Lady
Bass player for the band formerly known as Opulent.
"'I'm only wearing black until they come out with something darker..."
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