Anyone do their own taxes?

[peekinglemer]

Our regular tax accountant retired after doing our taxes for the past 15 years. We went to the person he refered us to last year and were not impressed. This year, instead of trying to find someone else to do our taxes, we are considering doing them at home.

Married couple, one kid, mortgage, student loan and charity deductions. That pretty much sums us up.

Anyone use Turbo Tax or any of the other tax prep software? Thoughts? Advantages/disadvantages?

Thanks

 

[ekatiel]

We use Turbo Tax. It works well for us, and we've even had slightly more complicated returns for a few years when I worked part-time as a home school tutor (was paid by personal checks, so I had to become my own small business, etc). With a straight forward return like yours, I'd use Turbo Tax in a heart beat. It's SUPER easy to use. Also, check your bank, they may offer a discount for Turbo Tax (our does-- USAA). --Katie

 

[SandrA9810]

Just grab a 1040A, and fill in line 1 with box A, and so forth down the line. It's not too hard.

I have used H&R block free filing, just so I can do the E-filing to get a faster return. They do have paid for programs, but there was a free one available.

 

[kim929]

my dh does our taxes every year. He uses Turbo Tax. I have never heard him complain about it.

 

[HunnyPots]

I have always done our taxes. It's not hard at all. Now I use Turbo Tax online but before that I just filled out the paper form and mailed it in. I don't see any reason you would need to pay someone to do it for you, since your situation is very simple.

 

[3boymthr]

I've used TurboTax for years and it's very easy. The program walks you through your choices. My mom & dad own two business, stocks, asset depreciation, government subsidies, the works, and she also does her taxes with TurboTax. She also finds it to be very easy.

 

[alyssa810]

We use TaxAct- no issues at all, and it's cheaper than turbo tax.

 

[Disney845]

I do both SO's and my own through Turbo Tax and I have a more complicated return than what you have described yours as. SO's is very straight forward and we are able to use the "free" TT, for mine, because I need additional features, I use one of the "pay" TT versions.

 

[bettymae1121]

I use the free version of turbo tax. I e-file federal for free and use my states website to file my state (also for free). Turbo Tax is VERY easy and I've never had an issue with it. Other than not having a kid (our first is due in Feb) we have the same deductions as you.

If you want to use Turbo Tax to file your state return, you can but they do charge you, which is why I don't use TT for state and file on my own. But it is an option if you just want "one stop shoping".

 

[pigletto]

Another vote for turbo tax. Your return sounds about as straightforward as ours. You'll end up wondering why you ever paid someone to do it! It's easy to understand and we usually e-file right away and have the whole thing over with in an afternoon

 

[Southernmiss]

Another vote for Turbo Tax. I do our taxes, pretty straightfoward like your situation.

DH is actually an accountant and I get him to look it over or ask him if I have questions, but it's really easy and he's never had issue with what I've done.

 

[Crystal824]

We are in the same situation as the OP. We always use Turbo Tax and have had no problems.

 

[tar heel]

Ours return is significantly more complicated than yours, and I do it with Turbo Tax Deluxe.

We used to use a CPA and I would have the return 90% finished when I dropped it off. I was dithering about doing it myself a few years back and the CPA firm made the decision for me. They called, I answered and they asked to speak to my husband. When he came to the phone, they told him our tax return was ready. It was a joint return, so it was as much mine as his. I was the one who prepared our information, dropped it off, talked to the accountant when he had questions, picked it up -- everything except his signature on the bottom line.

It's possible I'll consult a CPA this year b/c I have a couple of questions dealing with my parents' estate. I'll decide after I run through Turbo Taxes questions.

 

[Sadie22]

I have been using TurboTax for many years. I use the Home and Business version since I am self-employed. I keep our financial records in Quicken throughout the year so it's fairly simple to get the numbers to plug in.

 

[jmartinez1895]

We love turbo tax. You will want to use the next step up from the free version ( I think it is called deluxe). It is so easy to use and it takes you step by step and does a check at the end to see if your at risk for an audit.

 

[snoopybabe]

Used HR Block Tax Cut for years with no problems & very easy to use

 

[peekinglemer]

Thanks everyone! Sounds like we are good candidates for Turbo Tax. I didn't know there was a free version (I LIKE FREE) so I will give that a try this year!

Budget Diser's Rock!

 

[amberjack]

I am self employed and we use Turbo Tax. I can do my business stuff and home stuff all in one sitting.

 

[threeboysmom]

Lots of recommendations for Turbo Tax!

Anyone use H&R Block's online tax software? They are considerably cheaper than Turbo Tax.

Just wondering if one is superior than the other (ie., worth the extra cost) or not...

 

[daughtersrus]

I also use TaxAct online for free.

Our return is much more complicated because I'm self-employed so I have a few extra forms. We also have a mortgage, child in college, W-2Gs

It walks you through each step. You shouldn't have any problem.