Turbo tax or booklet from IRS

[redlawyer]

My DH and I were begining to gather our tax documents and talking about when we will be able to file our tax return. He suggested that we file our return ourselves, just relying on the form from the IRS. We have a very basic return, itemizing out mortgage interest and child care deductions mostly.

For the past ten years, we have purchased Turbo Tax to prepare and file our returns. But thats around $45.

Any reason we shouldn't do it ourselves??

 

[hpfan100]

no reason at all You can do it. use a copy from previous years to help you figure out the strange lines. Also check online to see if you could use the free online version. It usually includes a free e-file for your federal return.

I did that last year and it was fine. I also printed out a copy and used it to file my state taxes by hand.

Good luck!

 

[redlawyer]

Thanks, you've encouraged us. We can do it!!! (Sung in harmony by several mice ala' Cinderalla)

 

[deva]

You can also use taxact.com online. I think it is free to paper file, and about $15 to e-file Fed and State.

Very easy to use.

 

[bicker]

Tax software is useful in reducing the amount of time it takes to do your taxes, but it is nothing you can't do yourself. I figure I save far more than enough time to justify the price of TurboTax, but if money was tight, or if I had loads of extra time on my hand, I'd definitely just do it myself.