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Free or Paid Tax e-file- Which one do you prefer? (Poll) Permalink

submitted on January 31, 2011 by shawndiaz in "Products / Gadgets"
With tax season fast approaching, there are many ways to perform your tax return. Many go for the free versions like Turbotax (you can claim the software on your tax return form) but others prefer to use a CPA to have that stability in their mind (think H&R Block). So, with so many options to choose from, which one would you prefer to use? Recently I have found (heard actually) of a site called TaxACT. They claim it is "free for everyone" to Prepare,Print, and e-file. I am looking for anyone who has heard of this one and is it any good? Post your comments and take the poll!
1. Which tax return option will you choose?
 Free (TurboTax, TaxACT)
 Paid or CPA (H&R Block)
 or See Results 

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  • 101155
    shawndiaz
    admin
    Posted by shawndiaz on January 31, 2011
    		[reply] Vote_plus 3 Vote_minus 0
      101157
    • Avatar_w
      teacher
      Posted by sareece on January 31, 2011
      		[reply] Vote_plus 4 Vote_minus 0
      I have used TaxACT for several years. Its just as easy as TurboTax, but state E-filing is like $15 or something, which is not bad compared to TurboTax which winds up being about $100... or of course you can print it and send it in snail mail.
      • 101159
    • HouTex
      admin
      Posted by HouTex on January 31, 2011
      		[reply] Vote_plus 3 Vote_minus 0
      I guess it depends on what state you're in, the state filings start at $8 (and some states have no state tax, so it would be free for the federal only).
      • 101162
    • shawndiaz
      admin
      Posted by shawndiaz on January 31, 2011
      		[reply] Vote_plus 2 Vote_minus 0
      Eeek That is a HUGE difference! That kind of savings alone is enough to try it.
      • 101163
    • sandyshore
      professor
      2 1
      8
      Posted by sandyshore on January 31, 2011
      		[reply] Vote_plus 7 Vote_minus 0
      I used TaxACT last year, it was easy to use I did pay a small fee I'll have to check my records for what exactly the fee was for, I'll let you know. Overall experience was good - it walked you through step by step, I didn't have a complicated return though so experience may vary for people with more deductions. I will say I've been through an IRS audit back about 15 years ago that was the first year after I started a home based business and I went through that without a tax professional even though I had one available to me from my way of filing. I think I would consider using a CPA or other professional if you have something that is out of the ordinary for a return - but for an average filer this worked well.
      • 101173
    • Avatar_w
      teacher
      Posted by sareece on January 31, 2011
      		[reply] Vote_plus 4 Vote_minus 0
      I agree with Sandy. I am was an accounting major, 2 semesters left before I can get my degree... if you have to itemize or have the above and beyond the normal realm of deductions (think 1040EZ) then it may behoove you to go to a pro, but for MOST people, TaxACT is just fine, even if you do itemize the normal things. Remember to keep your records for at least 3 years, all receipts, 1099's, w-2's, etc. I keep mine for 7 years however... that is just me.
      • 101174
    • Avatar_w
      teacher
      Posted by sareece on January 31, 2011
      		[reply] Vote_plus 3 Vote_minus 0
      I agree with Sandy. I am was an accounting major, 2 semesters left before I can get my degree... if you have to itemize or have the above and beyond the normal realm of deductions (think 1040EZ) then it may behoove you to go to a pro, but for MOST people, TaxACT is just fine, even if you do itemize the normal things. Remember to keep your records for at least 3 years, all receipts, 1099's, w-2's, etc. I keep mine for 7 years however... that is just me.
      • 101297
    • deby32953
      professor
      Posted by deby32953 on January 31, 2011
      		[reply] Vote_plus 1 Vote_minus 0
      We have a lot of itemizing to do along w/having credit for mortgage. I did it myself for a few yrs then became too confusing. Our accountant said if you own a house, any stocks & bonds, 3 or more bank accounts and lots of write offs, go to an accountant or tax firm. It gives us piece of mind.
  • 101156
    orangearrows
    professor
    2 3
    Posted by orangearrows on January 31, 2011
    		[reply] Vote_plus 4 Vote_minus 0
    I used TAXACT for my last 4 filings - The tax returns were higher when I compared it to TurboTax
      101161
    • orangearrows
      professor
      2 3
      Posted by orangearrows on January 31, 2011
      		[reply] Vote_plus 3 Vote_minus 0
      e-file for state tax was $14.99
  • 101158
    mooncow728
    professor
    1 1
    9 1
    Posted by mooncow728 on January 31, 2011
    		[reply] Vote_plus 5 Vote_minus 0
    If you're a Capital One customer you can go to www.capitalone.com/turbotax to get a discount on services. It never asked me for any of my information so it may work for anyone. I'm not sure.
  • 101164
    HouTex
    admin
    Posted by HouTex on January 31, 2011
    		[reply] Vote_plus 4 Vote_minus 0
    H&R Block will do 1040EZ for free if you go to one of their offices - http://www.hrblock.com/offices.....040ez.html
      101200
    • psplove
      professor
      1 1 3
      7
      Posted by psplove on January 31, 2011
      		[reply] Vote_plus 4 Vote_minus 0
      Most people are like free, Thank You HouTex!
  • 101278
    CouponNut
    professor
    7 2 3
    10 3
    Posted by CouponNut on January 31, 2011
    		[reply] Vote_plus 2 Vote_minus 0
    I do everybody's taxes! Eeek
      101300
    • deby32953
      professor
      Posted by deby32953 on January 31, 2011
      		[reply] Vote_plus 2 Vote_minus 0
      R U offering? I'll mail the box. What's your address? Mr Green
      • 101346
    • CouponNut
      professor
      7 2 3
      10 3
      Posted by CouponNut on January 31, 2011
      		[reply] Vote_plus 1 Vote_minus 0
      I just finish 22 corporate returns Friday and still recovering
  • 140753
    mooncow728
    professor
    1 1
    9 1
    Posted by mooncow728 126 days ago
    		[reply] Vote_plus 2 Vote_minus 0
    Bumping this up because a link I posted last year still works. 25% off turbo tax for capital one customers:
    If you're a Capital One customer you can go to www.capitalone.com/turbotax to get a discount on services. It never asked me for any of my information so it may work for anyone. I'm not sure.
  • 140839
    orangearrows
    professor
    2 3
    Posted by orangearrows 125 days ago
    		[reply] Vote_plus 1 Vote_minus 0
    It was FREE ( online ) version until last year when I tried an in-person tax filing. Worked out more $$$.
  • 140870
    kdkdkdkd
    apprentice
    Posted by kdkdkdkd 125 days ago [reply] Vote_plus 0 Vote_minus 0
    I never tried an e-filing. Maybe I should, though. Jackson-Hewitt screwed up my returns 2 years in a row, the IRS claimed they couldn't find me & a decade later I owed $$$

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