No, we have some rentals so our taxes are done by the accounting firm we've gone to over the years...

I haven't used any of the software, but have used Taxslayer online for several years with no problems... it's easy and inexpensive. We have not used it for about 3 years due to my DD being in college (taxes got confusing due to using savings bonds for tuition so we went to a professional)... this year we'll be back to using Taxslayer since things are back to normal.

No, one of the great things about my husband among all of his attributes, skills and degrees, he is also a CPA. He does them. I am very appreciative.
I don't know anyone who has used the software so don't have any suggestions for which is better.

Hi Alisande,

Do you know some others who are in a self-employed situation comparable to your own? Ask around among them, for they may have some useful information.

Next action ... ask others who are self-employed, as that is a different situation from folks who are employees.

The state may have something to do with it, as well, as rules vary from one to another.

Have you established a network of folks whom you've known throughout life?

I suggested that as a Christmas gift here, years ago ... establish a current connection system with as many as you can find, and send out messages from time to time. Even a newsletter, if you can find attention-getting info.

Many will be pleased to hear from a former friend, and I'd make a list of recipients, as some might say that they'd like to contact such and such other, and you can send a note with their email address to the one that they'd like to contact, thus each has an option.

Much more satisfactory to have a closed system for emails than the usual social system, which is much more liable to be compromised/compromiseable with regard to privacy concerns.

Such a group might have some useful suggestions, as well.

Being a furriner ... who has had nothing to do with Turbo (or other computer-based) tax prep systems ... I have nothing more to offer.

ole joyful

I have a CPA. When my husband was living, he always used Turbo Tax, with no problems.

I use QuickBooks for our small business and do the quarterly liabilities myself from that. But years end, I take our personal, household expenses and a copy of my accounting program on a flash drive to our account and she does the annual figures. I only wish it was $250, it's considerably more.

I do as much as I can to keep accounting costs down, my accountant tells me she feels like 'she trained me well', I've used the same one for many years.

i've been using Turbo Tax professional for years - no problems.

We use turbo tax with no problems.

I had my own consulting business plus part time teaching at the local community college. I used Turbo Tax and found it to be quite simple. I worked out of my home and it worked through that, too.

Robert and I have used Turbo since we got married several years ago and know for a fact that it has saved us money. The program is up to date with the very newest tax laws and possible deductions.

It wouldn't hurt to do your own, on your own -- if only to know what's going on. Our CPA has charged the same $300 for years, and every year he knows some new 'wrinkle' of the changes in code that I would have to mine the code to find. When, *as often happens*, the IRS or the state comes up with some irrelevant questions, I just hand off to our CPA, and he handles the 'whatever' -- no charge.

I wouldn't use a Tax Prep Firm on a bet! (Early in our marriage we tried that twice, with terrible results.)

It's funny (to me) that while most untrained and inexperienced people would never consider repairing their own broken-down car, extracting their own tooth, or drafting a legal contract, many such people still don't hesitate to prepare their own tax returns.

Individual taxes aren't all that complicated but they're like anything else, it's something one is either familiar with or not.

Turbo Tax is probably adequate for someone whose tax situation is very simple and repetitive from year to year. But how does someone who's uninformed know if their tax situation is simple? Or if nothing new happened this year or that no new law is applicable to them? That's where the interrogation by and understanding of a good tax accountant adds value.

I agree with the advice above to avoid tax prep companies and try to stick with using a CPA. But all CPAs are not created equally, I've known many over the years who weren't capable of reconciling a bank account. Think of the cost as just one of those recurring costs of life, like utilities or property tax, it's something that has to be done.

Good luck to all

Snidely Whiplash, CPA

I tried it one time many years ago when I thought my taxes were pretty simple and it still seemed somewhat complicated and unclear to me. Now my taxes are so complex there's no way I'd try to do it myself.

No an accounting firm has done ours for many, many years. Husband has his own business.

Sue

I used TurboTax for years until I had to switch to Tax Cut in order to handle my K-1's. Tax Cut has since been purchased by HRBlock, but I still use it.

We've used turbo tax for years...no problems.

I've used Tax Act for a number of years and so far the IRS has not come after me. I think it's good to do your own taxes if you can. You understand your financial situation better.

I, too,have used TaxAct for several years.They have a record of my previous years taxes and know what to ask me. It is inexpensive and I have never been audited. I am happy with my refund.

TaxAct here too..

Here's what I do: I use Turbo Tax, then I run them thru Tax Act. Last year there was a bit of difference...TA caught something that TT did not. If I still feel uncertain, then I take them to tax lady we've used off & on for years. I think this educates me as to what to tune into things that are pertinent, & in organizing all the stuff you might need for tax time.

I haven't checked yet this year, but if you do it on line you don't pay until you hit the send button (so in that sense you're just "practicing" if you don't actually use them to file). Also if you have a Vanguard or Fidelity account you might qualify for free or reduced cost for TT.

......Now I'm off to pull my own tooth... ;-/

I have used TurboTax over the last 10 years. I'm satisfied with it. After installing, be sure to get the latest updates. Due to the shifting tax scene and the time required for the authors to rewrite and test code, last year the updates were not firm until after January. (Check for update before filing.)

BeeOhio, I hope you were joking about the tooth! :-)

Thank you for your input, everyone. For those who used a computer program, would you also recommend buying a current tax guide?

We really must use a CPA because ours are somewhat complicated. The same CPA that does our personal returns also handles the returns for other family members and our family farm so it is convenient having everything with one accountant. He is conservative and doesn't push the deduction envelope and that's fine with us. We may pay a bit more in taxes and in tax prep fees, but have peace of mind that he is doing a good job.

This post was edited by mojomom on Sat, Jan 18, 14 at 9:46

For many years, we used Turbo Tax. then, a few years ago, we had some intricate (to us) issues and used a CPA. Cost was around $ 350. Last year, we used the CPA AND invested in the Turbo Tax software and compared the end result. The end result, while not exact, was close enough for us. This year, we will be doing our own return. I realize the software is a $50 investment, but piece of mind is PRICELESS.

I've used Turbo Tax and H&R Block online in the past. Both are very simple to do

We have used Tax Act for years with no problems but I have noticed in the last two years that it's gotten more complicated and I am less sure of what we are doing. So this year, since Woody opened a fishing guide business, we are using an accountant and I have sworn that I will never do our taxes again.

You guys have convinced me to give it a shot. I like computer programs, and I like numbers. That's two steps ahead, right? I have last year's taxes to use as a reference, and 2013 wasn't more complicated than 2012. In fact, I made less money.

I figure if I start early I can always turn everything over to an accountant if I find I've gotten in over my head.

I checked and found I was wrong about H&R Block. They didn't charge me $250; it was $310.

Good for you, Alisande! Let us know what you think after you've finished. Yes, you can always use the professional, if things get too complex. And using last years return as a reference is good. I don't think you need to buy a buyer's guide if you're using a program. Good luck!
Yes, that was tongue-in-cheek about the tooth (see snidely's post). LoL

Good one, Bee! LOL

Another turbo tax user here.

I have done our taxes for years with H&R Block software. Before that we did it together with paper and pen on the forms and mailed it in. No business for us though, just wages from working for a company. I have dealt with investments, retirement accounts, rollovers and education credits for children though and had no problems. I think the program is pretty thorough. The important thing is to enter the data correctly and in the correct place.

We've also used Turbo Tax for years and find it to makes the chore easy and quick with out problems.

I've used freetaxusa for years with no problems. Ours are pretty easy though.

DH has been using turbo taxes for years,we're retired and don't have a lot of write offs any longer.Our medical expenses are practically nothing,no debt,cars are pais off etc.
Kathi

Tax Act.

We have used both Turbo Tax and Tax Act.
Mary

I've used Turbo Tax for years with no problem. Last year when I moved from one state to another mid year, I did have an acct. do them. It only cost me $160. Unofortunately I will be in Florida during tax season so can't see him again. I'll go back to Turbo Tax.

I have used HR Block on line for years..Think it cost 30 dollars or so and its a hand holding simple walk you thru it, read carefully and fill in the blanks. Its free to do it until you go to file and that is when you pay. I dont even have to enter our basic information anymore..Its all saved..of course it gives you the chance to change anything that might need to be changed..ie when our daughter got married and we could no longer claim her.

Give it a try!

I use TurboTax. I did my own taxes and used it even when we had our businesses. We've had a sole proprietorship, a corporation and a partnership, so I've used pretty much every version of TurboTax. I've tried TaxCut by H&R Block but went back to TurboTax.