Tax software or not?

**Ponderer** · 01-13-2012, 12:56 PM

I am contemplating if tax software such as Turbo Tax is worth the expense or not. I feel I have a very good handle on my taxes. This is the first year that I have made too much for free prep and file via the IRS website.

I can still do free file but only qualify for free fillable forms where I would do the work. I cannot think of any deductions or credits that I am not aware of in my situation, as I stay on top of things. I have mortgage interest, property & sales tax, donations and I have a surgery that I can claim as medical. I can claim my son as a deduction because I still support him and I qualify for head of household.

How many of you use software you have purchased or pay for your taxes to be prepared?

I would just love some thoughts on the subject and learn what others are doing.

edited to add: I only have Federal taxes, Washington is a non income state tax....for now anyway.

**hmcart** · 01-13-2012, 01:10 PM

we have used taxactonline.com for several years and love it! It can be pretty much free if you want. We dont have state tax here so I dont know if there is a charge for that but it is def worth checking out. They offer to store your info for a small fee but I keep up with mine so I just hit no thanks when it asks and usually end up with no charge to file!

**Contrary Housewife** · 01-13-2012, 01:32 PM

We started using TurboTax about 5 years ago because our taxes got complicated and we had them returned for errors a couple years in a row. DH often works contract, so a couple different jobs a year, across state lines, he had a kid to deduct, we had investments, IRAs, school loans, home improvement deductions, etc. It was worth it to us to buy the $75 software package and let it hold our hand. No more returned filings, and immediate refunds.

**MissSeetonFan** · 01-13-2012, 06:18 PM

I agree with using TaxAct. I have used Turbo Tax, the H&R Block software, and TaxAct which can be done online, downloaded or you can get a cd.

I have liked TaxAct the best. It is the best value and lowest costing.

**Nishu** · 01-13-2012, 07:06 PM

We use turbo tax online and it's super easy and well worth the cost. It saves our info from year to year. The easiest tax forms are free on it, I think.

**hmcart** · 01-13-2012, 07:55 PM

ok I just finished mine on tax act and I dont have to file state as we dont have them but it was $14.95 for state and federal was free.

**dcompton** · 01-13-2012, 08:27 PM

My taxes are simple, but I always use Taxact too. I would look at that before you buy software. It says it's for everyone, so how much you make should not be a problem.

**AspiringToBeFrugal** · 01-14-2012, 09:11 PM

I've used TurboTax for the last three years but our local library has copies of this software available for people to check out (only one week at a time) and use for FREE! It's been a lifesaver!

**jacqueline** · 01-14-2012, 09:24 PM

i've used turbo tax for years. it has been a lifesaver a couple of years when i was down to the wire. it is super easy --- you are guided through with questions and there are help topics. i don't have much to fiddle with on my taxes so no need to go pay an accountant to do it for me.

**NewHouse2013** · 01-14-2012, 10:12 PM

I have used Turbo taxes years and years but the last two and this year I will be using tax act again, I can't tell any difference its free or 14.95 at the most. I think you would be pleased you can do both Turbo Tax and Tax Act online first and see if there is a difference . Im thinking you can do turbo tax free but only so far?

**Telephus44** · 01-15-2012, 08:04 AM

I've used TurboTax for the past 2 years and used TaxCut (the H&R Block version) before that. I like having a computer program check the math for me. I also like having the program around because I'll use it to play around with things I'm thinking of doing next year. I usually use GC's I get for Christmas so I don't spend a whole lot out of pocket. We have a house and a child, so things aren't too crazy, but enough to itemize. We are also in an income range where a lot of credits/deductions are phasing out for us, so I feel better letting the software determine how much I qualify for rather than relying on my own math skills.

**Uniwolf** · 01-15-2012, 08:50 AM

We ususally use TaxCut, it saves me headaches of making sure I haven't missed anything. We have fairly simple taxes, but still. I would rather pay the nominal fee and be able to lay everything out for them in case of an audit than just me saying I think this was my thought process.

**pat in east texas** · 01-15-2012, 09:49 AM

We use H&R Block. Our taxes are pretty simple, but this software does it with no hassle.

**nuisance26** · 01-15-2012, 10:02 AM

~I absolutely love TurboTax! I was skeptical as I'd done the paper forms for years and since we don't itemize and have very simple deductions/credits I didn't think the online process would be any different. I was so wrong. I ran our numbers through the free process and I don't know how but TT online got us a bigger return from Federal and State.
I also love that it saves our info from year to year. No worries about goofing on someone's social security number or work ID number. If your household/work/address/bank accounts, etc haven't changed, you don't have to fill it out again and triple check everything.
I did my taxes in 1/5th the time by having the info saved. And we got our returns deposited in our account in 1/3 the time.
I'm actually excited about doing taxes this year since it's so easy now!~

**mombottoo** · 01-15-2012, 10:04 AM

I've never bought an actual tax package for my computer. We also don't qualify for free file but, I file online anyway through Turbo Tax. They have decent rates, their site is user friendly and they save your info from year to year making things easier. Plus, they now give you the option of having what you owe them deducted from your tax return so there is no credit card involved.