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tiamatladyIt's that time of year I see a lot of different "OMG HELP!" on my friends of that I feel I should respond to, but don't know the person, or don't want the responsibility.
So, if I were asked how do I file my taxes, and you don't have something stupid complex, I recommend TaxSlayer
It's online, and web-based. It has a pretty intuitive interface, and can keep your records handy from year to year. It allows for endless revisions, and does SOME of the thinking (like figuring out if you have deductions, which ones to suggest you look for. Obviously this is NOT indepth, but it won't let you forget the obvious ones)
Best thing about it is the price - you pay when you file, so you COULD prep them and do on paper or some other way. Federal is free, I found this on the IRS free providers site, and this year State filing is $9.99 when filed together. They do direct deposit, and file electronically.
If you are full time military, filing is free. They tell by your W-2 = if you have one with a military ID number, you're all set.
It can handle multiple W2s, most deductions, even self employment and most of the schedules. The only ones I think it can't handle, are returns from some clients I've seen that are pages long, and easily a $500 accountant bill. And those you WANT prepared by an accountant, trust me. In fact, it's worth it if you have a business, self employed or no, you should have an accountant, someone you can talk to once a quarter, and at year end.
There are other sites of course, Some of them are completely free if you meet certain restrictions. You can fine a list of them here. You want a site that will do what you need it to, at a minimum of costs.
What you really need are all your records, whether you need them or not. I usually ask people whom I'm preparing for to have all their bills and any paperwork they think they "needed" all year handy, just in case. This year theres a refund on tax paid to phone providers, that offer a flat credit ($30 Single, $60 Married) OR you can add up your bills and see if it's better. If you have the paperwork it's worth it to look.
I can't stress this enough - have a full copy of your last year's return handy. You'd be surprised what they'll ask for, and certain numbers help the IRS verify you as a user, and allow you to file and sign electronically. So just get it.
If I have time, I may try and offer some support service. Help you understand what you're doing. But really, if you READ everything as it comes up, you can follow along, and get an understanding of how they work. Honestly, this level isn't complex ( DO NOT get me started on Alternative Minimum Tax. *shudder*)
So if you can see this entry, and might be interested in a guiding hand, to ask questions, comment here. If I get enough response I might set up a salon at my house. It would be a one shot dealio.
Heh - I'm VERY VERY popular this time of year.
OK anyway, public service rendered, I'm off to mope some more.
So, if I were asked how do I file my taxes, and you don't have something stupid complex, I recommend TaxSlayer
It's online, and web-based. It has a pretty intuitive interface, and can keep your records handy from year to year. It allows for endless revisions, and does SOME of the thinking (like figuring out if you have deductions, which ones to suggest you look for. Obviously this is NOT indepth, but it won't let you forget the obvious ones)
Best thing about it is the price - you pay when you file, so you COULD prep them and do on paper or some other way. Federal is free, I found this on the IRS free providers site, and this year State filing is $9.99 when filed together. They do direct deposit, and file electronically.
If you are full time military, filing is free. They tell by your W-2 = if you have one with a military ID number, you're all set.
It can handle multiple W2s, most deductions, even self employment and most of the schedules. The only ones I think it can't handle, are returns from some clients I've seen that are pages long, and easily a $500 accountant bill. And those you WANT prepared by an accountant, trust me. In fact, it's worth it if you have a business, self employed or no, you should have an accountant, someone you can talk to once a quarter, and at year end.
There are other sites of course, Some of them are completely free if you meet certain restrictions. You can fine a list of them here. You want a site that will do what you need it to, at a minimum of costs.
What you really need are all your records, whether you need them or not. I usually ask people whom I'm preparing for to have all their bills and any paperwork they think they "needed" all year handy, just in case. This year theres a refund on tax paid to phone providers, that offer a flat credit ($30 Single, $60 Married) OR you can add up your bills and see if it's better. If you have the paperwork it's worth it to look.
I can't stress this enough - have a full copy of your last year's return handy. You'd be surprised what they'll ask for, and certain numbers help the IRS verify you as a user, and allow you to file and sign electronically. So just get it.
If I have time, I may try and offer some support service. Help you understand what you're doing. But really, if you READ everything as it comes up, you can follow along, and get an understanding of how they work. Honestly, this level isn't complex ( DO NOT get me started on Alternative Minimum Tax. *shudder*)
So if you can see this entry, and might be interested in a guiding hand, to ask questions, comment here. If I get enough response I might set up a salon at my house. It would be a one shot dealio.
Heh - I'm VERY VERY popular this time of year.
OK anyway, public service rendered, I'm off to mope some more.
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no subject
Date: 2007-02-06 03:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-02-06 04:44 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-02-06 04:07 am (UTC)But on another note. B's not sure about her NY tax accountant, She's worried about the fact that the estate tax got audited, and that she ended up paying so much more, so we're trying to figure out weather or not we should have someone else look at things.... either before or after the fact for this years taxes....
no subject
Date: 2007-02-06 04:48 am (UTC)As with most things, if you think you're getting ripped off, you probably are. Charing you for audit work is one thing, IF the audit was routine and luck of the draw. If it was due to something said accoutant did, that's another story. Might be worth the cash to ask a local guy to have a lookie look. You are entitled to your paperwork, although not the accountant's workpapers. Go to the Mass Society of CPAs website, or NYs and find someone who specializes and has reccomendations. Be warned - noone is going to want to do a review work now, you might have to wait until June. If you're giving out your new business, someone might look at it now, but not too much more - March is the lonliest month of the year for Audit widows *grins*
Like I said if you have a doubt, get a second opinion. You can get an extension, just might want to have your guy do some prep.
no subject
Date: 2007-02-06 05:29 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-02-06 04:53 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2007-02-06 12:55 pm (UTC)You might want to check that default list for a free service. Efile is the way to go, and if you do them by hand serves as a double check.
I think if you can handle, I dunno, LAW school, you can handle taxes *grins* It's really not all that complex, most mistakes are math related.
no subject
Date: 2007-02-06 01:51 pm (UTC)The problem with e-filing is that it's kind of confusing. I was all convinced that I was going to e-file this year, but there's not like just one link on the IRS site, there's a jillion. I don't know which one I want! I clicked on a few, and they were all about "tax preparation," and then wanted to charge me. Considering how little I make, it's not worth it for me to get bonus convenience for way more cost, so I just paper-filed. Again.
I just wish they'd make e-filing more streamlined. Having to go to the IRS website to find an approved filer so that you can go... back to the IRS seems like way too many steps.
no subject
Date: 2007-02-06 03:11 pm (UTC)~k