Do you do your own income tax return

This year I had problems doing my own online because my setup is too old for my tablet and desktop. I ended up using my cell phone. Problem with electronic filing. I'm using Turbo Tax free edition. No problems last year.
 

Been doing my own taxes since I was twelve. I use paper forms. Very easy to print off the internet, now. Have to order my 1099"s and 1096, each year, because of the stupid red ink forms. Literally, they're printed with red ink. Ridiculous.

Each year I send the IRS a veritable book of forms. Self-employment.

Whoever wrote that forms are easier to fill out, now, obviously doesn't fill them out. The once-easy page one, the 1040, has been split into a number of pages, and each refer to other forms. You get into maddening loops, no lie. I hang in, though
 
Because I'm self employed, tracking my expenses was always a challenge. I did it by hand for years, but once I became computer savvy, I wanted to start keeping the information on my computer. I looked and looked for spreadsheet templates that would work for me, but couldn't find exactly what i was looking for which was very frustrating.

I solved the problem by learning how to code, so that I could manipulate the spreadsheets in the way that worked for me in my specific situation.

I still have my CPA prepare my return, but as long as I stay current with the inputting of the information, it tallies automatically and it's just a matter of printing off the relevant pages and turning the information over to my gal.
 

We have used a CPA for years...still have a company so he files that also, even though at this time its shelved.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I used Turbo Tax the free edition last year. It worked out well on my desktop but this year I couldn't use my computer because they don't accept it unless you are up to date on browsers and software.

So I used my cell phone and it worked up to the point of Net Filing the return. But I could print out the paper return and file manually but then you have to send in all your receipts with it.

I will have my nephew do it on his computer and Net File it. It's more convenient to be able to access the return on a flash drive.

Although Turbo Tax is free for 34,000 and under there are restrictions such as you can't look up previous years taxes unless you pay a fee for Plus. It was only $11.00 so I took it. They try to talk you into upgrading when you apply all the way through.

They will do anything to stop the IRS from having free software for their clients who pay the taxes.

I understand H&R Block also has a free option.

Some of you may want to try the free version even if you decide to turn it over to a professional to complete just to see how it works. They walk you through it pretty well.
 
Camper6 said:
Thanks for all the replies. I used Turbo Tax the free edition last year. It worked out well on my desktop but this year I couldn't use my computer because they don't accept it unless you are up to date on browsers and software.
Click to expand...

This is another reason for keeping your computer up to date. If you are still using W7 or 8.1, there are still ways to get W10 for free.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/

The way technology continues to grow, there is really no real reason to stay with outdated software....especially when the upgrades are usually free.

TurboTax, or H&R are the best ways for most people to do their taxes with minimal costs and hassles....IMO. I've used H&R for so long that I get savings offers every Fall. This year, I got the Deluxe version, did my Fed and State taxes in a couple of hours, and got the refunds about 2 weeks later....smooth as could be, and only cost me about $30 for the whole process.
 
Oh, Lord, no! Our CPA files our quarterly returns and then the final return. All I have to do is to sign them. Last year, our bill for “the year” of returns was $1200.00.
 
Don M. said:
This is another reason for keeping your computer up to date. If you are still using W7 or 8.1, there are still ways to get W10 for free.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/heres-how-you-can-still-get-a-free-windows-10-upgrade/

The way technology continues to grow, there is really no real reason to stay with outdated software....especially when the upgrades are usually free.

TurboTax, or H&R are the best ways for most people to do their taxes with minimal costs and hassles....IMO. I've used H&R for so long that I get savings offers every Fall. This year, I got the Deluxe version, did my Fed and State taxes in a couple of hours, and got the refunds about 2 weeks later....smooth as could be, and only cost me about $30 for the whole process.
Click to expand...
It's not a question of software with me. I can't upload to Windows 10. I have to get a complete new computer. Not a cheap fix. The only thing I miss is the tax programs once a year. I was able to use my cell phone online but couldn't net file to the CRA (IRS). Problems . But I could print and file a paper return. I'm looking at Apple. I have an I pad.
 
Camper6 said:
Does anyone do their own tax return now or do they pay someone to do it for them?

Do you use a paper return or do you use tax software.

I do my own with tax software. I can't imagine doing a paper return anymore.
Click to expand...
I used to do my own till they changed some of the tax laws and then I decided it would be best if I let someone else do it. It's tough for them to fix once you screw it up and hit send. I don't want that. It's over $100 at H&R block now for what used to be the EZ form. To pay for the utilities. I could go get them done for free at the United Way here but, sometimes the wait is 4 hrs. to get it done. It's hard to sit somewhere that long.
 
MarciKS said:
I used to do my own till they changed some of the tax laws and then I decided it would be best if I let someone else do it. It's tough for them to fix once you screw it up and hit send. I don't want that. It's over $100 at H&R block now for what used to be the EZ form. To pay for the utilities. I could go get them done for free at the United Way here but, sometimes the wait is 4 hrs. to get it done. It's hard to sit somewhere that long.
Click to expand...
For peace of mind it's money well spent to get a pro. The thing is they do it all year so they are up to date on changes to both Federal and State laws. Not to mention having your computer up to date as well.
 
Camper6 said:
For peace of mind it's money well spent to get a pro. The thing is they do it all year so they are up to date on changes to both Federal and State laws. Not to mention having your computer up to date as well.
Click to expand...
I guess my tax preparer had a lady who did her own online and screwed it up bad and she sent it off anyway. Tax lady had quite the time trying to fix that mess. She said if the lady had stopped when it didn't look right and come to them they could've fixed it. ~SMH~ I just prefer the pro's deal with it. Later on I may have to find someone to do them for me who won't charge or charge as much.
 
MarciKS said:
I guess my tax preparer had a lady who did her own online and screwed it up bad and she sent it off anyway. Tax lady had quite the time trying to fix that mess. She said if the lady had stopped when it didn't look right and come to them they could've fixed it. ~SMH~ I just prefer the pro's deal with it. Later on I may have to find someone to do them for me who won't charge or charge as much.
Click to expand...
Well even if you send in a screwed up return they can't fine you for not filing. Some people did it all the time. That has been stopped now.
 
MarciKS said:
Not worried about getting fined. I am worried about an audit. LOL
Click to expand...
If you use a tax prep program, you can't screw it up. They catch mistakes during the final review and won't let you continue to filing section until you fix the issues. H & R Block Tax Cut promises that if an audit is done, they will send a rep with you to the IRS. I never got audited so I can't vouch for that promise.
 
OneEyedDiva said:
If you use a tax prep program, you can't screw it up. They catch mistakes during the final review and won't let you continue to filing section until you fix the issues. H & R Block Tax Cut promises that if an audit is done, they will send a rep with you to the IRS. I never got audited so I can't vouch for that promise.
Click to expand...
I never wanna find out. Evah!
 
MarciKS said:
I never wanna find out. Evah!
Click to expand...
Hey, about 3 decades ago I used a very highly recommended tax accountant. I took my taxes in very close to the deadline, picked it up on the eve of the deadline date and just perused it before signing. I rushed to the P.O. to mail it. I was mortified when I took a good look and saw that he had fudged $3,000 in medical bills!! Thank God I wasn't audited but I worried about it for awhile. Said I'd never make that mistake again.
 
Last edited:
I remember the tax year before I took my taxes to the highly recommended accounted who fudge $3,000 in medical bills (see my reply #47 above), the tax rules that year were very complicated. I think they had added or changed something. I did that year's taxes by hand. The accountant couldn't believe I had done the taxes myself. I didn't get audited so it turned out alright.
 
I've always done mine. Later moved to using software, now online services. Never had an audit.

I'm on the verge of taking SS in the next few years so I need to scope out the pitfalls there.
 
We have an accountant that did our business...when we retired we kept him on to do our taxes.
 

You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top