Tax preparation software?

[Nathan]

I had H&R Block do our 2021 taxes, they charged over $300 for a pretty simple return. I'm going to return to doing our taxes myself, so am in the market for a basic software program that I can use to e-file with.

Recommendations?

 

[John cycling]

I downloaded the 1040 instructions and 1040 form from IRS, printed the 1040 form and any supplementary forms that were needed for calculations, filled them out and mailed the 1040. I saw no advantage to the SR form and just used the regular one. They said I owed some tax so I paid that online on the IRS website. It was quite easy to do but doing the state form online was much easier and no tax.

Before starting, I fill out a blank summary sheet that lists potentially taxable items. For example any of INT-1099, INT-DIV, SSA-1099, and RMD 1099-R, listing account #s, amounts, and a line across under each section. This sheet helps a lot when filling the forms out.

 

[Don M.]

I've done my own taxes with H&R Block software, for years...with Zero problems. This year, it cost me $25 to download the software, and I had everything done and E-filed...both Fed and State...in an hour, or so. I filed in Early February, and had my refunds about 2 weeks later.

Unless you have a fairly complex tax situation....run a business, etc., these H&R, or TurboTax programs can do the job, for a fraction of the cost of going to a tax preparer.

 

[IrisSenior]

Turbo Tax. I have used this for a couple of years now. I used to go to H & R Block but even they told me I could do the taxes myself. It only took a few working days for my refund to be deposited right into my bank.

 

[terry123]

Turbo Tax. I have used this for a couple of years now. I used to go to H & R Block but even they told me I could do the taxes myself. It only took a few working days for my refund to be deposited right into my bank.

My daughter uses TurboTax and is very satisfied with it. I have a CPA friend that has a business do mine each year. I did mine for years until some investments got complicated. Its easier to let her do it and she does not charge me either.

 

[Getyoung]

I have used Turbotax for years. Very simple to use and it leads you through all the questions and then you just input your information. Pretty foolproof and inexpensive.

 

[Chet]

You can still file with paper forms. They can be downloaded online.

 

[Dr. Jekyll]

FreeTaxUSA. Totally free for federal filing, small charge for state filing - which I don't need in Florida. My daughter has been using it for many years. After paying TurboTax and HR Block for many years, I switched a few years ago. Almost as "hand-holdy" as the commercial products. If in doubt, since it's free, use it to make a pass at your filing and test it out. In the end, you don't have to submit it and can return to your other methods.