I have yet to receive my W-2 form, but of course I'm thinking about filing my taxes. However, I need some advice. I have been using a "tax lady" for my taxes, but this lady is of NO help. She never let's me use my educational expenses, says my mileage for work/school doesn't count, scoffs @ my church contributions, and thinks I'm kidding when I say I donate "X" number of bags to Goodwill (even though I have receipts to prove it; 45 large Hefty bags of clothing/shoes/purses in 2008). Plus, this year in
addition to all of those expenses I can add the money I spent on my sue to be George Washington wooden teeth (I kid. My teeth have come along quite well. I'm not ungrateful, Lord.)
I don't think I'm going to use her services this year. Instead, I'm diving head first into the 21st century and plan to use "Turbo Tax" or "H & R" Block's online filing.
I don't think I'm going to use her services this year. Instead, I'm diving head first into the 21st century and plan to use "Turbo Tax" or "H & R" Block's online filing.
Question: Have you ever used TT or HRB? If so, two thumbs up or two thumbs down?
Secondly, will the IRS come hunting for me in 2015 because of a mistake that I wasn't smart enough to catch?
Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Your advice is greatly appreciated.
13 comments:
i've used it every year for the last, i dunno, 8 years. it's pretty good. i even had 1099 for independent contractor work. i was able to deduct my milage, education expenses and everything else. it has features that check for mistakes and things that may trigger an audit.
Ooooooooo...I like your picture with the Hat!!!!!!!
I know that has NOTHING to do with taxes BUT I just HAD to tell you!!!
I can't recall who your employer is. I would say definitely not to use that tax lady this year. The guy I've used for 5 years straight creatively finds things to write-off for me every year, and has never scoffed at anything. It's either "no that won't work" or "yup, we can include that". If you are in leadership at the church, and you receive no income from it, or at least it's not your primary job, there are so many things you could potentially itemize (cell phone, purchases, meals/food, church trips, mileage to/from church events, etc)
I used Turbo Tax a long time ago but found myself lacking the confidence when it came to deductions. It was a relief to have a tax accountant put their signature endorsement on my deductions. Made me feel better. A lot cheaper through Turbo Tax though...
I, too, have used Turbo Tax for many years. It takes you through every part of the tax form, and you can skip parts that do not apply.
We did get audited a few years ago. Scary! They were questioning our charitable giving (church, Goodwill, etc.) But I had all my documentation and when I sent it in, we received a letter accepting our taxes as we had done them.
If you have a receipt from your church for your contributions, your tax lady should not scoff! Sounds like she's working for her, not you.
Have used Turbo Tax before. It is user friendly, not like your tax lady. She seems out of touch because you can use your charitable giving donations, and if you give over your allotted amount for that year, you can use the balance next year. Make sure you keep your receipts.
As for an audit - I believe it has come to most of us. Just make sure you have all your documentation (ie, receipts).
BTW: Does your tax lady work for IRS on the side?
Honestly, I don't know. I had a "tax man" for years, and he did the same thing as your "tax lady." Good luck! =D
I used turbo tax last year and it was great!
I had my business accountant look at my taxes for this year and she said that I would get $390.00 back. I went on turbo tax and they said I will get $1,010.00 back. BIG difference. What I did find out about with turbo tax is - unless you have over about $5,500.00 in deductions, you will fall into the standard deduction. In that case, there is not really a way to take out your contributions.
If you did give over that amount then it is better to do a long-form and get all of those deductions. Turbo tax can do that for you.
Also I looked at the difference for the cheap turbo tax and the deluxe turbo tax. I get the same amount back for either one. I think you should only do the deluxe one if you go over the standard deductions.
Hope that helps,
Resa
FREE online H&R Block alll the way. been using it for about 3 yrs now and it's Free! and Easy! clear step-by-step fool proof instructions. i highly recommend.
Turbo tax all the way! I do it myself online every year. :)
Mary: Thanks!
Et al: I think I will definitely take a shot @ filing my own taxes this year. I have an H&R Block CD-Rom but will check out Turbo Tax. Thanks, everyone.
I'm agreeing with Jen Lord on this one... you can go to the IRS site and use their free online services link to get into the H&R Block free online service. VERY easy. VERY user-friendly. I never feel as if I'm not doing something right... and best of all, they still allow you to direct deposit that check into your account (so it gets there sooner!)
Whatever you do... just try SOMETHING, your tax lady is majorly ripping you off.
I was able to file our joint return in less than an hour with H&R Block online. We don't have any unusual stuff to claim other than what's on his W2, and were told by the IRS that we can't claim charitable giving unless it exceeds $10,800 (I think) yearly (unless we owned our own home).
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