Comments on: Tax Software: Online or Desktop?

By: Don

Don — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:09:00 +0000

I still do it on paper. Yes, I even read the books. And frankly I’ve done better than the professionals I’ve hired (because I later caught things that they should have caught for what they were paid).

I do use a spreadsheet to predict things forward for the next year. But there’s nothing like understanding taxes for yourself. For example, I’m pondering already how the “stimulus payment” is likely to change things for me next year.

By: Big Dollar

Big Dollar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:10:00 +0000

Interesting article. However, I would like have seen something about a company called Citizen Tax. I have used them the last couple of years and have had no problems. They offer federal and state return combined for only $9.99. That is for all their forms too, no fee increases for certain forms like some of these other sites. If you are interested in an easy tax filing this season I would defenitely check them out. I highly recommend http://citizentax.com

By: TFB

TFB — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:04:00 +0000

Thank you for bringing up the free state filing programs offered by the states. MyMoneyBlog complied a nice list with links to each state’s program here:

http://www.mymoneyblog.com/archives/2007/01/free-online-tax-e-filing-options-for-all-50-states.html

By: Disgruntled ex-turbotax user

Disgruntled ex-turbotax user — Wed, 24 Jan 2007 18:03:00 +0000

Ah, the issue of multiple returns. This can be an issue even if you're completing a return for just one person, but they need to file with multiple states. You can't do that on-line. Believe me, I tried!

The other problem with the on-line versions is that they do not allow you to pull up the actual forms. Last year, Turbotax made an error on one of my forms in the on-line version. It was very easy to correct (uncheck a box), but I could not do so through the interview process. I was told by their staff that they disable access to the actual tax forms in the on-line versions.

Furthermore, let me also point out that some states allow free state filing on their websites. The state programs offered by Turbotax et all do nothing but import your federal information. I've actually found it easier to do my state tax returns "by hand" on the state website. It also saves me lots of money, because I can get the basic software versions ($4.95 for Turbotax, and free for Taxcut) instead of having to buy one with a state included.

By: Maura

Maura — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 21:03:00 +0000

Are you familiar with the IRS Free File program? If you meet certain criteria, such as income and age, you are eligible to use the software of various companies for free.

I realize that using an online tax prep does contribute to the security issues you mentioned, however, good for the old wallet?

http://www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html