Differences Between Tax Programs

[ktjones]

I had a meeting today with the tax specialist that prepared my taxes last year. After meeting with her, I feel extremely good about my situation. She was also surprised how organized I was and how much I knew already and told me I would be great as a tax preparer! ha .. but I was thinking "Over my dead body!" LOL

But, anyways, after this meeting, I feel as if I could definitely do my own taxes. It looks like I wouldn't owe anything or much. I should be receiving 3 W2s and perhaps a couple or more of 1099s (which, btw, should I contact my clients about this, like the ones that haven't mentioned it? .. well, duh..lol nvm)

I've been looking at Turbo Tax and specfically, their "Home & Business Federal + E-file + State 2011." Is there anyone here that has used that program? I've been reading up on the reviews on Amazon and it's kind of 50/50. I don't know if this program would be better than the Deluxe because my main thing is that I want to be walked through it and I want to have the option of talking with someone if I become confused with anything.

Then, there is TaxAct. I've never used this and only heard of it last year, I believe. What is the process like using this service? For someone who hasn't filed taxes for self-employment before, would this be something that could be easily figured out?

What are some tax programs that you use that I didn't mention?

I have my mom, who does the taxes for the business my dad owns (20+ years), so I'm sure I could ask her for help if needed, but I'm worried that because my business is different from theirs (family owns concrete business) that my mom perhaps wouldn't know what to do here or there, SO if anyone on this board is familiar with filing their own taxes or actually does it for others, I would LOVE to be contacted by you.

Okay, WOW, sorry for the long post. lol. I'm a very detailed person, ha-ha.

Anyways, thanks a bunch and I look forward to seeing your replies!

[sherryy]

i use turbotax home & business online.

if you use the online version, you can sign up and do your taxes all the way to the end before you pay. that way, if you don't like it, you haven't lost anything.

i think it's pretty simple - we file for my regular job, 2 businesses and a farm.

if you need help, you can always chat with one of their reps or they have a fairly active forum.

the think i like about it is that it carries all your info over to the state forms - and it will remember a lot for you for the next tax year.

i haven't used any other software, so i can't really compare it. i have heard a lot of people say they like taxact.

[ktjones]

Well, the version I am looking at is through Amazon and I believe I would have to download it and many people mention using the Internet to complete it, so I'm thinking it would be the same thing as you mentioned.

Another thing I saw from reading the reviews there is that it costs like an extra $20-$30 to do your state taxes? I'm not entirely sure, but still, purchasing the software/download for ~$70 and then adding $20-$30, I'm still saving at least $200 from going to H&R Block (the lady just gave me an estimate, so it could be more!)

Thanks so much for your input, Sherryy!

[sherryy]

with a discount - not sure if it was from turbotax or my credit card - i paid $85 and change for state & federal with efiles for both.

i'd still recommend checking out the online site before paying for & downloading the software just to see if you like it.

[ktjones]

H, I might have to do that. Here is what I've been looking at on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/TurboTax-Busin...=2DGTCTFC79HRS

[ktjones]

Also, I'm looking at the TurboTax site right now and I'm not seeing where I can do as you said. I remember once going through the process, so I know what you are talking about, but now I'm lost! LOL

BHAHAHAHA ... nvm haha

[Buzeus]

I just went to TurboTax.com to begin this years return, and it is only $20 to do your business taxes. That is federal only and state taxes are an additional $30 or so, but I do my state taxes elsewhere. It was free when I only had a W-2 last year. It was very simple to file my W-2 and 1099s. Now I just have to hunt for EINs or play the waiting game for my actual 1099s.