Tax software or CPA?
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It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
BRShroyer wrote:
We added a couple kids this year
:)So do you add :confused:and drop kids whenever you need them:laugh::laugh: Got two myself and one on the way-wish I could claim it now I am supporting
Programmer: A biological machine designed to convert caffeine into code.
Developer: A person who develops working systems by writing and using software. [^] -
It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
Because I'm just that lazy. :)
Jon Sagara When I grow up, I'm changing my name to Joe Kickass! My Blog | My Site | My Articles
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It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
I've used tax software for at least a decade now, and never had any problems or issues. Of course my tax situation is quite straightforward, complicated at most by an occasional stock option. The last two years (and likely again this year) I've used the online versions. I have never trusted the "Tax Services" (especially since H&R Block got hauled in for messing up their own taxes...), and haven't felt the cost of a CPA was warranted. YMMV.
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It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
I have always done my taxes myself. This year I am having my arm twisted to the breaking point to let someone else do it. The know all the little things that can get you more money, stuff those programs or you doing it by hand don't know or won't use. Oh yeah. They will have a copy of it. I like to know there is a copy of it that I can get if I need it. Zach
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It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
I've done my taxes myself ever since I made enough money to have to file. For the first few years, I did them on paper, but for the past 3 years I've filed my taxes online using either H&R Block's website or Intuit (otherwise known as TurboTax). Since my filings are fairly simple, this has served me pretty well. Eventually though my filings will be more complicated and, while the online filings DO have very well developed systems for handling complex returns, I still plan on going to a CPA at least for the first couple years so that I know I'm doing everything right. Also, if you get lucky and scope out deals, you can usually end up filing your taxes for free. I haven't ever paid for a tax preparation OR filing. I don't ever plan to buy the software in a store. Just seems like a ripoff.
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It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
Back when i lived with my folks, i just sent my taxes in with theirs to the accountant who did taxes for the farm. While i was going to school, i had them done up by the accounting students, who ran some sort of free tax prep deal. After that, i took them to H&R Block, watched the guy slowly type my info into his computer, helped him figure out the program, and paid my $100 for the privilege. X| Since then... i stick to either the various online tax prep apps (since they can file electronically and are usually fairly inexpensive) or just print off the forms and fill 'em out myself.
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It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
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Because I'm just that lazy. :)
Jon Sagara When I grow up, I'm changing my name to Joe Kickass! My Blog | My Site | My Articles
A few years back I finally found a CPA I trust through the recommendation of a good friend. Given that I run a small business and like to stay on the straight & narrow with the IRS, it's worth every penny I pay him just for the peace of mind that the stuff got done correctly. And of course, because I'm that lazy, too. :)
Author of The Career Programmer and Unite the Tribes www.PracticalStrategyConsulting.com
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It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
When I ran my own business (an S Corp), I used a CPA (a friend who's since retired.) I used Tax Cut for several years after than and have used Tax Act the past two years (efiling is free with basic TaxAct.) If these programs can't handle it, then I'll go back to a CPA. As an aside, I did a first pass of my taxes last night. Tax Act is not the most user friendly program, though it is free. It did something baffling that appeared to be an egregious bug--it put something on what appeared to be the wrong line. It added $500 to my refund, but I don't want to get audited for taking bogus deductions. After a lot of research, I found that there was an obscure tax change which ultimately meant Tax Act was right! (And Tax Cut didn't catch.) This seems to be an argument for using a CPA, but that assumes the CPA knew about this tax change as well! (My taxes are so simple that if it weren't for that obscure thing above, I could use form 1040A.)
Anyone who thinks he has a better idea of what's good for people than people do is a swine. - P.J. O'Rourke
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It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
i can second (or third) the hr block tax cut online software. i've been using it for the past 4 years with no issues. i like that it remembers the details from year to year so that I don't have to and the tax interview has improved tenfold over the time i've been using it. it's finally become somewhat refined. affordable, $40 and i don't have to worry about a thing. even comes with free audit support should anything come up.
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It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
I used to do everything manually, then last year used H&R Block's online system, and will probably buy TurboTax this weekend.
BW
Quick to judge, quick to anger, slow to understand.
Ignorance and prejudice and fear walk hand in hand.
-- Neil Peart -
It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
Used TurboTax for quite some time. It would depend on what type of income you have as a more complex structure may require a good CPA to make sure everything is filed properly (does not always mean they will though :( ). In the USA, if you work on salary, it may be just as easy to file directly through the internet.
Rocky <>< Latest Code Blog Post: New enhancements to VS WYSIWYG! Latest Tech Blog Post: Scratch: fun for all ages for free!
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It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
Since my taxes are really simple I am already done! I e-filed online at www.taxact.com. It's a really easy to use site and they will file your state return as well for $12 bucks. I got my w-2 on the 31st and was done that night with mine! I am going to be receiving an incredible $251!
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Back when i lived with my folks, i just sent my taxes in with theirs to the accountant who did taxes for the farm. While i was going to school, i had them done up by the accounting students, who ran some sort of free tax prep deal. After that, i took them to H&R Block, watched the guy slowly type my info into his computer, helped him figure out the program, and paid my $100 for the privilege. X| Since then... i stick to either the various online tax prep apps (since they can file electronically and are usually fairly inexpensive) or just print off the forms and fill 'em out myself.
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Shog9 wrote:
Back when i lived with my folks, i just sent my taxes in with theirs to the accountant who did taxes for the farm.
Shog9 wrote:
After that, i took them to H&R Block, watched the guy slowly type my info into his computer, ... and paid my $100 for the privilege.
That's been my record the last few years as well, but H&R blockheads didn't charge me that much, and the only issue the woman had was that their software didn't provide an easy way to look up the local tax ID for the place I moved from. I'm planning to use what i got last year as a template and just fill it all out myself either this weekend or next. I hate giving anyone an interest free loan. X|
-- Rules of thumb should not be taken for the whole hand.
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I've never used software to do my taxes ... the one time I was going to give it a try, it seemed more complicated than just writing the figures down on the form(s) and doing the math myself. Mind you, I *hate* doing taxes and always manage to put it off until the last possible minute. Stupidly, even when I know I'll have money coming back, I always end up doing them at the last minute.
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BRShroyer wrote:
We added a couple kids this year
:)So do you add :confused:and drop kids whenever you need them:laugh::laugh: Got two myself and one on the way-wish I could claim it now I am supporting
Programmer: A biological machine designed to convert caffeine into code.
Developer: A person who develops working systems by writing and using software. [^]I wouldn't say that I add and drop them whenever I need to as much as I add them when I have to. We had twins a few months ago (tax $'s :), but ZZZ's :(). Every night we pray this will be the first night they sleep through.
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
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It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
It really depends on your scenario. If you own your own business or side business, have alimony or support payments, native indian status, significant external investments such as rental properties, etc. then I would suggest you have an accountant (not that H&R block crap, but a real accountant) do it. The fee for the accountant is usually covered by the extra savings from your tax return. I tend to look at things pretty pragmatically. A businessman could whip out Visual Basic and use the software it to build their custom software. It might even work but it will likely be buggy, slow, and unmaintainable. On the otherhand they could hire you as a professional. It will cost them more in consultant fees but you will probably do better job creating the software and ultimately have a lower cost when you take into consideration downtime due to bugs or the cost to maintain the program. When presented with the software sceanrio I think you would probably look at the businessman and just shake your head if he decides to build it himself. Same thing with taxes. Why would you presume that you know more than the accountant who's job it is to know all the tax breaks? Pay the pro. Cheers, David
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It's that time of year again (at least in the States, don't know how the rest of the world's governments squeeze the last bit of money out of their citizens) and was wondering whether people did their own taxes or not. I just bought some tax software today and thought I would give it a try. There weren't any major events in my life that would warrant someone knowing the system to help me out. We added a couple kids this year, but we already had one, so it shouldn't change things too much. So I figured between the last two years of returns and the tax software, I should be able to do it myself and save some money. Another way to look at this is does the software development community trust the work of their peers (or their own) or still believe people are better than computers?
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
CPA but i have an S-Corp to take care of
image processing toolkits | batch image processing | blogging
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I wouldn't say that I add and drop them whenever I need to as much as I add them when I have to. We had twins a few months ago (tax $'s :), but ZZZ's :(). Every night we pray this will be the first night they sleep through.
Brad The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources. - Albert Einstein
We will pray for you too.:zzz::zzz::zzz::zzz::zzz:
Programmer: A biological machine designed to convert caffeine into code.
Developer: A person who develops working systems by writing and using software. [^]