The best magazine
I'm here to tell you, filing taxes can be fun with the right tools! Beat the rush this season and get your tax return sooner.
I don't know about you but I want my return pronto.
I've outlined my recommendations for filing taxes this season.
Most of these companies have free e-filing for simple tax returns.
If you do decided to use deductions or have complicated returns due to dependents or investment sources, these companies charge a nominal fee.
The following companies are reputable and you can rest easy about having your personal information stolen.
These companies are well-known and have been around for years.
Your data is safe with them.
Here are options for filing this year: 1- TurboTax: They offer free e-filing for forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ.
If you have Quicken, this is a great option thanks to import functions.
They offer a deluxe package ($29.
95) for more complicated tax returns.
2- H&R Block: This one is new to me, they haven't offered free filing in the past.
They offer free e-file returns through their website.
A very organized site and trust-worthy name to file your taxes with.
You can file 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ forms with H&H Block.
3- TaxAct: This is my top pick for tax software.
You can file online or download their program.
Their e-file is free.
A cool thing about TaxAct is their free inclusion of schedule C for the self-employed.
You can upgrade to their deluxe version for $9.
95.
The deluxe suite offers a saving/import mechanism for future tax returns.
4- IRS Free File: The US government is teaming up with numerous tax software companies.
You can file your taxes through their site for free.
Side note: they do have an income limit of $58,000 to file for free.
5- 1040.
com: Another great resource.
1040.
com is straight forward and to the point.
They're a great option for singles who aren't itemizing.
Side note: income must be less than $100,000.
6- TaxHead: If you're filing a 1040-A or 1040EZ form, TaxHead is a great option.
With TaxHead you will have to print out your tax forms and mail them in.
For $9.
95, they will e-file to the IRS.
Also, if you're an EITC recipient, you can e-file for free! 7- TaxHawk: E-filing simple federal returns is free with TaxHawk.
To file state income tax returns, they charge a nominal fee of $12.
95.
However, if your income is less than $20,000, the state income tax return becomes free.
What's cool about TaxHawk is that they offer CD-ROM copies of your tax returns.
This will cost you $12.
95.
8- TaxBrain: The more expensive option is TaxBrain.
They charge $14.
95 for federal tax returns.
Their deluxe package costs $19.
95 and offers support for dependents, EITC and other options.
They offer self-employed services for $69.
95.
The more complicated your taxes are, the more you pay.
9- TaxBack: This company has a unique way of filing taxes.
They don't state tax preparation prices, they prepare a price when your forms are complete.
From what I know, a TaxBack agent assists you during the filing process.
This may or may not be suitable for you.
I recommend TaxBack for anyone new to taxes and who could use some help.
10- CompleteTax: These guys offer free filing for typical federal returns.
They do charge a fee for state income tax returns.
They support EITC filing.
Recommended for anyone filing simple taxes.
They do offer a deluxe package for $16.
96.
The deluxe package offers assistance for itemized returns, investments and retirement income.
I also would like to mention the delay for itemized tax filers.
As a result of the Tax Relief Act, the IRS had to update their systems along with Schedule A changes.
IRS has officially notified the public that February 14th is the soonest you may file itemized tax returns.
If you don't itemize, feel free to file your tax returns NOW! I recommend any of the ten listed tax software companies.
Happy Tax Filing! -JE
Source: ...