Posted: 2/3/2009 1:43:58 PM EDT
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It looks like I've gotten all the info I need from my employers, so I'm gonna try to file my taxes tonight.
Reading the "free tax software" reviews, I'm pretty set on using TaxACT. However, i'm unsure as to whether or not I need to pay up and pay for state returns. Here in WA, we don't get taxed for income, so we don't have to file state taxes right? What software do you use? Or do you do the paper, pencil, and small print thing? |
I guess I'll be paying for the ammo stimilus that's coming...
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I grabbed the book, sat down and figured it out.
The only computer apect involved was when I saved a copy of my tax form from the IRS website and filled it out on my computer as I was going through the book and filling in the appropriate spots. I don't trust computer programs to figure my financials. |
TurboTax for the 6th year, since it's free to me.
I was really worried about the computer doing my taxes vs. sitting down and figuring it out on paper like I used to do. But after that first year on the computer I learned that it's faster to do the computer version and then doublecheck the printout by the booklet, then it is to just do it by the booklet. 
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Quoted:
TurboTax for the 6th year, since it's free to me.
I was really worried about the computer doing my taxes vs. sitting down and figuring it out on paper like I used to do. But after that first year on the computer I learned that it's faster to do the computer version and then doublecheck the printout by the booklet, then it is to just do it by the booklet. You go ahead and keep trusting your technology. I will hold you personally responsible for Skynet........... 
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I've used TaxACT for about . . . oh, maybe five or six years. I've always been happy with it.
I have ALSO used TurboTax once or twice, including last year. I did my taxes in both programs, and came up with the same answer in both. Thus, I'll be using TaxACT (aka FREE!!) this year. I will say that TurboTax was probably a little easier and explained things a bit better. If this is the first time you've done your own taxes, or if your circumstances have changed (married, bought a house, whatever) then it might possibly be worth a few bucks for TurboTax . . . but otherwise, I'd save your dollars for ammo and go with TaxACT. |
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I've used TaxACT for about . . . oh, maybe five or six years. I've always been happy with it. I have ALSO used TurboTax once or twice, including last year. I did my taxes in both programs, and came up with the same answer in both. Thus, I'll be using TaxACT (aka FREE!!) this year. I will say that TurboTax was probably a little easier and explained things a bit better. If this is the first time you've done your own taxes, or if your circumstances have changed (married, bought a house, whatever) then it might possibly be worth a few bucks for TurboTax . . . but otherwise, I'd save your dollars for ammo and go with TaxACT. My finances are pretty straightforward, i don't make enough for things to get complicated.
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Another vote for TaxACT. Been using it for several years. Get my refund back on the 13th.
I also agree that getting back a big refund is not a good financial move. Why give Uncle Sam your money with no interest? For the same reason, I don't like putting my property taxes and insurance into an escrow account with the lender each month. They keep too much money in there and don't pay any interest! How would you like to be one of the suckers in California who over-paid their State taxes and now are not getting the money back for an undetermined time due to the State being FLAT BROKE!? Only reason we're getting a refund this year (and last) is due to changes in circumstances that were difficult to predict (new baby last year and wife working only part time and part year both years). Next year I hope to go back to about tax neutral or oweing a few bucks. Rob |
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btw...if you're getting bucks back........straighten out your withholding.........they're taking to much. Ideally you should come out even..neither refund nor having to pay. while this is true in theory I see it this way.... If I got the extra few dollars with each paycheck, weekly, it would be a miniscule amount that I would piss away and not have anything to show for it. If the .gov collects it, puts all those small amounts away and hands me a check for it all later, I can buy something substantial every year. While I agree that is a pretty inefficient way of saving up money, it works out for the better year after year. At least I get it back and the cash isn't like the rest of our tax money that disappears forever! |
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btw...if you're getting bucks back........straighten out your withholding.........they're taking to much. Ideally you should come out even..neither refund nor having to pay. while this is true in theory I see it this way.... If I got the extra few dollars with each paycheck, weekly, it would be a miniscule amount that I would piss away and not have anything to show for it. If the .gov collects it, puts all those small amounts away and hands me a check for it all later, I can buy something substantial every year. While I agree that is a pretty inefficient way of saving up money, it works out for the better year after year. At least I get it back and the cash isn't like the rest of our tax money that disappears forever! I am equally as irresponsible. |