Quick question on tax (fed & state) filing programs...

[wyliec]

Does anyone have input on the TaxAct filing program? For those that have filed in the past using a tax program, which one is a good choice? I've decided it's time for a change. I only asked about TaxAct b/c I received an email from them today.

[UtahPete]

I use H&R Block. It feels more solid than Turbotax. I have no experience with freebies.

[Snakeyes]

I have been using TurboTax ever since I retired (going on 6 years). I still do some consulting work - so I purchase the "Home and Business" package and I find it very intuitive and easy to complete.

[JayBros]

I did taxes and trained returning counselors for the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation for 12 years using a couple of different IRS provided programs. Since retiring from that program TurboTax Premier edition has met my requirements and is easy to use.

[wyliec]

I did taxes and trained returning counselors for the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation for 12 years using a couple of different IRS provided programs. Since retiring from that program TurboTax Premier edition has met my requirements and is easy to use.

I have AARP, and am going to sign up for a drop off. I plan on doing the Fed and State prep myself, and just have them check it.

I have 3 retirements, 2 annuities, and S.S. Long story short, last year IRS sent me a letter and removed my S.S. earnings and provided me an extra $1500. Without my S.S. my income was over $42,000. If your income, based on the IRS worksheet, is under $25000, then you don't have to include S.S. So, I believe the IRS was wrong. I won't be mentioning that when I do the drop off, but if they (AARP) look over my 2021 taxes, and they give it a go, then I know for sure that IRS messed up with their letter pertaining to my 2020 taxes. Thanks for reading.

[Rider Steve]

I quit filing tax returns as I'm to rich to pay any taxes.

[gkamer]

I use H&R Block Free online version. I don't have complicated tax situations, basically this is how much I made and this is how much you took. If you took too much, give it back, if you took too little let me know.

[ARtraveler]

Turbo Tax for me. Tried H & R block one year and did not like it.

[Little Blue]

I have been using TurboTax for 15+ years. It has been an extremely popular service for me. I will give them a big thanks....

My bank is now recommending TurboTax. I have TurboTax.

My Tip: Use what ever Tax Service you fill comfortable with doing your Taxes.

Have a Happy Spring. .......

[Arion]

I'm a Turbotax fan as well. I've been using their Premier version for years largely because of the investments features and have been well served year after year.

[happyspyder2039]

TurboTax here. Been using for years

[pidjones]

H&R Block Deluxe + State for about 20 years with one year detour to TurboTax (hated it). Watch it on Amazon and get the download for ~$22 which includes free uploads and in-person support if necessary (plus they will be there for an audit if needed).

[KrzyKat007]

I’ve been using TurboTax for at least 15 years. Very satisfied and easy too use.

[Sarge707]

I do IRS free fillable forms and mail it in with my generous contribution when required. If you go line by line the new form is very easy.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I've been using H&R Block for quite a few years now. It does the job quite nicely for a straight forward tax situation and the Basic version has been as cheap as $15. I snagged this year's version at the last minute from Office Depot for $22 for the Deluxe + one state. Five Federals are included. I've never seen Turbo Tax as cheap as H&R Block. And the forms and data stay on my computer so I can access them anytime if need be, and sometimes there really is a 'need be.'

[JayBros]

I have AARP, and am going to sign up for a drop off. I plan on doing the Fed and State prep myself, and just have them check it.

In my years with the AARP Tax-Aide program we had one married nitwit who claimed to be a retired mathematics teacher and came in every year with his returns for us to check. Despite the fact that he and his wife had no need to file returns as married filing separately they insisted on doing so to avail themselves of the privilege of paying Uncle Dudley more than they needed, to he had a perfect record, batting 1,000; every year his federal return was improperly prepared.

[Snoking1127]

I have AARP, and am going to sign up for a drop off. I plan on doing the Fed and State prep myself, and just have them check it.

I have 3 retirements, 2 annuities, and S.S. Long story short, last year IRS sent me a letter and removed my S.S. earnings and provided me an extra $1500. Without my S.S. my income was over $42,000. If your income, based on the IRS worksheet, is under $25000, then you don't have to include S.S. So, I believe the IRS was wrong. I won't be mentioning that when I do the drop off, but if they (AARP) look over my 2021 taxes, and they give it a go, then I know for sure that IRS messed up with their letter pertaining to my 2020 taxes. Thanks for reading.

Last year can not be compared to other years. Because off Covid Tax relief we paid around $340 in our final Federal tax amount, getting a large refund of money that our financial advisor had withheld for us. I have used TurboTax for decades and before filing our financial advisor reviews it, usually catching things I missed or did wrong. I like that as he has most of out money under management, and does the RMD's and withholding. Next year(2022 return) I go back to filing as a single person after loosing my DW in July.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Last year can not be compared to other years. Because off Covid Tax relief we paid around $340 in our final Federal tax amount, getting a large refund of money that our financial advisor had withheld for us. I have used TurboTax for decades and before filing our financial advisor reviews it, usually catching things I missed or did wrong. I like that as he has most of out money under management, and does the RMD's and withholding. Next year(2022 return) I go back to filing as a single person after loosing my DW in July.

Another significant change in Federal income tax is the impact the 2017 tax reform had on charitable giving. Since the standard deduction was doubled many filers no longer benefited by itemizing deductions so charitable donations took a hit. But there is a way to donate to your favorite and get a deduction, if you are subject to RMD withdrawals from your IRA.

Have the custodian make a withdrawal from your account and write the check directly to the charity. It counts as part of your RMD but does not count as income to you. It's called a QCD, or Qualified Charitable Distribution. The QCD amount can exceed your RMD.

[Tango]

I go to a local church where AARP sets up. This will be our third year using them. They do the math, and always have come up with doing a short form for the feds. It's free with our AARP dues. Tom

[redrazor]

I started using a recommended CPA back in 1999 when I started my Diesel Smoke/Smog testing business. I sold the business in 2017, and we're still using him. He's a peach! .... and very reasonable. We have too many complicated investments for me to try doing it ourselves. I have helped my son do his taxes using Turbo Tax, and it was pretty easy going.