2012 Tax Preparation (for tax year 2011) - Where To Go? Online? Live?

[marrelam]

What's the consensus for doing tax returns frugally and correctly!!?? My returns are relatively simple - a few W2's, 1099's, etc. Do it now? Wait for deals closer to tax time, go online or to someone live? Seems like most online sites will prep & file your Federal for free but then charge for State.

Anyone have thoughts on Free Tax USA - cheaper state filing fee ($9.95 + plus 25% eBates cashback) vs. TurboTax ($27.95 + 8% cashback with eBates)

[marrelam]

Follow up:

I just did my tax return on Turbo Tax and Free Tax USA - both came up with the exact same results for my refunds.

[judeshoney]

I like Turbo Tax because IMO, it's the most long-standing. I like that I can access my tax returns back to when I started using the online version in 2002.

The CD version that you can buy in stores like Sam's or Costco includes the state filing for free. I did that once before I started using the online version and promptly lost the CD. So for me, it's worth it to keep it all online and be able to access it just in case.

Good luck! Tax time is a pain!

[JulieDB]

I've used Turbotax for years. Some years I could get it done for free because my husband is in the military. And I can get a discount through BECU but...I always opt for the extra protection and pay the fee of something like $50. I do it online.

[CW&M Mom]

Do you have the charges for the states? If you have to do more then one? I gotta do 2 waaaaaaa

[Mama Stu]

We use Taxact, and have always had good luck with them. You do have a charge for state with them though. I use Taxhawk for some of the kids, because there is no charge for state under a certain income.

[foggierbard9]

We also use TaxAct....have for the last I don't know how many years. There is a charge for the state, like MamaStu said.

I've only ever gone somewhere to get my taxes done one time. My mom always did my parent's taxes and the online programs are pretty good, from my experience.

[rebate_queen]

I use TaxAct too. I think it's $14.95 for the state, and if that's all I have to pay then I am happy :-)

[isis]

I do mine through Tubotax, but opt out of the state filing and go to my state dept of revenue to file free.

[lovemygirls]

I have done ours for the last 5 years on Turbo Tax. This year we opted to take them to a tax prof because my husband business has had 2 of 5 years as a loss. I know in CA you can only have 3 out of 5 as a loss then they consider it a hobby. I just was not comfortable and am not sure of all the ins and outs that may help out.