Online tax filing

[popeyemth]

What does the brain trust here consider the best FREE online program for filing taxes?
We file "short form" with only two pension checks and one Social Security check.
Would prefer to NOT have to mail my taxes in (e-file is great)or pay $35 for H&R Block program to file a two page form.
Thanks,Mike

[Sam_Spade]

Go to www.irs.gov
They show "FreeFile" as their approved method.

[vermilye]

Another vote for Free Tax USA.

[lap527]

coolmom42 wrote:

DustyR wrote:
Turbo Tax.

I like and use TurboTax. But you can't use the FREE version if you have 1099 income, or a HSA. You are likely to have 1099 forms from your pension.

We use it every year... I have a pension...use it free..we just save our info from year to year...not sure about what wou speak of about 1099...

[GoPackGo]

Exactly. I'm in the same boat and I feel the same way.

That's why I visit Costco every year and get Turbotax for about $30.

[BarbaraOK]

I download the Verizon Basic version, it has all of the forms, and let it import info from last years taxes. Then I don't use the walk through (which will tell me I need their upgraded version) just fill in the 1099Rs that I have and file the taxes. The info stays on my computer and I can use the "what if" form to try different scenarios on whether to take just the RMD or a little more depending upon what we expect from pensions, other funds, etc.

Barb

[bob_nestor]

H&R Block's TaxCut is only $15 for the basic version that runs on both Mac and Windows. If you used it in the prior year they always send you a $10 rebate offer too. They also have an online version that's free.

The problem I have with the on-line versions is that all your information is stored on a computer someplace, not your own. Given that the Government's computers were hacked and exposed a lot of personal information related to Security Clearances I'm not a fan of any other computer having more information on me than they need. Although I'm quite happy that I get three years of "free" credit monitoring thanks the the Government's failure to protect my information.

[Triker33]

Turbo Tax version on line that keeps all your info that make next years easy to do. Not the Free one.
Only have to change $$ amounts on a lot of the inputs.

It's cheaper then buying their CD version at the store.

[dbbls]

I have been using Free Tax for several years and like it. Federal tax is free and state tax is like $10.

[RoyB]

I too vote for turbo-tax.... Just a few clicks and all done...

Roy Ken

[Sam_Spade]

wildtoad wrote:

I use the H&R Block software and every year you have to purchase the new version.

Well then I'll probably still pay someone else to do mine.
As simple as it should be, the cost shouldn't be much different.

BTW, my previous CPA (who I really don't need anymore) suggested that I file directly on the IRS website for free. I haven't checked that our yet though.

[Randu]

Free Tax Usa. All done on line with no software to buy. I have used this for 6 years now and refund direct deposited in about 10 days from when. The Feds accept the return.

[DutchmenSport]

Yuck! It's that time of year again hum?

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

Turbo Tax

[wildtoad]

Sam Spade wrote:

popeyemth wrote:
or pay $35 for H&R Block program to file a two page form.

Pretty sure I've seen the basic H&R software at Staples and Sams for about $25.

And can't you continue to use the same basic software for many years by paying only a nominal fee to keep it up to date ??

I use the H&R Block software and every year you have to purchase the new version. They offer a discount but still have to buy. I can't you the low end version.