Best online service to use to file taxes?

[imported_Tomato]

My coworker just suggested eTax. Any other suggestions? I'm going to get mine over with this weekend.

(and I know this should go in CPA's thread, but... is there such thing as a renter's deduction? My other coworker mentioned a clause in which renters (apartment, etc.) can claim something or another on their paperwork for a small refund... I've never heard of it, but maybe I'm missing something?)

 

[NutBucket]

You missed out on TurboTax Pro. It was $15 a week or two ago at Costco w/ free filings and free state editions.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
You missed out on TurboTax Pro. It was $15 a week or two ago at Costco w/ free filings and free state editions.

 

[Kelvrick]

Depends how much you make. You can find a ton of free places at irs.gov if you made under like 35.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
Depends how much you make. You can find a ton of free places at irs.gov if you made under like 35.

Wasn't aware of that, thanks Kelvrick! I make under $35k/year. Should I poke around the website?

 

[Mr N8]

etax.com goes to an adult web hosting site. Now that's in my cache at work.

 

[Gibson486]

there are some free ones out there is you make less than a certain amount. If you live in MA, you can do your state for free on their website.

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: MogulMonster
etax.com goes to an adult web hosting site. Now that's in my cache at work.

lol! nice one

 

[MaxDepth]

Also, check the Hot deals forum. I think there are some tax software packages that are free after rebate and they post your returns free. I think.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Originally posted by: MogulMonster
etax.com goes to an adult web hosting site. Now that's in my cache at work.

Yikes, it does? What the...?! :Q

 

[imported_Tomato]

Originally posted by: MaxDepth
Also, check the Hot deals forum. I think there are some tax software packages that are free after rebate and they post your returns free. I think.

*searching through hot deals & irs.gov*

 

[Ameesh]

ive used turbotax.com for several years. its worked well for me.

 

[imported_Tomato]

According to this page...

"I plan on using the IRS Form 1040EZ, Income Tax Return for Single and Joint Filers with No Dependents" and

"I may be eligible for Earned Income Credit."

(I think?)

Looks like I qualify for the following:


Liberty Tax Service & TaxEngine.com: Free federal online tax preparation and e-filing if you have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $35,000 or less. More details

CompleteTax.com: Free federal online tax preparation and e-filing if you have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $33,000 or less. More details

H&R Block: Free federal online tax preparation and e-filing if you have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $34,000 or less. More details

OnLineTaxes.com: Free federal online tax preparation & e-filing if you are eligible for EIC, have an AGI of $28,000 or less, or are age 20 or younger. More details

Efile Tax Returns Inc: Free federal online tax preparation and e-filing if you have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $35,000 or less. More details

FreeTaxUSA.com: Free federal online tax preparation & e-filing if you live in either CA, NY, PA, NJ, OH, IL, GA, NC, VA, IN, LA, AZ, CO, or UT. More details

TAXSLAYER.COM/AMERICAN PLEDGE: Free federal online tax prep & e-file if you have an AGI of $30,000 or less OR Free for All Active Military with a W2. More details

TaxACT.com: Free federal online tax preparation & e-filing if you have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $28,000 or more. More details

TurboTax for the Web: Free federal tax prep & e-file if you are eligible for EIC, are age 22 or younger, age 62 or older, or active Military with a W2. More details

Braman Tax Services: Free federal online tax preparation and e-file of IRS Form 1040EZ if you have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of $40,000 or less. More details

1040Now.net: Free federal online tax preparation and e-filing if you have AGI of $100,000 or more or if you are eligible to use IRS Form 1040EZ. More details

 

[slycat]

check out Text
didn't see your links above but anyways...its free if u print your federal...and u just got to
efile your state...so its $7.95 total.

 

[chowderhead]

irs is cracking down on the EIC because a lot of people file for it and are really eligible. Think red flag for audits. I think it is mostly for lower-income people with dependents. Check again and make sure that you are eligible. Telefile took all of 10 minutes for me.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Originally posted by: chowderhead
irs is cracking down on the EIC because a lot of people file for it and are really eligible. Think red flag for audits. I think it is mostly for lower-income people with dependents. Check again and make sure that you are eligible. Telefile took all of 10 minutes for me.

I'll double check, thanks for the heads up. I'm definitely lower-income, but have 0 dependants.

 

[imported_Tomato]

Eligibility to claim Earned Income Credit (EIC)

The credit is called "Earned Income" because to qualify, you must have earned income. Earned income generally means wages, salaries, tips, other taxable employer compensation, and net earnings from self-employment. Items such as interest, dividends, pensions and annuities, social security, alimony and child support, welfare benefits, workers' compensation benefits, and veterans' benefits are not considered earned income.

To claim EIC, you must be a United States citizen or resident alien all year, have a valid social security number and have earned income. Generally, if your investment income is more than $2,600, you cannot claim the EIC. If you file Form 2555, Foreign Earned Income or Form 2555-EZ, Foreign Earned Income Exclusion, you cannot claim the EIC. If your filing status is married filing separately, you cannot claim the EIC.

You are NOT ELIGIBLE for EIC if your Adjusted Gross Income is equal to or more than the dollar limits listed below.

Find the category below for the number of qualifying children you have and select the amount by your filing status.

If you have more than one qualifying child:

$33,692 for single, head of household, or qualifying widow
$34,692 for married filing jointly
If you have one qualifying child:

$29,666 for single, head of household, or qualifying widow
$30,666 for married filing jointly
If you have no qualifying children:

$11,230 for single, head of household, or qualifying widow
$12,230 for married filing jointly

Your qualifying child must meet the relationship, age and residency tests. For more information about a qualifying child or if you are not sure whether you qualify for EIC, please refer to the Publication 596, Earned Income Credit, a comprehensive guide designed to help you determine whether you are eligible for the EIC. The "EIC Eligibility Checklist" on the last page of IRS Publication 596, can be used to quickly determine your eligibility for the credit."


Hmm. I may not be eligable for EIC after all... do the dollar amounts above refer to pre-tax or post-tax income?

 

[TheAudit]

Originally posted by: chowderhead
irs is cracking down on the EIC because a lot of people file for it and are really eligible. Think red flag for audits. I think it is mostly for lower-income people with dependents. Check again and make sure that you are eligible. Telefile took all of 10 minutes for me.

I agree.
If you qualify to use the 1040EZ then use Telefile, super quick and easy.

 

[Quixfire]

I use H&R Block online service. I have been very happy with it.

 

[alkemyst]

There is a tax thread at the top stickied....probably have most of your answers.

if you made over 26k without kids, chances are you can't file free and you can't claim EIC.

Å

 

[Feldenak]

I made less than 35k (which you said you make) and I am not eligible for the EIC, so I doubt you are.

 

[gistech1978]

well it looks like i qualify for EIC, i didnt think i did.
which numbers do you go off of, the 29,666 or the 11,230?
im single, no children and i make under 29,666 but over 11,230
im confused.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: gistech1978
well it looks like i qualify for EIC, i didnt think i did.
which numbers do you go off of, the 29,666 or the 11,230?
im single, no children and i make under 29,666 but over 11,230
im confused.

If you have no qualifying children:

$11,230 for single, head of household, or qualifying widow
$12,230 for married filing jointly

 

[MystikMango]

I've used taxACT for the past 2 years (this is return 3), without any problems, for both Federal and State taxes (CA). The first two returns I used thier freebie services, this years I decided to splurge and spend the $18 ($9.95 for Federal, $7.95 for State).

 

[slycat]

Originally posted by: MystikMango
I've used taxACT for the past 2 years (this is return 3), without any problems, for both Federal and State taxes (CA). The first two returns I used thier freebie services, this years I decided to splurge and spend the $18 ($9.95 for Federal, $7.95 for State).

how do u use their free program for both state and federal?
also..i don't really understand their pricing for the deluxe...i mean i can use the standard and then efile the state too for
$7.95, with also the option to efile the federal for $7.95...meaning both for $16...vs the deluxe for $18. what else
do i gain from the deluxe since i spend $2 more.