newbie tax return question.

[Semidevil]

so usually, My dad does all my taxes as he takes it to a professional and pays them to do it. As I am now moved out, I guess I need to take care of it myself. I'm a complete newbie,

few questions:

I know the due date is 4/15, but if I file it as soon as I get my forms, is there a way to get the refunds asap? when is the soonest refunds will come in(if any).

do it myself by software or hire professional? what do you guys do?

exactly what is tax deductible? my situation: married, own home, paying mortgage, no kids, spouse is student. what other recipets can I submit besides the obvious:, i.e, tuition, mortgage, etc etc?

 

[bctbct]

If your taxes are pretty simple you can do them yourself. H&R block has software and you can file them electronically for free. Last year they would send you a refund on a debit card, I later found out it cost like $10, but oh well.

I dont know enough about your earnings or the amount of mortage interest you have paid to decide if you would benefit from long or short form.

 

[Homerboy]

this is your 1st year filing by yourself and you're married and have a house? wow.

Anyways, there is always a Tax thread sticky this time of year on AT, post in there. I suggest just getting software and followng the prompts if you are that lost.

 

[GeekDrew]

The date that refunds are issued has absolutely nothing to do with 4/15; if they've processed your return prior to that date, they'll issue your refund before that date. I think that I got my refund in mid-February last year.

I personally use 1040EZ, and have no need for a long filing. Last year I manually calculated my taxes, and also used H&R Block's online software. When the two didn't agree (by a few dollars), I used yet another service. Third time was a charm, and it agreed with my manual calculations.

Perhaps you should ask the other questions in the ... tax thread?

 

[AlienCraft]

Go see the sticky thread. Better reception in there.