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geekhack Community => Other Geeky Stuff => Topic started by: noisyturtle on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:23:00

Title: Filing taxes
Post by: noisyturtle on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:23:00
Is it worth hiring someone to go over them and get the best return possible, or just TurboTax it myself?

Pros/Cons?
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: Bromono on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:24:42
Is it worth hiring someone to go over them and get the best return possible, or just TurboTax it myself?

Pros/Cons?

Depends on how complicated your situation is.

Turbo tax meets all my needs.

If you bought a home, own land, own a business, foreign interests, etc

then maybe you should hire someone.
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: fanpeople on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:25:40
Is it worth hiring someone to go over them and get the best return possible, or just TurboTax it myself?

Pros/Cons?

Just refuse to pay taxes on religious grounds.
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: intelli78 on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:25:50
I think it depends on your situation. If you have a normal job with no kids, no property, no capital gains, etc., then TurboTax is probably fine. If you're self-employed or have a more complex situation, then you may benefit from outside services.
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: FLFisherman on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:26:21
I think this would depend on how much you made during the year, and how much you have to file. If you're filing only for yourself, don't own a home, etc, then TurboTax is your best bet.

If you have kids, a home, a room you're leasing, or other factors that may complicate your return (or you make a lot of money), then a tax accountant could benefit you.

TurboxTax will get you less money back most of the time, but it's also significantly cheaper.
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:30:21
I took an H&R class, so it's super easy for me. I have a full family and home, and I still think it's super easy. Just make sure you have all your numbers right.  :))

But yeah, if I owned a business or something I'd probably have to do it more than half an hour.
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: appleonama on Fri, 12 February 2016, 17:31:53
Is it worth hiring someone to go over them and get the best return possible, or just TurboTax it myself?

Pros/Cons?
if you run a small/medium business 100% recommend it
my parents hire someone to get the best return and claim the minimum to stay withing legal requirements

Edit: also forgot my parents situation is a bit different and complicated so if you have some different issues its worth it. But if you're an average joe turbo tax is for you
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: Geroximo on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:50:18
If you have to ask that question, then turbo taxing is probably fine.
Paying someone is only worth it, if you are running a complicated business and/or are making a lot of money.
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: fohat.digs on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:54:28
I have used Turbo Tax for a decade and am very pleased with it.

Hard to see much use in getting an expensive professional involved unless your situation is unusually complex.
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: romevi on Fri, 12 February 2016, 19:58:51
Is it cheaper to use TurboTax or file with H&R online?


PS
Already got my refund, so it doesn't matter, but I'd like to know anyway.
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: noisyturtle on Fri, 12 February 2016, 20:42:24
Is it cheaper to use TurboTax or file with H&R online?


PS
Already got my refund, so it doesn't matter, but I'd like to know anyway.

I've heard horror stories about H&R's fees. Someone told me they lost almost half their return to their fees.
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: vivalarevolución on Sat, 13 February 2016, 08:35:02
i would search around and see if your state offers stuff like this.

http://www.in.gov/dor/4578.htm
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: Moistgun on Sun, 14 February 2016, 12:39:54
If everyone thinks it isnt necessary to pay someone to do taxes, why isn't anyone suggesting just filling out the IRS forms?

Its just as easy as turbotax.
Title: Re: Filing taxes
Post by: Melvang on Sun, 14 February 2016, 14:24:37
I hire someone for my taxes.  But my situation is a bit different.  Both me and my wife work, child care deduction, own a home, inheritance (both cash from life insurance, and a home/property), plus I worked in 3 different states.  But at least it was all for one company.

My most expensive year, I lived in Iowa, and had the following work stuff happen

Iowa based company, work done in Iowa
Iowa based company, work done in Illinois
Missouri based company, work done in Iowa
Iowa based company, work done in Nebraska

My dad used to do the same thing and worked for 14 different contractors in one year, I think by record is 7 or 8 including unemployment.