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Big Mac · Jan 24, 2009, 11:55 PM

What are everyone's thoughts on the various tax preparation software packages and online services? Right now I'm using an accountant, but I would like to try to do it myself next year assuming I have a relatively simple return for 2009. Does anyone have experiences working with particular packages when dealing with things like DBA small business income items?

Zeeb · Jan 25, 2009, 12:20 AM

Turbo tax. Works out for me. Then again, I'm at the pub right now

ghporter · Jan 25, 2009, 09:23 AM

I've been using TurboTax since about 1999. I like the thoroughness Intuit puts into the package and how neatly the various explanations are worded. A friend has used Tax Break and says he got his return filed free, but I'm going to stick with what I know...

64stang06 · Jan 25, 2009, 10:32 AM

TurboTax since 2002.

ort888 · 11:03 AM

I've also been pretty happy overall with Turbotax, but I hear that they did a bunch of stupid crap this year and a lot of people are mad at them. I think it has something to do with raising the price $20, charging people for extra printouts and not including certain forms that they used to. I haven't looked into it that much yet, since I still haven't gotten everything I need to start my taxes.

I also hear that Taxcut is pretty good and that it will open your old turbotax saves.

Cold Warrior · Jan 25, 2009, 10:42 AM

Turbotax online version. Has always worked great for me from 1040EZ to more complicated returns involving investment sales, interest, dividends, etc.

Art Vandelay · Jan 25, 2009, 11:52 AM

FYI...
E-file is now free with Turbotax this year.

I've been using Turbotax for several years now. Never had a problem with it and it makes it easier to understand what to do in complex situations.

turtle777 · Jan 25, 2009, 11:54 AM

I'm also a TurboTax guy.

-t

turtle777 · Jan 25, 2009, 12:06 PM

Oh, btw, best price I could find for TT Mac Deluxe State+Federal 2008:

$ 39.99

http://www.megamacs.com/v0/?action=view&pid=4072239

That/s not bad, considering that Federal e-file is now included for free.

-t

Thorzdad · Jan 25, 2009, 12:24 PM

We used to use TurboTax with no complaints for several years. Last year, Intuit raised the system requirements above our present system, so we switched to TaxCut. No problems there, either. Looks like we'll have to use one of the two online this year as TaxCut has also raised their own system requirements this year.

Honestly, you can use either TaxCut or TurboTax without hesitation. They both, essentially, do the same thing. It really just gets down to little details that may, or may not, make a difference to you.

Maflynn · Jan 25, 2009, 12:52 PM

I'm using turbo tax, I almost switched to tax cut because intuit got greedy. When they first released this year's turbo tax they were going to force people to pay 10 dollars for each additional return you processed (and printed) where as tax cut did not. They relented under the pressure and I bought the product.

Dork. · Jan 25, 2009, 01:13 PM

I've used both in the past, and both will get the job done. I don't like Intuit, though, so lately I've been sticking to TaxCut.

Cold Warrior · Jan 25, 2009, 01:56 PM

This isn't turbotax's fault, but I just did my taxes this morning and ouch, no refund. My income jumped a lot this year though, and so did my wife's, and her withholding did not keep up.

iranfromthezoo · Jan 25, 2009, 02:12 PM

I have used Turbo Tax these past 4 years. I am trying a tax guy now. Working for the FD it's just too hard to get all my tax cuts from a "cookie cutter" application. (I.E. I can figure out how to get my per diem back from Turbo Tax). This tax guy does everyone on the fire dept and they usually do well so I am giving it a shot.

Maflynn · Jan 25, 2009, 02:36 PM

You realize that most tax "guys" use about the same type of software. If I were you, I'd compare his returns with turbo tax/tax cut to see if he is able to get a better return. I'd be rather surprised if there's a major difference.

Big Mac · Jan 25, 2009, 02:38 PM

Congrats on the higher income, Cold Warrior.

Art Vandelay · Jan 25, 2009, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by Cold Warrior

This isn't turbotax's fault, but I just did my taxes this morning and ouch, no refund. My income jumped a lot this year though, and so did my wife's, and her withholding did not keep up.

Actually, big refunds are bad. Why loan the govt. your money interest free when you could be making use of it throughout the year?

Chooglin' · Jan 25, 2009, 04:11 PM

Actually, big refunds are bad. Why loan the govt. your money interest free when you could be making use of it throughout the year?

Um...."ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country"?

Cold Warrior · Jan 25, 2009, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Art Vandelay

Actually, big refunds are bad. Why loan the govt. your money interest free when you could be making use of it throughout the year?

I agree. For a couple years now I've intended to adjust withholding but never got around to it.

Anyway, Turbotax's interface and cost schedule looked the same or nearly so as last year.

turtle777 · Jan 25, 2009, 04:22 PM

If I ask the current administration what I can do for this country, the answer would be:

Spending money that I don't have to save the economy.

Totally awesome.

-t

mduell · Jan 26, 2009, 03:55 PM

TurboTax online.