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Anyone here had experience with tax preparation services in the US? (H&R Block, etc.)
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| david.michael |
I've always just e-filed. But this is my first year as a homeowner. I'm getting that $8,000 federal housing tax credit, etc. My girlfriend's mom is convinced that I should take it to an H&R Block kind of place. I don't really see the point, but she seems to be certain that they will net me more money.
I'm wondering if anyone here has any horror/success stories with doing it this way. |
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| Capitalizt |
| They will RAPE you on fees. I used Jackson Hewitt back in 2006-07 and I think it's a minimum $150 for even for the most simple return. You will probably pay $250-ish. I suggest you download one of those programs like TaxAct. They will walk you through it step by step so you can claim everything properly. Keep an eye out at places like Slickdeals. They had a bunch of deals last year for software including E-file for $20-ish. |
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| Big Worm |
check out turbo tax.
they walk you through the process... very simple and easy. unless you're a business owner.
the federal efile is free, and i had to pay like thirty bucks for the georgia return. not bad considering.
definitely worth checking out. |
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| david.michael |
| quote: | Originally posted by Capitalizt
They will RAPE you on fees. I used Jackson Hewitt back in 2006-07 and I think it's a minimum $150 for even for the most simple return. You will probably pay $250-ish. I suggest you download one of those programs like TaxAct. They will walk you through it step by step so you can claim everything properly. Keep an eye out at places like Slickdeals. They had a bunch of deals last year for software including E-file for $20-ish. |
Thanks for the info. The fee-rape is kinda the idea I'm getting from a few people.
I think the plan as it stands is to print out the IRS instructions and just go along line-by-line as I fill it out. I can't e-file this year because of the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. |
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| david.michael |
| quote: | Originally posted by Big Worm
check out turbo tax. |
Yeah, thought about that as well. Might be the way to go. |
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| Big Worm |
i can appreciate your girlfriend's mom wanting you to get the most money back.
with turbo tax, i was able to compile my information several different ways to see if i could maximize my refund. in the program, they lay it all out for you, and will let you know if you are getting the most out of what you could be getting back.
also, they have the option of not having to use an efile method, since i see that you have to file in a traditional way. |
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| david.michael |
| quote: | Originally posted by Big Worm
also, they have the option of not having to use an efile method, since i see that you have to file in a traditional way. |
Yeah, I started checking out TaxSlayer.com. A friend of mine uses them and has been pretty happy (and it's only $9.95 for a Federal return). But, it looks like they only handle e-filing. So I might just go with TurboTax. (I've used the free version in the past, so I'm at least familiar with how it works.)
Thanks! |
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| Renzo |
| TurboTax, yes. Been filing with them for years. |
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| david.michael |
Went the TurboTax route.
Getting over 11 grand back. New (first) house + new car + energy efficient furnace in the same year ftw! |
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| Big Worm |
| hell yes! nice chunk coming back. |
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| david.michael |
| quote: | Originally posted by Big Worm
hell yes! nice chunk coming back. |
Yeah, that's awesome. Finally should be able to complete my new home studio project (basement remodeling), lol. |
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| Renzo |
| 11 grand? Damn. That's nice. |
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