Over at Yahoo we came across the following discussion:
I have a dilemma over doing my taxes by Turbo Tax or H&R Block?
This is a tax question--I have never done my own taxes before, I have been fortunate enough to have H&R block or someone else help me out. But I was told this year only someone with a license is allowed to file for me or I have to do them myself. I am lost. Is turbo tax on line the way to go ? I'm not a total dummy but does anyone know if it is it easy enough for a first timer. ? My tax information is not complicated very little to it. But
is it screw up able, cause if so I can do it. Any positives or negatives about it is welcome. One more thing,does anyone know how much H&R block charges these days for a simple basic return ?? THANK YOU TO ANYONE WHO REPLIES TO MY QUESTIONS.....
Other Answers (5)
Oldest
@Bubbles,
It depends. I have get 1 w-2 with no dependents or college credits and it is incredibly easy for me to use turbotax. I would only go to someone if the taxes were complicated.
First time I efiled I used TT and have mainly used it since. I find it very simple, it asks you every question and lets you see everything as you go.
The National Society of Accountants in their 2013 fee study reports the following average prices charged by their members:
Average for 1040 with Schedule A and state return: $261
Average for 1040 with state return with no itemized deductions: $152
Average Prices at Franchised Tax Offices
H&R Block: $198 per return (average, 2013 data)
Liberty Tax Service: $180 per return (average, 2013 data)
(Jackson Hewitt, also a nation-wide chain, does not disclose their average fees.)
HTH
I have used turbo tax for over 5 years and have filed my taxes with no issues. I have dependents, and daycare. Turbo Tax is "for lack of better words" dummy proof. Lol it has step by step for everything! Also if u don't want to pay for the filing right there u can always have them withdraw it from your return. Like I said I'm a turbo user and have had my mom and friends using it too!Source(s):
Turbo Tax user 5 years
What is your income? If it is less than $58000 then there are ways to get help for free. You can go through IRS.gov/freefile or get help from a volunteer at a VITA site or TaxAide location.
Yes you can screw it up. But many people successfully do their return each year. A person needs a certification to charge you but anyone can help you for free. Maybe you could try it yourself but with someone more knowledgable looking over your shoulder.
If you have prior year's tax returns and everything is the same this year as it was before you can use those tax returns to help figure out what goes where. Where tax pros come in is to figure out what items are in which category, how to calculate amounts on more complicated forms, like that.
Fees at any tax prep place will depend on how many forms have to be filled out in order to complete your taxes.
No one seems to be offering free returns this year except for simple do-it-yourself on line ones.
