should i do my taxes online or go to a HRBlock kind of deal?

Discussion in 'Random Thoughts' started by intongues, Mar 10, 2013.

  1. intongues

    intongues The Wizard

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    Ever since i've done taxes i've done them online, cheapest and free and most basic.

    Alot of people say though if you go to HR Block you'll end up with more, and it's worth the fee.

    Just wondering if anyone had any experience from both quite recently? with an income of about 40k

    Every dollar counts lately!
     
  2. Kinky Ramona

    Kinky Ramona Back by popular demand!

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    We always do ours online with TurboTax. I don't know if it costs any money, but I don't think it does. I know you do have to pay a little extra to get any returns direct deposited. But at the same time, those people at tax places might be able to find a lot more deductions and credits than you could find on your own and it might be worth paying for their services.
     
  3. deleted

    deleted Visitor

    hrblock is a rip off.
     
  4. LetLovinTakeHold

    LetLovinTakeHold Cuz it will if you let it

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    I agree. Unless you are a business owner, own several homes, or otherwise have a complicated tax situation that its best to just do it yourself. For the average tax payer, it's pretty simple.
     
  5. jaredfelix

    jaredfelix Namaste ॐ

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    Yeah turbo tax online is the best option it's like $60 which they'll just take out of your return
     
  6. Lodog

    Lodog Senior Member

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    I file online anymore.

    Those pro places just do that exact same thing and charge you hundreds.
     
  7. newbie-one

    newbie-one one with the newbiverse

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    I'm on the do-your-own-taxes bandwagon

    I'm not sure what the tax codes are like in canada, but usually taxes are pretty damn easy to do if you've just got straight income

    pain in the ass, but not that hard, really

    in the us, taking the standard deduction is going to be better for you than itemizing deductions

    mostly hr block is just going to rob you

    I've never used an online tax service, but I suspect that a free online service will sell all of your personal information
     
  8. PeatBog

    PeatBog Member

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    H&R Block may provide a larger refund depending on your circumstances and the particular tax preparer's ability. Most HRB tax preparers have done taxes for only a year or less. Don't assume that a supervisor will overview their work in detail, and even the supervisor may not know what they're doing if they aren't an enrolled agent. You're probably best off doing the taxes on your own unless you are terribly bad at using software or at basic math.
     
  9. intongues

    intongues The Wizard

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    looks like ill just save myself the bs and do it online. although i never get back much comparered to most people who say they've went to HR Block or whatever place it is
     
  10. PeatBog

    PeatBog Member

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    Your low refund may be due to a variety of things such as 1)not having any children or dependents, 2)high enough income to make an earned income credit little or nothing, 2)small withholding amounts taken from your paychecks. Good luck with your return. Once you file your own, it will be easier in future years. Keep a copy of your return for future reference.
    ...
    I just noticed you're in Canada. Of course, the above doesn't apply if you're filing a Canadian return.
     
  11. jaredfelix

    jaredfelix Namaste ॐ

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    Forgot to mention, I might check out someone with a liscense to do it from their home. That would be a great alternative.
     
  12. SpacemanSpiff

    SpacemanSpiff Visitor

    thats my plan...i found someone who does it for just $20
     
  13. porkstock41

    porkstock41 Every time across from me...not there!

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    it might be diff in every state.

    but in ny state the basic option at turbotax was only ~$20 for the federal return. it was almost $40 for the state, so i just printed the paper and filled that one out for free, sent through regular mail. (so yeah, 60 bucks haha)

    but watch out! there is another fee if you choose for them to take it out of your return

    we didn't have to pay extra for that.
     
  14. SpacemanSpiff

    SpacemanSpiff Visitor

    she probably meant instant deposit///like a payday loan

    get it the same day minus a fee... if you sign it over to them
     
  15. Meliai

    Meliai Members

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    I didn't have to pay to use turbotax online but I think it was because I was out for 3 months on unpaid leave so I qualified for some low income free tax thing.

    Although last year I didn't have to pay for anything except direct deposit fees. It wasn't for overnight; they just charged like $7.99 for direct deposit for federal and it took about 7 days to go in.
     
  16. Kinky Ramona

    Kinky Ramona Back by popular demand!

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    My bad, we didn't have to this year but in years past we've had to pay $10 for direct deposit.
     
  17. porkstock41

    porkstock41 Every time across from me...not there!

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    i hate fees of any kind :)

    id encourage everyone to do their state taxes on paper, it's pretty easy. fuck paying turbo tax almost 40 bucks

    maybe federal you can do on paper too, i dunno though.
     
  18. porkstock41

    porkstock41 Every time across from me...not there!

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    what's everyone gonna do w/ their tax return?

    usually i just put mine in the bank, maybe spend a couple hundred on something.
    this year my wife and i might create a joint bank account with it since we don't have one. ...and then drain that account to book a vacation :)
     
  19. jaredfelix

    jaredfelix Namaste ॐ

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    Wow, I got my return money like almost two months ago. It went quick let me say, easy come easy go.
     
  20. Kinky Ramona

    Kinky Ramona Back by popular demand!

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    Had to use it as emergency funds because it took a month and a half to get all my unemployment paperwork straightened out and approved. But luckily, I got back pay from unemployment, so I'm trying to get my bills caught up now. I will probably spend a little on my wedding plans.
     
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