[TAXES] Online Tax Filing For Free - Comments Page 1

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All Comments on: "[TAXES] Online Tax Filing For Free"

Comment Page: 1 |  2 

Posted by:

Michele
23 Feb 2016

I've been using freetaxusa for a number of years now and I am very satisfied with them.

Posted by:

Rebecca
23 Feb 2016

I need just the simplest of returns (W2 filer) and have used the HR Block free software for a few years. It offers the option of completing the return and then printing and mailing it, rather than on-line filing. Good Luck! Thank You Bob Rankin!!

Posted by:

Art
23 Feb 2016

I have used FreeFile Fillable Forms for several years, and I am entirely satisfied. Most, if not all, schedules are there. If you previously did your own taxes on paper, this is for you.

I live in Ohio, and Ohio I-File works similarly and is free.

Posted by:

PeteFior
23 Feb 2016

Hi Bob: Thanks for the tips on using free online tax software - but I am very concerned about the security aspects of filing online. All tax forms have my Social Security number imprinted - can't these free sites be hacked to get that all-important piece of information that could ruin my life?

EDITOR'S NOTE: Possibly, but not likely. Your doctor, dentist and a dozen other places have your SSN. How secure are they? Could the IRS itself be breached?

Posted by:

Charles
23 Feb 2016

I have been using FreetaxUSA now for several years and feel the cost for the State forms are worth paying, saves paper, printing, and postage. Help has been great and given quickly.

Posted by:

MmeMoxie
23 Feb 2016

I am old enough, that I don't have to file anymore. However, when I did file, I used Turbo Tax software, for years. I really liked it and I could get anything done on my filing, like a 401K that was not turned over. It really was not that hard to do, when you have the right software.

My daughter used Tax Act online and really liked it. I started using it, when my hubby retired. I found that their online software was just as good, as purchasing Turbo Tax or H.R. Block's software.

My Federal filing was free and the State was $9.95. A savings for when you are on a fixed income. Yes, our filing was a simple 1040 or 1040A. I would keep my tax return in my files, like I always did. I still have my tax returns in my file. Learned that from my mother. You never know when you might need them. :)

I felt safe using Tax Act online. I know that vital information is encrypt when uploading online. The software was also safe, no malware. For some reason, I have always felt safe doing online things. Yes, I am careful at all times, when doing online financial or personal information.

I may be wrong - But, I think today's tax filing online service keeps your information in a cloud, not on their servers like they use to do. I would think their cloud is safe and secure. At least, I haven't heard of any online Tax Service being hacked. :)


Posted by:

Mike
23 Feb 2016

I've used TaxAct online for years and it's worked very well for us. The federal filing is free and they try to sell you the state filing for $9.95. I always decline because here in Colorado you can file your state forms online free at the Dept. of Revenue's website.

Posted by:

Butch
23 Feb 2016

As an AARP member, I use the AARP free tax services here. The volunteers do all the work of entering data, but I am given a chance to review/edit any/all of the data prior to its being submitted to the IRS. Very knowledgeable folks and helpful.

Posted by:

Steven Bulger
23 Feb 2016

I still do my taxes by hand and mail to the IRS for a refund. Online tax services charge for getting your refund. Do you know of any way to file taxes online and not have to pay to get the refund?

Posted by:

JP
23 Feb 2016

For the first few decades I used a calculator, pencil and paper and did everything myself. (What a headache!) I then used TaxAct online for a few years, but when things got complex (dividends, capital gains, etc.), it suddenly became clear I needed a person to help me. That person, a CPA, refiled for me and got back many thousands of dollars I had already paid to the state and federal government. The same CPA has been doing it for the past several years and I firmly believe the average cost of $185 each year is well worth it to me. Thankfully, the tax prep fee is deductible each year.

Posted by:

Gerald Nuckols
23 Feb 2016

I have filed tax returns for over 50 years and for most of those years did my own and mailed them to IRS. As my deductions got more complicated a few years ago I decided to use one of the online services and am glad I did. I still do my returns by hand but then enter everything into the online system as a way of double checking myself. I have found deductions that I missed a few times. More importantly, I have found that a couple of things I thought were deductible were not.

I always pay the small fee to do the state returns also because all of the information from the federal is automatically entered for me and it saves a lot of time and typing.

Posted by:

John
23 Feb 2016

Lots of information here, but nothing on Canadian tax return services. We do taxes too. I am sure you have many Canadian subscribers who would appreciate some tax return content relevant to us.

Posted by:

Daniel Wiener
23 Feb 2016

I've been using H&R Block Deluxe + State tax program for several years now, and am quite happy with it. It's not free, but you can get it pretty cheap if you look for deals. I use CamelCamelCamel.com to alert me to price drops on Amazon. Typically there will be a special sale on or around January 1st each year. This year I was able to buy it for $21.95, which is a sharp discount from the $44.99 list price. Also, I like having the tax program for each year installed on my computer. That way if I have to go back to an earlier year and submit a corrected filing, or just review something, the program is readily available.

Posted by:

Gord Shunk
23 Feb 2016

Hi Bob,
In reference to John's post re: Canadian Taxes.
I would refer him to StudioTax - it is free and a person can process more than one return with them if need be.

I have been using this tax program for about 7 years with no problem and it sure beats doing it with pen in hand and forms all over!!

Posted by:

Chet
24 Feb 2016

re: John,s & Gord's post...
my preferred service..

https://simpletax.ca/

Posted by:

Herb
24 Feb 2016

Hi Bib, I've used TaxAct for more years than I can remember and have been very pleased with their free service. This year - as a way of 'giving back' in retirement - I became a volunteer in the AARP 'army' of tax-preparation volunteers. We're very well trained and certified, and the software we use is virtually fool-proof. There are a few complex areas which are 'out-of-scope' for us, but the overwhelming majority of taxpayers can get their return done for free using AARP volunteers. Go here: http://www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/searchTaxAideLocations.action , and enter your zip code to find the location nearest to you.

Posted by:

Stuart
24 Feb 2016

There is another free service. It is the AARP Tax Aide program. This program is run by volunteers who have passed a very intense test and is offered for free in many communities around the nation. While there are some tax issues that are out of scope the majority of taxpayers can get their taxes done for free. Many of the preparers have been doing tax returns for 10 or more years.

Posted by:

DBA Steve
24 Feb 2016

The TurboTax people have Canadian tax software, for those of you asking. Visit the Intuit Candanian web site.

Posted by:

intelligencia
24 Feb 2016

Hello Everyone!

I just did my taxes using www.olt.com (via the IRS website) as the Federal and State preparation is free. It was easy to use!
The website is also highly encrypted (using 256) which gives me a peace of mind that my transaction with the OLT site is safer and more secure than the others preparing our tax returns!
[REMEMBER to go through the IRS.gov website to access the Free OLT.com service]

i

Posted by:

Michael
26 Feb 2016

I have used the Free File Fillable Forms since it was first offered online for U.S. Residents living abroad.
Before that I made copies of the forms and worksheets that my wife and I need from the IRS website. filled them out, and sent them by DHL.
Now that we are able to file online, after the return is accepted I save it to a usb flash drive.
We tried the free Turbo tax years ago. It was a disaster! Probably because it asks a ton of questions that do not apply to our situation (this was in the U.S.A.) so instead of filling out a form I had to learn how the TurboTax program works and then navigate my way through as best as I could.
At least it was online, I would never download tax preparation software on my computer.

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