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Post by Ben Dinsmore on Feb 29, 2008 23:39:11 GMT -5
I'm interested in hearing peoples thoughts on using tax software over a CPA or preparer like HR Block.
I used HR Block 8 years ago and it was very quick and easy, then I did it myself by hand for a few years, and the last few i've used Tax Cut and have been very happy!
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mom
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Post by mom on Mar 5, 2008 10:02:15 GMT -5
We use Turbo Tax and I would never ever ever use H&R Block again. That place is a total rip off. Anyone with half a brain and a normal tax return should be able to do it on Turbo Tax and I'm sure the other major softwares are just as easy.
If I had a business or something complicated with my return then I would consider a CPA. But H&R Block is totally useless in my opinion.
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Post by Ben Dinsmore on Mar 5, 2008 16:54:20 GMT -5
Don't hold back mom, tell us how you really feel! lol!
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Post by mossysf on Mar 5, 2008 21:14:18 GMT -5
I've always done my taxes by hand. Last year, I finally used a free copy of TaxAct to do it. This year, I did it by hand again although I may download TaxAct just to check the math.
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Post by swanberg22 on Mar 5, 2008 23:23:32 GMT -5
I've used Taxcut the last three years and I hope I don't have any issues  I've never used an accountant, but always wondered if they could add any value. The software seems to cover everything. I was thinking of using one next year and comparing to see if it's worth it? |
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mom
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Post by mom on Mar 6, 2008 16:24:19 GMT -5
Don't hold back mom, tell us how you really feel! lol! hehe... sorry. I just really hate H&R Block. |
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logic
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Post by logic on Mar 7, 2008 16:22:27 GMT -5
Anyone with half a brain and a normal tax return should be able to do it on ... Of course there are two stipulations there including "a normal tax return." Does a mechanic know that he can't just deduct new tools on Sch A? They have to be depreciated. How about Sec 179? Does the carpenter know he can't write off the $3,000 of tools that were stolen because the tax basis is $0? And on it goes. Most folks do not want to read several hundred pages of tax pubs every year. For simple returns, I agree with you. If I had a business or something complicated with my return then I would consider a CPA. But H&R Block is totally useless in my opinion. Last century I had a CPA do my taxes for two years. Now that I know more about taxes I'm glad I was not audited. It would have cost me a fortune. They were not done right. A lot of CPAs don't do taxes, anyway. The firms have worker-bees in the back that actually do the taxes. Block always has a few first year folks who are not the best, but those who have been there a while are pretty good. [is this where I should mention I do taxes at Block? hmmmm] The fact is I see people with simple returns who can't figure it out. A lot of folks with more deduction, especially business deductions would mess it up royally without help. So the answer is: it depends. |
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Post by Ben Dinsmore on Mar 7, 2008 17:52:17 GMT -5
very goods points logic!
Welcome!
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mom
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Post by mom on Mar 8, 2008 11:56:16 GMT -5
I see your points, and being a preparer with with H&R Block I totally see where you are coming from. I'm sure you are better than the people I've dealt with there.
I feel like H&R Block takes advantage of people's fear of taxes. Maybe it was just my experiences with them. But I would go in, sit down, hand over my W-2, they would enter the info in the computer without asking me one single question, and five minutes later charge me $200 for their services. After watching them do that year after year I decided that I could do it myself. After I tried it once I realized how easy it really is.
Like I said, if I had a business then I would be in a totally different situation and I doubt I would try to do them myself. But our taxes are pretty straight forward.
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logic
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Post by logic on Mar 8, 2008 21:34:12 GMT -5
I would go in, sit down, hand over my W-2, they would enter the info in the computer without asking me one single question, and five minutes later charge me $200 for their services. After watching them do that year after year I decided that I could do it myself. After I tried it once I realized how easy it really is. When typing in a bunch of numbers concentration is important - the numbers need to be right! I always talk to folks between, though. It's amazing what I learn sometimes! For $200 you must of had EIC and child tax credit also, just one W-2 would be closer to $80. Congratulations on taking charge and doing your own, though. There are lots of folks who for what ever reason never attempt to. |
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Post by Ben Dinsmore on Mar 9, 2008 4:42:48 GMT -5
logic,
thank's for the insider prospective! I just sat down this morning to try to do my taxes using Tax Cut. Unfortunaley, because I'm on a ship in the middle of the gulf of mexico, my internet connection kept "timing out" when trying to get the most recent update.
Hopefully it will go better today!
ben
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I've never used an accountant, but always wondered if they could add any value. The software seems to cover everything. I was thinking of using one next year and comparing to see if it's worth it?