Doing Taxes Online

Updated on March 25, 2010
K.W. asks from Parkville, MD
36 answers

My husband and I have been going to H & R Block to get our taxes done. This year, we've decided to try our hand at doing our own taxes online. Since this is our first time, I'm a little nervous. I'm looking for an easy, accurate, and secure website to file our taxes. I want one that will guide us and get us the best refund. Does anyone do their own taxes online? Which website do you use/trust?

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So What Happened?

Well, we decided to use taxact.com and everything worked out well. Some parts were a little tricky, but we managed. We ended up getting slightly more than we did last year actually going into the H & R Block office, and it was sooooo much cheaper! I'm happy! Thanks to everyone who responded!

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K.P.

answers from Washington DC on

IRS.gov will give you a list for free online tax services. You have to go thru that link to get it free. If you need help contact me. I have worked for tax prep place PT for over 10 years.
K.

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A.H.

answers from Washington DC on

I used TaxAct. I did the taxes last week monday and yesteday we had the refund in the bank. Been doing it for 5 years now and never had a problem.

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A.C.

answers from Houston on

I've used turbotax for years. The best refund is the correct one. I like now that you can get your refund deposited right to a turbotax debit card. I had my refund within 2 weeks of filing. You can use it just like a regular visa debit card...it even comes with a PIN to withdraw cash.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.A.

answers from Sarasota on

Turbo Tax is excellent. I have been using it for several years. After you get through this years tax return. Next year all the general information carries over to next year's tax return. It is less expensive going to any tax preparer.

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C.P.

answers from Anchorage on

We have been using TaxSlayer.com for years... Great site and easy to follow... I refuse to pay H & R Block... charge way to much... I can efile with Taxslayer and get my money directly deposited within a week or two. TaxSlayer is also nice if you are military... 100% Free and if your not... its only $9.95 to file!

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P.G.

answers from Des Moines on

I checked out several sites and have been using TurboTax for over a decade! This program leads you through quite easily and no stone is left unturned. I have even gotten several relatives using it over the years.

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R.W.

answers from San Francisco on

Make sure you save a copy for your records!

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J.M.

answers from Washington DC on

H & R Block also has online services, which I've used for several years without a glitch! It's much less expensive than going to H & R Block in person. My husband recently e-filed our federal and state return with them for about 70.00. www.hrblock.com.

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F.E.

answers from New York on

Hi K., my husband and I have done our taxes now for 4 years using turbotax...personally, it's the most accurate and easiest website. It really does take you step by step to your deductions, or to even enter your informations. I used to go to H&R Block and one year, I was charged about $125...that was when the light switch went on. I have student loans and they would never add them to my deductions. So, yes, I prefer turbotax.
Hope that helps :)

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V.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

I use, and have used OLT.com (On Line Taxes .com) for several years. It's VERY reasonable..easy to use....and there is a phone # for any questions that can't be addressed with there service. I have never had a need to call..because everything is concise easy to understand..and they give you little sideline worksheets to see if you qualify for certain deductions. I love the servcie and will continue to use them.

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C.P.

answers from Provo on

I would also suggest Turbo Tax. It is great and leads you through all the steps. I had to file an ammended tax return and went through H and R block last year and a year later I got my tax return and it wasn't because H and R block helped me. I had to contact the state tax commission and see what could be done. So much for the "stand behind you" guarantee.

Updated

I would also suggest Turbo Tax. It is great and leads you through all the steps. I had to file an ammended tax return and went through H and R block last year and a year later I got my tax return and it wasn't because H and R block helped me. I had to contact the state tax commission and see what could be done. So much for the "stand behind you" guarantee.

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R.S.

answers from Miami on

Turbo Tax is great!!! We've been using them since 2003. We have used accountants and H & R block. I found a lot of them to be lazy when I wanted more bank for my buck; they wanted to charge for everything. One year we used both H & R Block and Turbo to see the difference. We got more back with Turbo. Plus, you could do the same thing at home. I do plan on taking courses because I find it fascinating.

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S.R.

answers from Washington DC on

I would use H&R Block's on line program. I'm a CPA and in the past have used H&R Block's online program to file our personal taxes. For some reason, this year, we used Turbo Tax, and I was not a big fan. Even as someone in the accounting profession, I found Turbo Tax difficult to navigate through, and I felt that H&R Block's program did a much better job about asking questions for things you might not have thought about. There were definitely some deductions we may not have received if I did not think about them first and go looking for them on Turbo Tax.

C.S.

answers from Charlotte on

I've been using turbo tax for years. It's easy to follow, step by step and I have never had a problem with it

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C.J.

answers from Washington DC on

i like taxact. it's virtually the same as turbotax only cheaper.

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J.S.

answers from Cleveland on

You can file taxes for free at www.obb.gov if you earned less than $57,000. Many agencies (including The Salvation Army) are trained to help you or you can do it yourself using self serve. The Benefit Bank also has a software program made available by the Second Harvest Food Bank whereby you can find out what government programs you are eligible for. Your Food Stamp application can actually be filed via email and puts you at the front of the line! You can also file FAFSA forms!

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L.M.

answers from New York on

I was talking with a co-worker. She said she uses taxact.com for several years and recommends it.

The past 2 years I've used turbo tax software. It goes a good job of taking you thru step by step. I'm sure on the online product is very similar.

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R.A.

answers from Norfolk on

I've been using hrblock.com for several years. It's free for simple returns, and you can e-file free also.

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S.D.

answers from St. Louis on

When I go to IRS.gov...and choose, "free"...it brings me to turbo tax. I've been using Turbo Tax for 3 years now, and it's great. Never have to worry about losing the last years tax info. It's stored right there.

C.B.

answers from Kansas City on

taxact.com worked great for me, i did ours that way several years in a row. the problem is you still don't know what you're doing, even if you use one of those websites. they make you feel like you are doing it right, and you are, but there are SO many things 'we' don't understand about how it works. we went with a gentleman who is a cpa and does taxes out of his home every year, as a side business, who was recommended by a friend. he almost doubled our return from the years when i did it. i also got it the S. friday after we did it, just like always. i would NOT go to h&r block, they rip people off from everything i've heard. this gentleman charged us $75 and he gets booked solid for three months every year. it might be too late to make an appointment with someone now, but for next year i would look into it, ask around. this person also volunteered to look at our last two returns for free, after tax season is over. they can still fix them. i will never do ours online again.

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J.M.

answers from Phoenix on

Turbo Tax definitely. My husband and I used it and we loved it. It was very easy and asked us step by step questions. Then we received our refund in two weeks. It also sends to messages if your tax return was accepted or rejected by the IRS. Also, if you owe taxes they tell you forms you need to fill out or EIC credit they have forms and walk you through line by line. Good Luck!

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R.H.

answers from Norfolk on

My suggestion is Turbo tax I use it every year have since 2001. Love it and will continue to use it until it's not here anymore...lol It steps you through the process from start to end. It keeps your information to start next years also. So you don't have to start over next year. I love it and it's cheap. We paid $100 to do our Fed and state direct deposit this year. yea!

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S.S.

answers from Los Angeles on

The only reason you got more is because of the $400 for single and $800 for MFJ stimulas. H&R Block has lowered there pricing and they give you a guarentee that they are done right or they will pay any penitlties and interest. If you use the H&R Block @ Home at there website you will still get the guarentee and you can also get tax advise. It is free for the 1040EX and it is $39.95 for the deluxe for those with dependents. Taxes are nothing to take a chance with and with H&R Block you get the peace of mind knowing that if you ever get any letter from any tax authority all you have to do is call and they will help you take care of it... FREE and if there is an error THEY pay for ALL the interest and penelties. Can't beat that for $40.00!!!

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K.F.

answers from Washington DC on

We use TurboTax - even when we had to file for 3 states, 2 separate jobs, 2 kids, and a house purchase, we have never had any problems...and we always get a great refund. We also can try two different ways of filing and they will show how much you can get filing jointly or separately....it's quick and easy. Also - you can pay out of your refund, so everything is automated....good luck!!

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R.M.

answers from Richmond on

I really like Turbo Tax. You are guided through and can look for answers to all your questions as you progress. I also get a small discount by going through Vanguard's website (where I keep my 401K).

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S.J.

answers from Washington DC on

Try www.taxact.com. We, as well as all of our friends use it. It's very simple and fast, very easy to use and it costs about 15.00 to file your state taxes, federal was free. After getting hosed for $500 by Jackson hewitt, we gave this a try a few years ago and we'll never go back. Hope this helps :)

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S.L.

answers from Dallas on

Turbo Tax or TaxAct. We have used both. Last year I did my taxes on both just to see if there would be a difference and outcome was the same. They both guide you through filing step by step.

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J.S.

answers from Washington DC on

I've used Turbo Tax for the last 3 yrs...and I've been very satisfied - even when I had a few things that were out of the "norm", I was able to get things handled correctly & efficiently. There are basically walk-you-through-it type versions that allow you to go through many instances to see if you qualify for various programs or tax benefits. There are very helpful FAQ sections & you can also chat live with a representative of Turbo Tax (I think-?) You have a choice of having a hard check mailed to you or direct deposit. This year, I chose direct deposit and I had my federal AND state in my account within a week!

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J.D.

answers from Washington DC on

I've used Taxact.com for the last 3 years. I have worked for H&R Block and used their software and Turbo Tax as well. They are all very similar and are all very easy to use. I have used TaxAct simply because they are cheaper then the other two. If you buy the software from the store and you itemize, then make sure you get the one that offers the deduction finder. Some of the software is for basic taxes with no itemization and some are for those who itemize. Some is also for small businesses or people who are independent contractors, etc. Just read the box to see which one would be best for you. TaxAct does not sell their software, they are just a online service (secured) that offers the extra deduction finder etc.

You'll be fine with any of them. Good luck.

J.

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K.N.

answers from Washington DC on

My husband and I have also been going to H&R Block to have our taxes prepared. This year, we decided to do our taxes online as well! We used H&R Block's online service, H&R Block at Home Deluxe Edition to be exact. It was inexpensive, extremely easy to complete, accurate, secure, and took much less time than we would have spent in an office with a paid preparer. We were pleased and will definitely use this service from now on! Hope this helps.

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A.G.

answers from Norfolk on

H&R Block has an online tax service, and they should be able to pull up your records from having them done in the office! I used the online system for a few years until our tax situation was just too complex to do myself, but I was happy with it while I used it.

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E.C.

answers from Washington DC on

Hi K.,
My husband and I have used H&R Block for years, in person. However, the last time we took our taxes to them it cost us 800$, so last year we decided to use Turbo Tax. Although this program does take you step by step through your taxes, I'm not going to use Turbo Tax again - The reason is because I had to file an extension due to late ppr work. The program printed off our application for extension for both Fed and State - we owed for state so we wrote the check and sent it in with our application for extension (or whatever they called it). However, when I was able to finish my taxes, the program printed out an adendum page that I did not notice, granted this was my fault not the programs fault, I should have looked better at the paper work... but because it printed on the 17th page (I remember when taxes only involved 2 pages, one for state and one for federal LOL)
I didn't notice the page titled Adendum and this caused my taxes to go into limbo for about 7 months. We had just bought a house and planned a trip to Florida so we were relying on the returns to pay for the trip. We got it, the day after we left for our trip in January 2010. I filed in May 2009. If you use Turbo tax - make sure you print a copy for yourself, include your payment stubs and any official documentation when you mail it off and check for any "adendums" otherwise you will wait too long for your returns and the stress is just not worth the savings. This year I will be taking my taxes to Liberty tax services. Let the professionals handle the numbers and I'll stick to what I do best. LOL.
I hope this helps
E.

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S.B.

answers from Norfolk on

Hi,
I actually own my own bookkeeping/income tax business. Taking the chance to do your own income tax preparation to save money is a good idea if you know what you are doing. Yes, there are software out there like Turbo Tax and a few others for non-professionals, however sometimes they might not guide you thru to all of the tax breaks and credits for your situation (especially with the changes in effect since President Obama has been in office). With that being said, I have had a few people who at first tried to do their taxes on their own and ended up coming to me for their services. I am a lot cheaper than H & R Block, Liberty, and Jackson Hewitt. If you feel the need to seek a professional feel free to contact me. Visit my website if you like also.

S. Ingram-B.
www.aiubookkeeping.com
____@____.com
###-###-####

I don't discourage people from doing their own income taxes but make sure you know about all of the credits available to your situation before doing so.

Have a blessed day.

I am located in Virginia.

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A.V.

answers from Houston on

Hello K.,

You have a lot of good answers from others. I been doing my taxes online for many years. I have never pain anyone to do my taxes. I always use the IRS.GOV web site to link me to the free online tax services that is provided from the government. For years I have used H & R block but when doing my education and home forms, questions seems a lot more tricky.
I have to admit that TURBO tax is the best, it's efficient, user friendly,and their recheck method is great.
I recommend using TURBO tax online services, if you have to use the fee services, it's not as much or simply try the free online services where you can also efile.

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J.L.

answers from Denver on

I have used Turbo Tax for years, partly because it takes in last years information and makes it that much easier to finish. I have used them when we had income from 2 states, a house sale, stock sales, Stock option sales, mutual funds, capital loss carrryover, and kids and it all came out great. If you have fairly uncomplicated taxes (i.e. house, kids), then using a free site for federal and state works well and can save you $50-$100 for the tax products (which you can technically take off on your taxes, but most of us don't meet the requirements that actually allow the deduction...so). Regarding H&R Block I have a friend that works there as his second job to see if he likes finance kind of stuff and they pay terrible. The person who prepares your taxes gets $10 an hour. Which is close to what a fast food worker makes. So, if most of them are not worth much it could be the wage. It's hard to make a living with that.

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J.C.

answers from Lynchburg on

Your state may have a good website. VA's does-I did our state taxes with them and it was easy and great. This was after I paid H & R Block for our state return and it kept saying the state wasn't ready to take it (obviously that was wrong b/c the state took it fine, and we've already gotten our refund back from them). Also, they said I had to print it, but then on about half the printed pages they had in big gray letters in the background "DO NOT FILE" on forms that were supposed to be filed. I'm the type of person that says "Okay, so I don't use H & R Block anymore." I did pay for the state program, and they said support came with it, but there was no support from a real person, just type in a search and a list of possible topics comes up. None of the responses had anything to do with the problem I was having. So, even though you've used them before, I recommend against using them. I know some people aren't that way, but for me, when you make a mistake and I pay you and you give me NO customer service and no option to even pay more and get customer service, then you lose me as a customer. Not sure yet what we'll do next year. Good luck.

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