A.R. asks from Northport, AL on January 09, 2008
Tax Write Offs
Hey guys! Tax time is comming up and we are looking to get as much back as possiable. What can we write off and should we file ourselves or use a company? Thanks!
More Answers
J.B. answers from Baton Rouge on January 11, 2008
Either way. I'm no expert, mind you, but I'd say if your income over the past year has been pretty straightforward, invest in a program like TurboTax; it'll help you get the most writeoffs as opposed to doing it yourself on paper.
If you moved out of state, or have a number of different sources of income, investments, etc, you could still use a computer program or go ahead and get a professional to help you.
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K. answers from Nashville on January 11, 2008
A.,
Personally, I have found that I can file my own taxes by using a program. I've used both H&R Block's program and TurboTax. I like TurboTax the most. TurboTax has also been advertising something new: if you donated items in 2007, such as clothes, it gives you the amount that you can use for each item (I thought that was pretty neat). I discovered that I could spend about $40 on a program or spend $100+ to a business.
However, filing your own taxes depends on exactly how complicated your situation is. If you own your own business or your husband owns his own business, you might consider going through a company to do your taxes because it gets a little more complicated.
As for write-offs, that also depends on your situation (whether you have a business or work for someone, etc.) When you get a program, it walks you through all of it. The program lets you know whether or not you have enough write-offs to do itemized deductions or to just go with the standard deduction.
Hope that helps!
K.
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F.R. answers from Huntsville on January 11, 2008
A.,
We use the Turbo Tax program. We do the online program instead of buying the box. We have used this for the past 4 years and haven't had any problems. It walks you through each step and asks questions so it will know what write offs that you qualify for. I also have a little girl that will turn 1 next week!
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S.P. answers from Shreveport on January 11, 2008
Hi A.,
We use turbo tax, you can buy it in any office depot, or wal-mart, you can buy it just about anywhere. It's easy to use and it makes sure you get all you can write off. It ask all the questions, all you have to do is answer and go to each step it takes you. We've used it for years, and love it, it's fool proof, you'll love it.
Hope you choose this wonderful method, that is available to us...
Good luck and Happy New Year
sandra
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D.M. answers from Johnson City on January 11, 2008
if you go to the irs.gov web site and click on free file there is several companies that offer free filing. I use H&R Block program every year. It takes you through every step and compares itemizing? vs. the standard deduction. And does all the math for you. Plus they offer direct deposit and you can have it back in 8-15 days.
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A.C. answers from Dothan on January 11, 2008
I use the Taxcut program every year. It is self explanatory and guides you through every step. I have never paid anyone to do mine. I know people that pay outrageous amounts to have their taxes done. Unless you have a complicated situation as far as your income I would do it own my own.
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J.G. answers from Augusta on January 11, 2008
Hi A.,
I use to work for H & R Block. My first question would be how did you file last year? If you went to a tax office and they showed you your return and explained it to you and you feel that you can to it yourself, you can. You cal always call your local H & R Block tax office and ask questions.
Also has your situation changed much since last year? If there have been many changes in your finicial situation you may want a professional to work with you.
Other than that I do not know your situation because business owners can write off more things than regular employees. If you like feel free to reply to me and I can give you my phone number and we can talk further. I would not want to discuss finanical matter on a online message board.
1 mom found this helpful
K.M. answers from Nashville on January 14, 2008
Turbo tax software works well and you can deduct it on your taxes - just be sure to double check your numbers b/c you are responsible if you make an error inputting data. We usually use it and then double check them with TaxAct.com which is free online.
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