If you are a wage earner with not too much extra going on, then there is no reason to shell out tons of cash for a CPA or accounting company to do your taxes. DIY taxes for the win! Deductions, self-employment income, and royalties, stock or rental income can get tricky and may require professional expertise.
The CGS Team is going to share a few of the best resources for completing and filing your taxes by yourself (or if you prefer, the best companies for the lowest price!). If you plan on giving it a try by yourself, make sure to read over the Finance 101: Tax Credits & Deductions article to ensure you are getting all of the money back that you can!
TurboTax
TurboTax is the #1 selling tax software. Taxes can be easily completed through their step-by-step online guide. The free edition (for 1040/1040A) includes free e-filing with the IRS.
TurboTax’s online guide works to help you get the best return by asking questions about your situation to determine any applicable tax credits or deductions. Packages may vary depending on the complexity of your tax situation. Get started with TurboTax!
TaxACT
TaxACT works in the same way as TurboTax: it prepares, prints and efiles your income tax return for free. You are charged for state filings; however the “Utimate Bundle” from TaxACT covers complex tax situations and state e-filings for only $19.99!
That is significantly less than TurboTax’s equivalent; although the walkthrough is not as user friendly. Learn more about TaxACT.
H&R Block
Whether you prefer to complete your returns yourself online, or have a tax preparer complete them for you, H&R Block offers both scenarios. Complete and file your returns online, or step into one of the thousands of H&R Block locations around the country.
With in-person services starting at low prices, H&R Block even gives you the flexibility to drop off your financial information while they complete your taxes for you. Visit H&R Block’s website.
Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt is another popular tax preparation office. There are numerous offices nationwide, with additional branches in local Wal-Marts. Jackson Hewitt gives you the option to file online through their website, or have a tax professional prepare your taxes for you.
There is even a promotion going on through 3/31/2015 that gives you a $50 Wal-Mart gift card or pre-paid Visa for filing with Jackson Hewitt! Interested in Jackson Hewitt? Check out Jackson Hewitt.
You don’t have to be a certified accountant to file your taxes and get the biggest return! These tax preparers and online filing companies make it very cheap and easy to file your taxes.
Unless you have a very complicated income situation, there should be no reason for you to be spending over $100 for someone else to prepare your taxes. Do your research and save yourself some money by finding the best service for you!
Related: 12 Ways to Use Your Tax Refund
Do you use any of these tax services? Are there other tax preparers that you recommend or have heard good things from? Share your feedback with the community by leaving a comment below!
2 thoughts on “DIY Taxes!”
This tax season, I used TurboTax and it was a great experience! I don’t have a complicated tax return to file, so doing it online works perfectly for me. TurboTax offers very detailed instructions when filing, which I love. If your tax return isn’t complicated, I highly recommend this software for DIY.
I also use TurboTax. They never let me down!