Hmm...given similar inputs, it is reasonable to expect similar results, so it isn't obvious why yours are different.
One thing to consider: create a spreadsheet with columns for the years, and rows for the entries and calculations on Form 1040 (and other forms and worksheets as needed). That's a good way to compare one year to another. Even more useful, you can project next year's taxes with this tool.
MDM, do you have a favorite spreadsheet that you use for this purpose? I am not proficient at creating complex Excel spreadsheets.
Johnny847, thanks for the credit tip! I didn't know about that.
Spork, I think you're probably right. I'm going to re-evaluate the different tax software options and not freak out before I enter my deductions. Sounds like my taxes do not require a CPA at this time, but now I can see when they would be the better option.
Attached to this post is a template you might (or might not) find more useful than a blank worksheet.
It is a scaled-down version of what we use for our own purposes. As such, in some places is assumes "MFJ" status. It is
not to be confused with real tax calculation software such as TurboTax, TaxAct, H&R Block, Excel1040.com, etc. It has some predictive capability, and
with work on your (or anyone's) part could become very useful.
We use it partially for historical purposes, partially to double check our TT entries, and partially to incorporate tax effects as we plan throughout the year.
We use the Payroll tab to calculate the exemption allowances needed on a W-4 to "owe a little bit" each April.
Other things we have done for past years include programming the AMT calculation, part-year resident state taxes, and other forms. Those were discarded in the scaling-down, but are examples of what "could become very useful" implies.
You should at least be able to take your 2013 return, enter input values, and have the calculated cells match the calculations on the IRS form. I'd be happy to answer questions if you can't get that part to work. Also, some errors may have occurred during the scaling-down - let me know if something just doesn't look right.
The tax calculation is done with Visual Basic functions to cover all the tax brackets. You may have to enable the VB functions, depending on your security settings, for this to work. A slightly different way to do the tax calculation (w/o using VB), and some additional worksheet calculations, can be found in the
Reader Case Study spreadsheet.
Where CPAs and tax software earn their money is knowing what options are applicable to you. There are ~a couple dozen credits and deductions listed as line items on form 1040 alone. Most of those will likely not apply, and once you have a trustworthy prior year example there is a good chance you can do it all yourself if things don't change much.
One last thing: our first version, many years ago, was much simpler. Up to anyone to decide if this, or a blank sheet, is the best starting point for one's own situation. And it will require modification to be truly useful - but maybe little enough to make it worth your while.
ETA: slight modifications to template