Hi all -- I've always done our fairly straightforward taxes myself and by hand. 1040 + Schedule A.
However, this year is trickier. Because of unfortunate health issues, this year our household will have combined income from the following sources:
- Regular income (wages)
- Long term disability (Metlife)
- Short term disability (state of CA)
- SSDI (kicking in very soon, including a chunk of back pay)
These all seem to be taxed differently--some subject to federal or state taxes, while others are subject to state but not federal (and vice versa).
Because I've never used tax prep software such as TurboTax, I'm not sure it can step me through identifying different types of disability income and calculate taxes correctly. I'm considering going to an accountant this year, because then I can see how it's done for next year, but what would you recommend?
If it's a prep program, which one do you recommend? I'm hoping it's the tax prep program because ideally I'd like to play around with it this year to see if we can maximize deductions so our medical expenses can be itemized as well.
Bonus question: Do disability payment sources send you the equivalent of a 1099 or w2 at the end of the year to show what you received, taxes paid, etc., or are you on your own figuring that one out?
Thanks in advance!