Author Topic: What's your preferred federal income tax filing vendor? (Read 5976 times)

joshuagraham_xyz · « **on:** January 17, 2020, 05:37:32 PM »

NOTE: This is for FREE filing.

Since I don't have to include special letters dealing with negative Net Income Attributable or rollovers that straddle the year, I could consider using such a vendor. However, I just tried TurboTax, and the damn system wants me to enter every line in the 1099-R. How dare they force me to do that garbage! I'm going to look for others that don't require this, or otherwise do it by dead tress & snail mail.

EvenSteven · « **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2020, 06:14:00 PM »

Credit karma has free federal and free state. I haven’t had any problems.

joshuagraham_xyz · « **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2020, 06:35:03 PM »

All I see at CreditKarma is "Estimate your refund", no link to "File your taxes here".

joshuagraham_xyz · « **Reply #3 on:** January 17, 2020, 07:02:52 PM »

I've tried a bunch of others, and they ALL seem to force the filer to do this.

use2betrix · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2020, 07:15:10 PM »

I’ve been using TurboTax for around 15 years with no issue. Not “free” but pretty dang cheap and good for people that don’t have very complicated filings.

kpd905 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 17, 2020, 07:19:11 PM »

FreeTaxUSA. Free federal, $12.95 state. Using the code FREETAXUSA10 gets you 10% off.

secondcor521 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 17, 2020, 10:04:08 PM »

I like Free Fillable Forms. I'm pretty sure you don't have to enter any of the ancillary info from 1099s. It basically let's you type numbers directly on the various forms and schedules. It'll do basic math and carryovers, and you can e-file with it, but it doesn't do any interview style stuff. And it's free. It may not be open yet for this year; I think it opens mid- to late-January.

Frankies Girl · « **Reply #7 on:** January 17, 2020, 10:39:07 PM »

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/jsp/index.jsp

kanga1622 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2020, 07:05:50 AM »

We’ve been using FreeTaxUSA for the last several years and been very happy with it.

terran · « **Reply #9 on:** January 18, 2020, 07:44:27 AM »

Quote from: secondcor521 on January 17, 2020, 10:04:08 PM

I like Free Fillable Forms. I'm pretty sure you don't have to enter any of the ancillary info from 1099s. It basically let's you type numbers directly on the various forms and schedules. It'll do basic math and carryovers, and you can e-file with it, but it doesn't do any interview style stuff. And it's free. It may not be open yet for this year; I think it opens mid- to late-January.

+1

Opens January 27th: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-fillable-forms/free-file-fillable-forms-is-closed

fattest_foot · « **Reply #10 on:** January 18, 2020, 09:01:35 AM »

IRS through FFF here as well.

I don't like commercial ones because they seem to skirt around what the actual tax form is asking, in an effort to be easier to use for people who don't know how to file taxes.

Sibley · « **Reply #11 on:** January 18, 2020, 12:59:55 PM »

Re the enter all the info from the form - it's possible that it's actually required for efiling, since I remember having to enter all of it in the professional tax prep software at a previous job.

I've used a variety, but my parents' stuff is in HR Block and I'm not trying to move it until they sell the house (and that year I'm not doing their taxes). So it becomes easier just to use the same software.

lexde · « **Reply #12 on:** January 18, 2020, 01:07:48 PM »

FreeTaxUSA.com

Hands down the best. Use it every year.

Duchess of Stratosphear · « **Reply #13 on:** January 20, 2020, 07:28:55 AM »

I've used FreeTaxUSA for years too. Glad to hear so many others like it as well.

JSMustachian · « **Reply #14 on:** January 21, 2020, 12:02:56 PM »

I've been using Free Tax USA for a few years now and really like it. I left Turbo Tax when they tried to charge me to file traditional IRA deductions.

JLee · « **Reply #15 on:** January 21, 2020, 01:17:25 PM »

I've also used FreeTaxUSA for several years now.

EvenSteven · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2020, 01:35:05 PM »

Lots of taxfreeusa users here. I see that they charge ~13 bucks for state taxes. Is that correct?

Has any taxfreeusa user also tried Credit Karma and found that the $13 is worth the price?

dhc · « **Reply #17 on:** January 21, 2020, 09:58:47 PM »

Quote from: EvenSteven on January 21, 2020, 01:35:05 PM

Lots of taxfreeusa users here. I see that they charge ~13 bucks for state taxes. Is that correct?

Has any taxfreeusa user also tried Credit Karma and found that the $13 is worth the price?

Tried it either last year or the previous one, but it didn't include a bunch of the forms I needed. I used to do the federal on freetaxusa and my state one by hand (my state has an e-file system with fillable PDFs that's super painful to use but costs nothing). Finally last year I decided the $10 (with coupon code) was worth not spending an hour transferring every line. Looks like they got me at last!

Dave1442397 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 22, 2020, 05:52:06 AM »

I just tried FreeTaxUSA after reading about it here.

To get started, it asked for a PDF of last year's tax return. It scanned the PDF and extracted all the information it needed to set me up and get going.

It was was easy to use, and has everything I need (nothing complicated here - W2s, 1098, 1099s). It's a lot cheaper than TurboTax, which I've been using since the '90s.

Roots&Wings · « **Reply #19 on:** January 22, 2020, 11:17:48 AM »

Quote from: terran on January 18, 2020, 07:44:27 AM

Quote from: secondcor521 on January 17, 2020, 10:04:08 PM
I like Free Fillable Forms. I'm pretty sure you don't have to enter any of the ancillary info from 1099s. It basically let's you type numbers directly on the various forms and schedules. It'll do basic math and carryovers, and you can e-file with it, but it doesn't do any interview style stuff. And it's free. It may not be open yet for this year; I think it opens mid- to late-January.

+1

Opens January 27th: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-fillable-forms/free-file-fillable-forms-is-closed

+3

You just leave fields that aren't relevant blank. It's easy and free. If you need a more obscure form or schedule, it may not work though.

moneypitfeeder · « **Reply #20 on:** January 25, 2020, 03:18:11 PM »

Another for FreeTaxUSA, we used TurboTax for years, but the fees for state and a having a home business were getting ridiculous. In our circumstance, taking the standard deduction is our best option, we always enter all the info and try for itemizing, but we just don't have enough qualifiers to matter. We were paying $50+ w/ TT, and with FreeTax @ $13 was a huge savings. Some of the other free or low cost options don't cover home business criteria.

markpst · « **Reply #21 on:** January 27, 2020, 10:21:16 AM »

I also use Freetaxusa. I've used it happily for 5 years or so. I do not pay for the state return. I let the software do it's thing, then go enter my Ohio information online directly with the state. It only takes me a few minutes to do so, and I have the total on Freetaxusa to cross check against to make sure I didn't mess anything up.

GreenToTheCore · « **Reply #22 on:** January 27, 2020, 02:01:47 PM »

A perk of volunteering with the VITA program: you get to submit your taxes for free and get them looked over by folks who think taxes are fun.

TheContinentalOp · « **Reply #23 on:** January 27, 2020, 02:19:18 PM »

I calculate my taxes myself and file through the mail. Cost: 1st class postage.

terran · « **Reply #24 on:** January 27, 2020, 03:52:38 PM »

Quote from: terran on January 18, 2020, 07:44:27 AM

Quote from: secondcor521 on January 17, 2020, 10:04:08 PM
I like Free Fillable Forms. I'm pretty sure you don't have to enter any of the ancillary info from 1099s. It basically let's you type numbers directly on the various forms and schedules. It'll do basic math and carryovers, and you can e-file with it, but it doesn't do any interview style stuff. And it's free. It may not be open yet for this year; I think it opens mid- to late-January.

+1

Opens January 27th: https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-fillable-forms/free-file-fillable-forms-is-closed

New URL now that it's open: https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/before-starting-free-file-fillable-forms

robartsd · « **Reply #25 on:** January 27, 2020, 04:35:56 PM »

Another FreeTaxUSA.com user here. I've been filing state returns using our state's free system. Anyone have experience with OnLine Taxes (olt.com)? They indicate free federal and state returns for anyone with AGI between 14k and 69k.

friedmmj · « **Reply #26 on:** January 27, 2020, 07:18:19 PM »

Credit Karma tax is pretty good.

Joel · « **Reply #27 on:** January 27, 2020, 10:29:30 PM »

I’ve used freetaxusa for several years and then filed my California return manually. California sucks though and their free online filing refuses to acknowledge HSAs, this requiring you to submit a paper form to adjust your federal AGI by HSA contributions. I have been doing that for years when last year, California decided to completely make up different numbers than what I had wrote on the form and decided I owed them over $1k when I was due a small refund. It took me multiple phone calls spread out over several weeks and was a complete headache. I’m now considering just paying the $12 to have freetaxusa file my state tax return. I’m also considering credit karma tax. Haven’t decided yet, still waiting on one of the forms I need from... you guessed it, the state of California.

terran · « **Reply #28 on:** January 27, 2020, 10:57:41 PM »

Quote from: Joel on January 27, 2020, 10:29:30 PM

I’ve used freetaxusa for several years and then filed my California return manually. California sucks though and their free online filing refuses to acknowledge HSAs, this requiring you to submit a paper form to adjust your federal AGI by HSA contributions. I have been doing that for years when last year, California decided to completely make up different numbers than what I had wrote on the form and decided I owed them over $1k when I was due a small refund. It took me multiple phone calls spread out over several weeks and was a complete headache. I’m now considering just paying the $12 to have freetaxusa file my state tax return. I’m also considering credit karma tax. Haven’t decided yet, still waiting on one of the forms I need from... you guessed it, the state of California.

I thought CA didn't recognize HSAs period? Meaning you shouldn't be adjusting your Federal AGI and you have to pay tax on the earnings inside the HSA just like if it was a regular taxable account.

Joel · « **Reply #29 on:** January 27, 2020, 11:10:06 PM »

Quote from: terran on January 27, 2020, 10:57:41 PM

Quote from: Joel on January 27, 2020, 10:29:30 PM
I’ve used freetaxusa for several years and then filed my California return manually. California sucks though and their free online filing refuses to acknowledge HSAs, this requiring you to submit a paper form to adjust your federal AGI by HSA contributions. I have been doing that for years when last year, California decided to completely make up different numbers than what I had wrote on the form and decided I owed them over $1k when I was due a small refund. It took me multiple phone calls spread out over several weeks and was a complete headache. I’m now considering just paying the $12 to have freetaxusa file my state tax return. I’m also considering credit karma tax. Haven’t decided yet, still waiting on one of the forms I need from... you guessed it, the state of California.

I thought CA didn't recognize HSAs period? Meaning you shouldn't be adjusting your Federal AGI and you have to pay tax on the earnings inside the HSA just like if it was a regular taxable account.

That’s partially correct. California does not recognize them at all, but because they contributions impact you federal AGI and that is the starting point for the state return, you have to add them back as adjustments.

Lucky13 · « **Reply #30 on:** January 28, 2020, 01:59:47 PM »

I'm using TurboTax because that's what my CPA was using when I decided to do my taxes myself. It gave me confidence knowing I was using that the Pros use, although it might have been a bit more expensive. I'd suggest trying them out and seeing which you prefer and find easier to use.

Just Joe · « **Reply #31 on:** January 31, 2020, 06:44:04 AM »

Tax Act wants $50 just to file a 1099-MISC. The 1099 was only for $600. Apparently that is considered a small business?

Looking for tax software alternatives... Will check other titles mentioned here.

terran · « **Reply #32 on:** January 31, 2020, 09:14:44 AM »

Quote from: Just Joe on January 31, 2020, 06:44:04 AM

Tax Act wants $50 just to file a 1099-MISC. The 1099 was only for $600. Apparently that is considered a small business?

Yes, it is. You need to file schedule C and Schedule SE (also maybe form 8995 for the qualified business income deduction).

robartsd · « **Reply #33 on:** January 31, 2020, 09:31:00 AM »

Quote from: terran on January 31, 2020, 09:14:44 AM

Quote from: Just Joe on January 31, 2020, 06:44:04 AM
Tax Act wants $50 just to file a 1099-MISC. The 1099 was only for $600. Apparently that is considered a small business?

Yes, it is. You need to file schedule C and Schedule SE (also maybe form 8995 for the qualified business income deduction).

Income on a 1099-MISC is not necessarily a small business, it could also be hobby income (depends mostly on your reason for engaging in the activity that earned the income). QBI deduction and the opportunity to deduct other expenses incurred in order to engage in the activity may make it more advantageous to claim it as a small business. Hobby income is easier to report - just report the amount received as "other income" (line 8 of schedule 1).

Just Joe · « **Reply #34 on:** January 31, 2020, 10:44:55 AM »

Thank you. I'll look into that this evening. No real expenses related to this income. Just using an existing family computer.

conpewter · « **Reply #35 on:** January 31, 2020, 10:53:29 AM »

Another FreeTaxUSA user here
I used turbotax for years, but with their lobbying to keep taxes complicated, I couldn't support them anymore
I tried credit karma and 1040.com and I found FreeTaxUSA easier to use and navigate around.
I do pay for the state filing

boridi · « **Reply #36 on:** January 31, 2020, 03:27:07 PM »

Free File Fillable Forms

Just Joe · « **Reply #37 on:** January 31, 2020, 08:45:36 PM »

I guess I'm done with Tax Act. Feeling betrayed by an old work mate as I've used them several years in a row.

Started out as a free tax filing, then they added state taxes filing fees (our state has no income tax), then small business tax upgrade fees, and then refund transfer fees - and the total fees approached $150. All because DW made $600 on the side.

What's better is they say that the total fees won't be apparent until I give them my credit card number.

Big nope.

Will be trying Free Tax USA. Hope they are careful with our privacy.

Sibley · « **Reply #38 on:** February 01, 2020, 06:48:27 PM »

Well, if anyone else is using HR Block, have fun. Am starting mine. They have dumbed down the inputs to such an extent that it's actually quite difficult to properly input all the HSA related forms. I'm not positive I've got it right, so might duel entry into something else just to check.

secondcor521 · « **Reply #39 on:** February 01, 2020, 07:22:49 PM »

Quote from: Sibley on February 01, 2020, 06:48:27 PM

Well, if anyone else is using HR Block, have fun. Am starting mine. They have dumbed down the inputs to such an extent that it's actually quite difficult to properly input all the HSA related forms. I'm not positive I've got it right, so might duel entry into something else just to check.

I suggest pistols at Weehawken at dawn.

Sibley · « **Reply #40 on:** February 02, 2020, 03:08:08 PM »

Quote from: secondcor521 on February 01, 2020, 07:22:49 PM

Quote from: Sibley on February 01, 2020, 06:48:27 PM
Well, if anyone else is using HR Block, have fun. Am starting mine. They have dumbed down the inputs to such an extent that it's actually quite difficult to properly input all the HSA related forms. I'm not positive I've got it right, so might duel entry into something else just to check.

I suggest pistols at Weehawken at dawn.

Haha.

No, I'm reserving the pistols for my payroll department at work. Discovered that they screwed up my withholdings (new payroll system in 2019) and now I owe a penalty. I'm pissed.

nawhite · « **Reply #41 on:** February 03, 2020, 10:51:47 PM »

Free tax USA messed up badly the year I sold my house. They didn't consider the primary residence exemption on the sale and thus we're useless. When I contacted support, they said "yeah, looks like a bug. Good luck with that!" So I went to Credit Karma. They are fine but you kinda need to know what you're doing if things are even the slightest but complicated. Their "click here for more info about this line" are basically useless imo.

JLee · « **Reply #42 on:** February 04, 2020, 09:11:39 AM »

Quote from: nawhite on February 03, 2020, 10:51:47 PM

Free tax USA messed up badly the year I sold my house. They didn't consider the primary residence exemption on the sale and thus we're useless. When I contacted support, they said "yeah, looks like a bug. Good luck with that!" So I went to Credit Karma. They are fine but you kinda need to know what you're doing if things are even the slightest but complicated. Their "click here for more info about this line" are basically useless imo.

When was that? I sold a house with the primary residence exemption in 2018 and it was fine.

elysianfields · « **Reply #43 on:** February 05, 2020, 06:25:54 AM »

Another vote for FFFF (Free File Fillable Forms), which I use for both Fed & State.

MsPeacock · « **Reply #44 on:** February 06, 2020, 01:58:34 PM »

I've been using Turbo Tax for many years now. I really like it because I need some hand holding in terms of the complicated stuff on my return, but not as much hand holding as a CPA or tax person would provide. The few times I had more complicated situations (e.g. the year I got divorced) I paid a CPA to help me out and then did preceding years myself. I also like the continuity of using the same program each year and that there is included assistance that you can call in for.

Dee18 · « **Reply #45 on:** February 06, 2020, 02:55:48 PM »

Another vote for free fillable forms, federal and state. I find it quicker than having to go through one of the providers like TaxAct or Turbo Tax.

DeniseNJ · « **Reply #46 on:** February 06, 2020, 03:32:29 PM »

I try a few sites and go with the one where I get the most money back (or owe the least).

Yes, it should be the same but it usually isn't. User error I'm sure but nevertheless.

Xlar · « **Reply #47 on:** February 07, 2020, 08:18:55 AM »

Quote from: Sibley on February 01, 2020, 06:48:27 PM

Well, if anyone else is using HR Block, have fun. Am starting mine. They have dumbed down the inputs to such an extent that it's actually quite difficult to properly input all the HSA related forms. I'm not positive I've got it right, so might duel entry into something else just to check.

I also have been using HR Block. I had already paid for it this year but based on reading this post decided that I would also use Free Tax USA. I have to say, Free Tax USA was easier to use and was more transparent and correct. For example HR doesn't understand having both a 403b and a 457 at the same time but Free Tax USA had no issues.

phildonnia · « **Reply #48 on:** February 07, 2020, 02:20:48 PM »

I've been using FFFF for a few years, because the free places either never have the specific forms I need, or wait until I've spent an hour entering information to tell me that I need to pay for that.

But after seeing so many good FreeTaxUSA recommendations here, I tried it out. It had all the weird forms I needed, and asked all the right questions. I'm impressed.

Once my Federal Tax is done, I can usually copy everything to my State by hand without any trouble.

sixwings · « **Reply #49 on:** February 08, 2020, 10:34:55 AM »

Quote from: use2betrix on January 17, 2020, 07:15:10 PM

I’ve been using TurboTax for around 15 years with no issue. Not “free” but pretty dang cheap and good for people that don’t have very complicated filings.

Me too, sure it's like $20-40 to file but it's so easy it's worth it IMO

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Author Topic: What's your preferred federal income tax filing vendor? (Read 5976 times)