I have used TurboTax every year to eFile our taxes since 2001. The first couple years we qualified to use the free version. As our taxes became more complex we have had to buy a more advanced version. Even though we now have to buy a premium version, I consider it worth every penny and it is still much less than taking it to a tax preparation specialist.
I started using TurboTax to do my taxes because I saw the TurboTax Online Free Edition and thought “what do I have to lose, if I don’t like it I will head out to the library to pick up all the forms and do it by hand”. I’ve stuck with TurboTax for several reasons. My tax returns were bigger because the program made suggestions for deductions that I didn’t realize we qualified for. I input all the details and they do all of the calculations – no more adding and re-adding, and checking again, and checking one more time for good measure. Their calculations have always been accurate. And they are up to date with the latest tax laws to help ensure my taxes are done right.
Filing my taxes electronically also means I get my refund back faster. Since I view much of our taxes as an interest-free loan to the government I am happy to get my money back as soon as possible, so I can put it in my account and start earning a little interest on it.
My two oldest kids will be able to use the free version to do their taxes this year. Even though I don’t qualify for the free version anymore, I buy my TurboTax online because I can buy the federal taxes edition without the state tax edition which I don’t need because I live in Nevada. Why our local stores don’t carry the Federal only version is a question I have pondered every year, but I don’t mind buying it online because it means I save money and I don’t have extra packaging to contribute to the local landfill.
Go here to try out TurboTax. You may qualify to eFile your taxes for free!
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