Comments:

Pam L - 2007-02-16 10:33:33
I used to do our taxes even when we started the business as sole proprietor, but when we incorporated I decided not to risk it. Things change each year tax law wise and mistakes can be costly. So, we pay a tax accountant $500-600 to do our business and personal taxes, but he is SO worth it. He thinks of things I would never think of and is up on the latest deductions and has saved us thousands. My son,who is only 20 and does the short form as he does not own any real estate or have much in schedule A type stuff, also tried 2 online services and also came up with two different figures. I asked him to let me see his before he files because the IRS does not care who made the mistake and you don't want to get on their red flag list. I have horror stories from others about that. Personally, I think it's well worth it to pay someone if you think you may be missing something you need to know.
-------------------------------
greenwitch - 2007-02-16 10:54:18
You sound like me last year. I ended up taking a friend's suggestion and getting turbo tax deluxe. It is very simple to use and addresses lost of those funny little deductions we all want to get. It is worth a try. You can buy it as an online download and then update it each year with the latest tax law info. Mine does state and fed returns. I would go crazy being unable to go anywhere or do much. My heart goes out to you.
-------------------------------
Jeanette - 2007-02-16 11:19:33
I have been using Taxslayer every year and I love it. Its $9.95 to file federal and the state is free. Of course, we don't have really complicated taxes, (business deductions, etc..) but we never have any problems from the "Eternal" Revenue Service, and always get our refunds without hassel.
-------------------------------
Bex - 2007-02-16 11:52:50
Even though you sound bored at home, I am happy you are there. You need the rest and respite from the pressure and stress right now. You need to go "within" and do some relaxation techniques, and there's just not enough time in a working week to do those things. I hope you will pamper yourself, relax, meditate, and maybe your body will start to respond positively from it. Let's hope so! You deserve a break.
-------------------------------
Stefani - 2007-02-16 12:12:21
I've used TurboTax for years without problem, um, that I know of . . . :-) Might be worth paying someone to do it though, buys a lot of confidence.
-------------------------------
Jim - 2007-02-16 17:38:00
I've used TurboTax for probably twelve years now and it is quite good. Unfortunately, it will not look through your filing cabinets and desk drawers to gather up all the data you will need but it will ask you questions that will lead you to the kinds of data you will need. It will ask you about the various amounts you have paid in tuition and then related questions to determine the most tax-refune-efficient way to claim that tuition. Get the state and federal versions and it will move all of the numbers from the federal return over to the state return. When you finish, you can print the forms to mail in or you can file online but (much to my annoyance) you have to pay a fee for that (unless you happen to qualify for the government's "Free File" program -- but I think you have to be over 80 with six dependents and an income under $10k to qualify for that). (And, once you start using it, the next year it will extract all of the name, social security number, address, etc. information from the previous year's files.)
-------------------------------
Stephanie - 2007-02-16 19:58:48
Hmmm, TurboTax is one of the programs I used, but I STILL can't figure out the Hope Credit vs. The Lifetime Learning Credit. Pout.
-------------------------------
Denver doug - 2007-02-17 00:41:49
Took me the longest time as I aged and became more decrepit to learn to pace myself realistically. Staying active enough to stay alive doesn't mean overdoing. I sympathize with you on the driving bit, we are so darn far from every place we need to go that walking is not an option, and buses don't go where we need to go.
-------------------------------
LisaL - 2007-02-17 08:18:22
I just learned about those tax credits at the financial aid seminar I went to, and yes, they do seem confusing. Might be worth paying an accountant just for your peace of mind--but this is coming from an extreme math-phobic person! I'm glad your doctor insisted on you not working because of your pain, but an enforced "vacation" isn't much fun, I'm sure. Any hobbies you've always wanted to try?
-------------------------------

add your comment:

your name:
your email:
your url:

back to the entry - Diaryland