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If I recall my son used tax act and it was free, just like at irs.gov however they get you on the State filing because that one is never free.
Regarding doing it online...IMHO doing it via snail mail you are just adding one more person(one more person that can steal your ID or make an error) to the mix. I've been doing online banking and online taxes for over ten years with no problem at all. I use turbo tax.

*** Some file your State Tax for FREE & charge for the Federal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJ Quilter (Post 6526989)

Sorry, I'm a dinosaur, here. I still file paper returns. Do very little online anything for the reasons you state. I just get the fed/state tax forms/books and go through them line/line. Doesn't usually take all that long and I don't find it particularly difficult. Might need to find an accountant this year due to some new business activity.

I used Turbo Tax ages ago and was not happy. At the time you answered a series of questions and then it gave you what it thought the appropriate line items you needed to complete. Well, since it didn't ask the questions regarding LLC's or other small businesses, didn't work out too well for me. I did much better on my own with paper/pencil.

But that's just me. Might work for you if you have a relatively uncomplicated tax situation.

Glad to hear there is someone else out there like me. I worked with computers for 30 years and I hate doing taxes on line. Seems like I can get the taxes done on paper faster and more accurately for my circumstances than I can answer all those questions. Since I was a professional tax preparer years ago, I'm OK with waiting for my return the old fashioned way.

Our accountant uses TurboTax, though we don't file electronically. TurboTax fills out the forms, we sign them and mail them in. I know the IRS is trying to encourage more people to file electronically. I assume if you use a tried and true tax program and follow the directions re: e-filing, your data is probably safe from hackers -- the extent anything is these days.

Have used Turbo Tax for years, first I bought them every year and now do the free on line, they are good, ask all kinds of questions so if you feel you have more than basic, they cover it. No free state but we do not have state in FL. Never had a problem of any kind and they let me print and I mail after printing out 2-3 copies. Now we don't have complicated taxes, although if I take out all our medical it might be more complicated, but what I pay in we get back which is not a large amount, and all we have is SS except for the one thing I pay taxes on. Getting ready to file with Turbo tax again, 13-14 year to use them.

I have used FreeTaxUSA for 6 or 7 years. Never had a problem. I use to use TurboTax but they refused to give me the free service even tho my income qualified because I sold a stock.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyan (Post 6526866)

For the free websites go through IRS.GOV there is a link on there, and it is easy to understand what are the requirements for free filing. I have used it for several years, no problems.

Us too. The only way to do it online--in my opinion. Because of complexities with IRA's, 401K's and investments, we now use an accountant. But for many years I did our taxes online through irs.gov, as well as family filings too. It's fine if filing the simplified forms but once there are investments etc. it may be best to contact someone with experience in those filings. Here is a link of interest:
http://www.irs.gov/Tax-Professionals...r-Requirements

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tfch8184 (Post 6527662)

I hate the thought of messing up my taxes using things like turbo tax. I pay h&r block a go jillion dollars to do it for me. With all the extra stuff that is claimed for work and different forms I just can't risk messing up.

Turbo Tax is safe and very easy to use. Most if not all tax professionals will send your tax returns electronically. They use safe , encrypted means to do so. I have been filing electronically for decades.
Sandy

Quote:

Originally Posted by gramma nancy (Post 6530264)

Better hope no one intercepts your paper filing. ALL of your identity is on those forms. You make it easier to have your ID stolen, IMHO.

Unless you mail it registered mail, I would re-think this. The regular US Mail is risky IMHO.

sandy

I love tax act! Have used it for several years and buy the Deluxe and do most of my adult children. It is very thorough and their help team is great. They are so helpful and that is one of the reasons we buy the deluxe.