Free Tax Return software downloads?

ChicagoBlue2

ChicagoBlue2

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Inspired by the W2 thread, I looked for possible free tax return software downloads, but wasn't sure which to trust. Can you give me some advice on which is the best? I know some of you said Turbo Tax is the best, but that's not free to download on the laptop, though-- I actually have to buy it at the store, and with a Winter Storm Watch in effect, time is essential.

Now, I didn't have a job last year, but if I ever find one and earn enough to have to file taxes, I want to be ready, cause I am getting sick and tired of relying on others to do my taxes, and I reckon it's time for me to learn to how to do my own taxes for once. Any feedback would be great, and any links you may have would be acceptable, too. I will try and look into each link, but I have things that need to get done today, and I only have several hours to do it. Thankfully, today's bills have already been taken care of, so those are good.

Have a nice day, everyone, and keep warm!! :D
 
It doesnt matter if you had a job or not. you should be filing yearly. Also they have online taxes and I think its ideal for those who dont have anything complex to add. just input your income and name and voila. (well not THAT simple or need to add but close) .
personally I dont trust online to do my taxes. I dont mind sending the taxes via electronically secure connection, but not filling out online. I prefer CD version as I rather to do things on pc as doing my taxes is not simple. So many forms to add.

FYI -- if anyone in your family/friends you trust ALREADY does taxes via turbotax CD, you can do up to 5 people and file. Most people do thier own. Online Each person must have thier own account but you can pay at the end when you are ready to file.

Now - I done HR and turbo long ago, but I stuck with turbo for years and havent thought about switching since there has been NO hiccups for me. Its up to you to pick which you prefer but once you pick- it ideal to stick with same brand however You can now switch brands as they can read each other last year tax files.
 
Turbotax is free online and you can download it from there. Turbotax guides you through the steps, asking you questions necessary to fill out the forms. I've been doing it for years.

The only time it is not free is if you own a house or self-employed.

And I heard that the state part isn't free. Florida doesn't have state tax so I don't have to do state.

Illinois has circuit breaker that you can do yearly to get more back. I've done that years ago when I was living there. Got about $300 back usually. (this was 20 years ago) Unfortunately Florida doesn't have CB.
 
TurboTax doesn't even require software to download, you can do it all from your browser.
 
A Nihilist said:
TurboTax doesn't even require software to download, you can do it all from your browser.
Click to expand...

Yeah that's what I was thinking but wasn't sure. Last year my friend downloaded it but I can see you can do it from their site.
 
Oh yeah-- must include free state returns. Turbo Tax isn't an option. They charge for state returns, and I'd rather not use that. And I haven't yet gotten my SSA 1099 form, either. Should be getting that within the next few weeks.
 
Look up taxact.com and I think you will be happy.....
 
Just as I suspected. Perfect.


Mark

I am not a True Chicagoan; however, I am an IL boy, born and raised.
 
ChicagoBlue2 said:
Oh yeah-- must include free state returns. Turbo Tax isn't an option. They charge for state returns, and I'd rather not use that. And I haven't yet gotten my SSA 1099 form, either. Should be getting that within the next few weeks.
Click to expand...

filing a state tax return directly from state website is free.
 
It's on a new website AllDeaf is connected to--TapaTalk. It's really interesting. Lots of good stuff here.


Mark

I am not a True Chicagoan; however, I am an IL boy, born and raised.
 
radioman said:
It doesnt matter if you had a job or not. you should be filing yearly. Also they have online taxes and I think its ideal for those who dont have anything complex to add. just input your income and name and voila. (well not THAT simple or need to add but close) .
personally I dont trust online to do my taxes. I dont mind sending the taxes via electronically secure connection, but not filling out online. I prefer CD version as I rather to do things on pc as doing my taxes is not simple. So many forms to add.

FYI -- if anyone in your family/friends you trust ALREADY does taxes via turbotax CD, you can do up to 5 people and file. Most people do thier own. Online Each person must have thier own account but you can pay at the end when you are ready to file.

Now - I done HR and turbo long ago, but I stuck with turbo for years and havent thought about switching since there has been NO hiccups for me. Its up to you to pick which you prefer but once you pick- it ideal to stick with same brand however You can now switch brands as they can read each other last year tax files.
Click to expand...

It isn't required to file if you have no income from work or other sources.

Do You Need to File a Federal Income Tax Return?
 
TaxAct or TurboTax are the best bets as mentioned above.

Foxrac is right- if your income is below a certain level you don't have to file. There was a period where I didn't file for two years because I had no income- only stocks and that wasn't even enough to justify filing (thanks to stock market tanking...). My parents' long time CPA who handles their taxes (and now mine) told me this.
 
Yeah, taxact has not been around that long and already, they have clientele in the millions.....check 'em out.
 
Never heard of Taxact...hmm. I've been using Turbotax so I'm not sure if I should try them. They definitely are cheaper than TurboTax. Do they guide you through the forms like TurboTax?
 
MangaReader said:
Never heard of Taxact...hmm. I've been using Turbotax so I'm not sure if I should try them. They definitely are cheaper than TurboTax. Do they guide you through the forms like TurboTax?
Click to expand...


Yes, they sure do......like Turbotax which I used for years....peruse their site and see for yourself what all they offer....
 
So far I see that there's free phone support for Taxact but TurboTax has free live chat help which is perfect for deaf people. I had to use live chat help last year which was helpful. Gonna need help again this year. Phone support isn't good for me because then I'd need to use relay which I hate using.
 
MangaReader said:
So far I see that there's free phone support for Taxact but TurboTax has free live chat help which is perfect for deaf people. I had to use live chat help last year which was helpful. Gonna need help again this year. Phone support isn't good for me because then I'd need to use relay which I hate using.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure but I think tax act uses email for this....they also will keep your return on file for X number of years for a reasonable fee and you may go to it, open it up, etc.....then the following years' filings take up where the prior year leaves off, etc
 
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