And - added to the situation where you're finding the job somewhat "taxing", I gather from the other post.

Sorry for the extra burden.

I need to contact the tax office to plan for the upgrading session, as I expect to be filling out tax returns for low-income folks at the church again, this winter.

ole joyfuelled

Already made my appointment to get them prepared.

I'm going to be brave and try TaxAct.com this year. My girlfriend has done it for years and tells me it's easy, esp. since I file short form, no personal deductions, ect. I've always paid someone to do it, but they raised their rates again last year which means I pay $65 for them to do my simple tax form. I'm just worried I won't catch any new tax rules or deductions I'm entitled to like the tax business finds.

Apparently the Federal Tax is free with TaxAct but you have to pay for the State. My friend says she pays the $14.99 fee that includes both.

I'm using tax act too. Just did it but have to figure one deduction first...the one for having exchange students. I don't know where to add that. Have to work tomorrow so it will have to wait for a couple days.

Been using Turbo Tax Pro for years.
Also do electronic filing.
Having seen the quality of the seasonal workers who data enter paper returns...I rather do it myself.

I have been using TaxAct for several years. I really like it and you can't beat the price.

Even if you have your return prepared by "professionals" (of the seasonal-employment kind) ...

... I recommend getting a copy of the return and instructions and checking through it, to find whether there may be some deductions available that you've not been aware of.

Or, if your preparer is a professional, make a date with her/him to meet at a later time in the year (maybe un-busy summer) to discuss some ways that you might alter your system somewhat in order to reduce your tax load.

What's the difference between "tax-avoidance" and "tax-evasion", I asked the ROMEO (Retired Old Men Eating Out) coffee hour group at church in tax season last year, and one guy answered, "... about 2 years" (in the pen) and another "a couple of thousand" (fine).

You've heard me say, "Learning how money works - an interesting hobby ... that pays well".

Same for learning how the tax system works (slanted toward helping the wealthy).

ole joyfuelled