Any thing to be leary of using a "free" online tax service?

[nsl]

I've always done a Federal 1040EZ myself and sent it in the mail, but am exploring online options like Turbotax, etc as long as they are free.
Anyway, are these places reliable, and do they send you a copy for your records?
What about sending a copy of the W2?
How does that work?

 

[THE PILGRIM]

A while back, I tried free TurboTax.
After a while they told me not free for you Bucko!
I guess what I’m saying is it’s only free for very simple returns and the limits before they want to charge you aren’t always clearly defined and stated.
I realize that the concept of folks trying to con you on the internet is a new one?
Doorbell! Probably my money from Nigeria!
So I download TurboTax and slog through it.
So maybe try these ‘nice’ folks.
At least it’s a name I recognize.

Free File: Do Your Federal Taxes for Free | Internal Revenue Service

 

[hoosierone]

I've used OnLine.com taxes for several years. No problems.

 

[Salty RI]

The bank we do business with has a online service for free, I have never used it also our senior center has people that will do it fro free.

Sent from my LGL52VL using Tapatalk

 

[johngalt]

Nothing is free. I would be concerned they are selling your data.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Whatever you pay to have your tax return completed correctly is a pittance compared to the pain in completing it incorrectly . . .

 

[DWalt]

If you have a very simple taxable income stream (such as little or nothing beyond a W-2), why would you want to get away from just using the 1040EZ? Even using the 1040 is simple unless you have some more complicated issues, such as capital gains and losses, rental income, dividends, interest, deductions, partnership income, etc. you don't understand how to handle.

 

[pawngal]

If you have a very simple taxable income stream (such as little or nothing beyond a W-2), why would you want to get away from just using the 1040EZ? Even using the 1040 is simple unless you have some more complicated issues, such as capital gains and losses, rental income, dividends, interest, deductions, partnership income, etc. you don't understand how to handle.

The 1040EZ and 1040A no longer exist. Just the 1040.

 

[hittman77]

Free is worth every penny you pay and is equally as good.

 

[Muss Muggins]

If you haven’t looked at your taxes yet, be ready for an unpleasant surprise. If you live in Missouri, double that. The DOR Director screwed up the withholding table last year, and almost everyone owes the state still . . .

 

[nsl]

Just did both my state and federal by hand, and used H&R Block online (I didn't submit it yet), and they came out the exact same.
H&R Block GTG???

 

[S-W4EVER]

We use H&R Block but in person. Same tax preparer every year too.

 

[pharmer]

I use the $50 Turbotax for last 20 years. We made 5% more money this year, lost an exemption. Imported most everything from last last year. Got a check for $ 265 just yesterday. Last year we owed $2. Well worth the $50. Joe.

 

[old bear]

If you haven't done your 2018 takes yet get ready for a rude surprise. Most refunds will be less than in the past and many will owe additional tax.

For many years I always got a SMALL refund both Federal and State. For 2018, I have to send additional $$ to both the Feds and the stare.

 

[Bozz10mm]

For $29.99 you can order the Turbo Tax Deluxe software from Amazon. That's cheaper than downloading it from the TT website. Plus you get one free Federal E-File. I did my taxes on the computer, e-filed it, and had my refund in 7 days.

That's fine for folks like me that don't have to file state income tax. I think the version with state tax is $10 more.

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I am a tax attorney, so I lean toward paid preparers. Some people can do it correctly. Others are only getting themselves in trouble, but it is a kindler, gentler IRS these days as long as you cough up the tax, penalties and interest. I will say that there is a lot less fraud perpetrated on those who file paper returns.

 

[leswad]

If you haven't done your 2018 takes yet get ready for a rude surprise. Most refunds will be less than in the past and many will owe additional tax.

For many years I always got a SMALL refund both Federal and State. For 2018, I have to send additional $$ to both the Feds and the stare.

On a positive note, the government was not making interest on your money

 

[BigBoy99]

If you haven't done your 2018 takes yet get ready for a rude surprise. Most refunds will be less than in the past and many will owe additional tax.

For many years I always got a SMALL refund both Federal and State. For 2018, I have to send additional $$ to both the Feds and the stare.

You can't please the IRS as last year I didn't have enough $ withheld and I had to pay when I filed my taxes. I then got a fine from the IRS because I didn't have enough money withheld and I had to pay. It's OK if the IRS has your money and gives it back to you but you can't own them!

I had to pay estimated taxes for this past year and now I'm going to be getting a refund this year.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Any dangers? Let's see, we upload everything (full names, social security numbers, addresses, etc) to a free tax service's internet server, a pretty obvious target for hackers and identity thieves.

I prefer to use an experienced tax accountant, IRS registered agent, do business face to face in a professional office. Without exception our guy has saved us more than his fee every year.

 

[S&WOkie]

I have used TurboTax online as long as I can remember. I've never had any problems with my returns or my refunds and I have never had my stuff hacked.