It's that time again! Time to file our taxes and get some major cash back! CHA-CHING!
Who's excited?
So where do you go?
Every place says they are the cheapest out there, cheaper than their competitors, but who is telling the truth? I've been using Turbo Tax since I started doing my taxes and lately all I've been seeing is commercials for new tax places. I decided to investigate for myself and everyone else who likes to save money.
There are so many options that you can use to conveniently and quickly file your taxes, even from your phone. Here are a few tax service sites to consider as you start to receive your W-2's. Most tax preparing sites offer free programs for 1040EZ and 1040A filers. I included a link to the fee breakdown for each of the most popular places. Consider this your one-stop-shop to file your taxes.
Turbo Tax
Turbo Tax has options for everyone, from business owners to single adults like myself. They have very affordable prices and offer an Absolute Zero program to file both Federal and State for free! (You have to do the basic plan, and somehow I have the Deluxe plan.) And depending on the package you choose, you can get advice from real people via video chat, text chat, or a bot who gives you answers to commonly asked questions. It is by far the simplest way to file your taxes and I have used Turbo Tax every year and haven't had any problems. But now that I researched the competition, I am making a switch this year!
Tax Act
While researching their website, I have noticed their prices were predominately lower than Turbo Tax. You can also get free e-filing (1040EZ or 1040A), or add your state return for only $25 if you don't file the 1040 form. The site is super user friendly, but not completely free.
H&R Block
Okay, so now I am completely excited! H&R Block has sold me with their completely free filing of 1040, 1040EZ, and 1040A forms. And if that didn't give you goosebumps, they also offer you money upfront. NO MORE WAITING FOR YOUR REFUND! They basically give you an advance of your refund! You can get up to $1250 when you go to a store to file your taxes. Don't walk, RUN! I'm switching over to H&R Block, so long Turbo Tax!
Credit Karma
If you have ever used the app for the simplicity of checking your credit score, you know just how smooth their interface is. Now imagine doing your taxes with the same silky consistency! This is a great option for those who are familiar with their user-friendly design.
I have written to Credit Karma for confirmation on the date the service will go live to the public, and the response seemed a little off. See for yourself:
They seem to be living in the past, which doesn't make me want to give them complete control of my tax situation. When will they get my refund? It does state on their site that they believe everyone should be able to file their taxes for free, so let's see if that lasts.
Liberty Tax
Their price chart is pretty standard and the cost is between $14.95-$69.95, depending on your needs. They don't mention anywhere about free filing or beating their competitors, so I'm crossing Liberty Tax off my list.
Now you are well informed of the best options for cheap filing, you don't have to sweat anymore.
All that's left is to decide what outrageous purchase you are going to make soon. Don't forget to check your refund status after you file.
