ACOT Message Board

Federal taxes are filed and hopefully my paltry refund will be in my account in a couple of weeks.   Lord knows we need it.  If you're interested, I highly recommend www.taxactonline.com   This is the 3rd year I've used them.   Their free option includes free e-file of your federal return, and even includes options for things like rental or business income, etc, or itemizing deductions.  I don't need any of that stuff, but still!   You have to put up with them asking 10 times if you're sure you don't want the Deluxe version, but that's no big deal.   Plus, there's nothing to download.I sound like a commercial for them, don't I?   Anyway, why pay someone to do it or spend money on software when you can do it yourself for free?

Too bad it is only for Americans. Just like Target.............and certain flavours of Hershey Kisses at Christmas. ***sigh***Sounds good though!

Taxslayer.com is also a great one with no DL...(free for military)I second the "why pay someone to do it or spend money on software"

Love TaxAct!Can't do ours yet.  Freakin' mortgage company hasn't sent year end info yet.  Losers.

I've used Turbotax.com for years.  Are you sure this free one is as good?  Why is it free?  (I worry when someone does something for free......makes me wonder....ya know what I mean?)I can't finish mine until I get DH's W2's............probably in February, considering how things go around here......

Grrrr...we're still waiting for a couple of W2s! We need ours too!

Kathy, it's free -- unless you need the deluxe edition.  We've used it the last 3 or 4 years and have had no problems and always get our refund before 2-15.

I've used TurboTax for years too.  I don't mind paying a bit when I get my money back in like 5 days...it's awesome lol  Still waiting on our w2's too...sucks!

I use taxact also. 

Once you start entering your info, are you locked into filing it through them? 

We've used turbotax for years now. I'm curious about the free one. Will have to mention it to dh. 

You're on the ball!  We still don't have our W2s.

Overachiever.  I'm still waiting for tax forms in the mail.

If you go to www.irs.gov they will list for you all the free sites for e-filing.  I figure if it's listed on the official irs site, it has to be legit!!!

Even better is a dad that works for H&R block...that's free and I get a quick refund.Jenna

I'm with Janshotgun --- start at the www.irs.gov website. There are many tax preparers that have free programs if you qualify and the irs.gov website tells you what you need to qualify at each site. (Usually an income threshold.) I've been able to file free since at least 2002 because I don't make much. Some years I've used TaxAct and some years TurboTaxFree depending on my income. I like that if you use the same place more than once, they already have some of your info and you don't have to enter it again.  Way to be on the ball Moods! I have to see if school has my education info online...if they do then I'm good to go and will file this week.

I think you deserve royalties for plugging them, frankly.

Marcy, no you are not forced to use them.  You also have the choice to print your return, and you can file it  via mail that way, or you can just file electronically.  Kathy, as to why it's free for the basic version, I guess they hope people will spring for the $10 to upgrade to the deluxe version.   I don't need deluxe, so I click through the pitches and continue on my merry way!I agree that irs.gov is a good place to start, but keep in mind that the irs partners with certain organizations/companies to provide free e-file on an income-level basis.   TaxAct allows free e-file regardless of income.I like that they tell you exactly what to put where.  It's very convenient and it allows you to run several checks and alerts you when something seems off. 

Marcy and Kathy, one more thing......Pennsylvania  allows free e-file of state taxes through its own website, so there is no reason to have Taxact do your state taxes!

WTG!