What is the best way to have my taxes prepared this year?

Are you divorced already? I guess if not maybe you are technically married filing separately. Hmmm. You could look at the tax form (if you haven’t yet) and see if it looks fairly simple to figure out.

I haven’t used Turbo Tax, but it’s supposed to be really good, it basically tells you what to do and calculates everything. I’m sure a jelly here can tell you more about it to help you decide if that would be adequate.

My accountant only charges me $275 for my fairly complicated taxes, so maybe if you ask some friends where you are you can find an accountant for even less, if it will make you feel better to be able to ask some specific questions about your situation.

Remember the first $12k is tax free, I don’t know how much money you made.

Do you receive 1099’s, or all of your income is self reported?

I think you’re overcomplicating this. At the same time, I don’t think that you need to be doing your own taxes since you’re so unsure. Tax preparers don’t come cheap, but are worth the money because they know the IRS rules & how to get you the best deal for what you’ve got to report. I feel safer knowing that someone more knowledgeable than me is doing my return. IF I make a mistake, I’ll miss it when I go back over everything looking for errors. Most tax preparers have a system for checking their work that helps to point out mistakes. Also, most tax preparers will speak with the IRS on your behalf to explain how they did their calculations where you probably wouldn’t remember. You might want to start paying quarterly taxes to help to reduce your tax liability next year. You will most likely be penalized this year for not doing so. I’m not a fan of the computerized DIY tax preps out there, but that is my personal opinion.

Look into Turbo Tax for Free.

My tax preparer uses Turbo Tax or something similar by the way. She outright says to me, “it won’t let me put in that number,” meaning she’s using computer software that prevents her from screwing up.

Moreover, when I used to do my own taxes I twice made errors, and the IRS caught them and sent back a check. However, penalty for not paying quarterly can add up fast, and if you are unsure it might be best to talk to an accountant.

The deadline for 4th quarter taxes might have been Jan 15, and so you are just three days late if you send in a check dated today! It might be worth doing it. I’m not sure, but I think that’s the case. I’m really not 100% sure.

If you can’t do them yourself, H&R BLOCK.
But to avoid IRS penalties, have the IRS send you estimated tax forms (1040-ES/V) so you can make estimated payments quarterly. If they find out you haven’t been doing this, they will penalize you!

If you hire a tax preparer, not only will they get your taxes done properly, they will also calculate your quarterly taxes for the upcoming year and print out the necessary forms showing you how much to pay and when to pay.

Hey Neffie!
I’d take it to a professional. They’ll get you on the right track.

Tax preparer for this year at least.

Thanks folks.

I talked to a buddy that does Tax Prep for senior citizens, said to go find a VITA site, they are IRS-certified volunteers.

If you have a computer Turbo tax really does make it easy. It will ask you all the questions a good accountant/tax preparer will and you will be ready the next time you need to do your taxes. When you are ready to do next year’s tax you just push the button and your info will move over automatically.
Doing it yourself will also give you a good idea of what can be done.