What is the easiest way to file taxes?
Have never done it before. I asked my mom to show me, never happened obviously. My dad is not good with computers so I bet I have to figure it out for the both of us this year.
Yeah, I know. Google. But I want some advice from real people as well.
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11 Answers
Some community centers have classes in doing just that, it might be a good idea to try to find a class or local tutor for that.
It depends on your situation. If you’re just a regular working stiff, just get a W2 and don’t have any special situations, kids, deductions, etc., it’s simple enough for one of the programs like Turbo Tax to do it for you.
I’m with @Blackwater_Park on this one. I used to do my own taxes (the old fashioned way by getting the book at the post office and muddling through it) and if there is nothing special, it is usually easy enough to do a 1040-EZ form, or get Turbo Tax and it will walk you through it. I have found, though, that the computer programs and even some of the walk-in places like H&R Block aren’t really good if you have things like capital losses. Usually if I have odd things I just go to my CPA and let them do it.
Sometimes the Town Hall or the City Hall will have actual tax help where they will sit with you. Yours should be easy if you don’t own anything (like a house) and you have no children, it’s pretty basic.
We have used TurboTax for the last 18 years. It and other online tax programs are free (state taxes have an additional cost) if you only have W-2’s. and have a limited income.
Doing it online and having any refunds sent to a bank as direct deposit is the fastest.
My local library has a person that will help for free.
I have done my own taxes for myself and others since I was 14 and working.
It really depends on the complexities of your situation. Single with no home ownership or complex dividends can be done by yourself through many online organization and in some cases free.
You can always try HR Block or Turbo-Tax online and walk through it. They are menu driven via Q&A of inputing your data. You can go all the way to the end and see if you get to the point you can submit.
Else if a more complex, find a cpa or tax firm.
Is your only income from working for a company that gives you a paycheck and they take out taxes for you and also income from interest you earn from a savings account?
You can use turbo tax or print a 1040 form or possibly pick up a form at your library and hand write it by hand https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040.pdf
Look over the form I linked and see if you can answer everything. Most of the form you probably will be leaving blank if you just make income from payroll and interest.
Some communities have free help as mentioned above.
If your taxes are more complicated you might want to pay someone to do it. My guess is your taxes aren’t complicated.
What state are you in? You might have state and county tax too.
You will receive all of your documents from your company and banks by Jan 31.
I just go with my info, to H&R block. In April. $60—$80 plus taxi their and back.
Here are some straightforward options:
Use Tax Software. Tools like TurboTax, H&R Block, or Cash App Taxes (formerly Credit Karma Tax) guide you through the process step-by-step.
File Online for Free
If your income is below a certain threshold (usually $73,000 or less), you may qualify to use the IRS Free File program.
I used TurboTax. Quick and easy!
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