Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

who_tf_is_dis_guy t1_j619efq wrote

This is good advice for those with simple tax situations.

However, for those with investments, stocks, retirement accounts, etc.: From my personal experience, going to a licensed tax professional has resulted in more favorable tax returns in comparison to when I was doing my own taxes with free tax software.

Just some food for thought.

61

CN2498T OP t1_j619iiu wrote

For sure, i clarified in the description.

3

who_tf_is_dis_guy t1_j61ay57 wrote

100%, I agree with the premise of your LPT. Stay away from the big box names.

Visit IRS.gov (For US taxes, obviously) for truly free tax solutions for simple tax returns. If you have a complex tax situation, then maybe look into finding a reputable independent CPA, but stay away from the big box names. They just sell your info to everyone.

2

nicksgirl88 t1_j63jad8 wrote

Not true. My husband and I have all of the above. Plus there's been years when we've had multiple jobs in different states. Last year we even had the solar panel credit. Plus our hsa is on the side (not directly out of our paycheck at the source) and we also have a dependent care fsa. We've been doing our taxes by hand every year for 5 years now. It requires a little more thinking and rechecking the work but fairly straightforward. We've never had an issue with our return.

0

AlmostDeadPlants t1_j63ozwh wrote

Not having an issue isn’t the same as getting all the money you could get

3

nicksgirl88 t1_j63pls2 wrote

I'm not sure what you mean by that. The info from the forms that we get from our investments go into specific irs forms. We take standard deduction since we don't have enough things to itemize and get more (we have looked into it). I'm sure for people who have their own business or donate loads, it is very different from our situation. But I would be grateful to you if you're able to tell me how to get more money back from the irs when you have investment accounts with fidelity or vanguard and employer sponsored retirement accounts that adjust at the source.

1

AlmostDeadPlants t1_j63rvh8 wrote

I was just explaining the comment above! They suggested that their return has been more favorable since using a tax professional

2