AKICILJ - tax software recommendations

[buddykat]

So it's tax time again... and I need recommendations on which tax software to use. For the past two years, I used TaxCut. Before I buy software for this year, I want to make sure that whatever software I buy will do what I need easily and without me having to jump through lots of hoops to make it work

Comments

[lisa_marli]

I like H&R Block, but then again I'm a bookkeeper and just plow into every where I need to go. But I have noticed that their basic interview was fairly decent and did enough hand holding, question asking and help available to make even my questions (which can be more complex than yours, just cause i can) answerable.
The first state's program is usually free, but you will need to pay for the second state.
Good Luck.

[caitlin]

I would check to see if PA and DE have a reciprocity agreement.

IL and IA do...so that if you live in IA and work in IL, you pay IA taxes. (Ask me how I know this *wry*)

[wrenn]

They don't.

You have to file in the state you rec'd income from (DE) then file PA, telling them what you paid DE in state taxes (and taking it as a credit on your PA tax return). There are a couple of rules about it that can make it hinky, but I don't believe they apply to Stacey.

Question, Stacey? Does CA count unemployment as taxable income at the state level? I know PA doesn't. DE, on the other hand, does.

[wrenn]

Heh. why am I asking? I'll just check.

[caitlin]

I'm not up on PA or DE tax code/law.

The contracting company I worked through for the first 6 months of where I am now filed Illinois taxes, even though I was never actually a resident of Illinois (I found a place to live in Iowa within the first month I was here) This led me to have to file a tax return in California (through June), file for a refund in Illinois (two years running due to the funky way my schedule happened), and then file Iowa taxes.

This year was a relief because it was the first year in three that I'd only had to file ONE state return. And I don't owe money.

C.

[wrenn]

I worked for H & R Block for 5 years. Call me. :-) we'll do dinner.

[esprix]

I've been using TurboTax online for about 5 years and love it.

[vettecat]

sdavido has been very happy with TurboTax.