12 votes

United States: What personal (non-business) tax software/program do you use?

Tax time again!
I like to get this done as soon as possible to get it out of the way. I have all my tax documents at the ready, but several changes happened in my life last year (moved states, sold home, bought home, etc.) and the tax software I've been using over the last several years apparently "doesn't support" several of the tax forms (or even simply some of the boxes on the forms) I have for this year.

Trying to avoid the "Big Two" if possible.

25 comments

  1. [6]
    dreamless_patio
    Link
    I've been using FreeTaxUSA for several years now; I've never had any issues, but my taxes are very simple.

    I've been using FreeTaxUSA for several years now; I've never had any issues, but my taxes are very simple.

    42 votes
    1. [3]
      DynamoSunshirt
      Link Parent
      Less upselling than Intuit's garbage. Faster. Easier. Cheaper. Less scummy feeling and confusing. And they aren't actively lobbying to keep the tax system in the USA as labyrinthine as possible....

      Less upselling than Intuit's garbage.

      Faster.

      Easier.

      Cheaper.

      Less scummy feeling and confusing.

      And they aren't actively lobbying to keep the tax system in the USA as labyrinthine as possible.

      That being said, I have heard that the IRS has its own free tax filing system that should be available to more people this year. I might check that out before I go back to FreeTaxUSA.

      16 votes
      1. [2]
        scarecrw
        Link Parent
        The IRS system was available in my state last year, but it only covered federal taxes, not state. That meant I was going to have to use another service anyways to file state taxes, and it wasn't...

        The IRS system was available in my state last year, but it only covered federal taxes, not state. That meant I was going to have to use another service anyways to file state taxes, and it wasn't worth doing everything twice. I suppose if you're in a state without income tax then it might be worth it, but otherwise I didn't really see the benefit.

        5 votes
        1. DefinitelyNotAFae
          Link Parent
          My state also has a tax filing system fwiw. I haven't used the free version yet, but I bought a house last year. So I'm not sure which I need to do.

          My state also has a tax filing system fwiw. I haven't used the free version yet, but I bought a house last year. So I'm not sure which I need to do.

          2 votes
    2. Weldawadyathink
      Link Parent
      Another happy user here. The name honestly sounds sketchy, but it is definitely legit. I have used it for the past few years. It isn’t as simple as TurboTax, but it is still very polished.

      Another happy user here. The name honestly sounds sketchy, but it is definitely legit. I have used it for the past few years. It isn’t as simple as TurboTax, but it is still very polished.

      7 votes
    3. Minori
      Link Parent
      My family's taxes are slightly complicated (but not itemized), and we also use FreeTaxUSA without any problems!

      My family's taxes are slightly complicated (but not itemized), and we also use FreeTaxUSA without any problems!

      4 votes
  2. [7]
    ShroudedScribe
    Link
    Might be an unpopular opinion, but we used a CPA the first year we moved states, and keep using them because they're very affordable and detail-oriented. We just send them our docs through an...

    Might be an unpopular opinion, but we used a CPA the first year we moved states, and keep using them because they're very affordable and detail-oriented. We just send them our docs through an online portal, have a 30ish min phone call to review our tax situation, and then they take care of the rest until we have to sign (and pay them, plus the fed/state if any taxes are due).

    At the time, none of the free tax software seemed to support filing in multiple states. Not sure if that's still the case.

    I'd look for a private CPA (not H&R Block, etc) and check the rates. Ours is a small base payment, and then a little more per additional page to file. It's not a 1:1 with the pages either, it's less than the number of docs we submit.

    7 votes
    1. [2]
      DynamoSunshirt
      Link Parent
      I think my last few FreeTaxUSA returns have cost a total of maybe $20 each? If you're comfortable sharing, I'd love to know an order of magnitude for CPA costs. As I start investing more of my...

      I think my last few FreeTaxUSA returns have cost a total of maybe $20 each?

      If you're comfortable sharing, I'd love to know an order of magnitude for CPA costs. As I start investing more of my nest egg it's become increasingly attractive... but I'd rather not spend hundreds or thousands, of course. My taxes are quite basic at present.

      9 votes
      1. ShroudedScribe
        Link Parent
        As I and others have mentioned, it's going to vary wildly depending on where you're located, the complexity of your tax situation, and how much of a profit your CPA is looking to make. Our CPA's...

        As I and others have mentioned, it's going to vary wildly depending on where you're located, the complexity of your tax situation, and how much of a profit your CPA is looking to make.

        Our CPA's fee has ranged from $200 - $300 (each year) across multiple years. We have multiple W-2s & 1099s (some of them have been in multiple states), capital gains, charitable contributions, interest, mortgage-related stuff, additional tax credits and deductions we qualify for, etc. So quite a few forms. And related to the 1099 income, they help us calculate mileage, home office expenses, and other deductions.

        I will say that it's only worth it if you're itemizing. If you're able to fill out a 1040EZ, you probably don't need a CPA.

        5 votes
    2. vinnymac
      Link Parent
      I have filed multiple states through both TurboTax (a decade ago), and FreeTaxUSA for the last five or six years, never had any problems doing it, although to be fair it is arguably the most...

      I have filed multiple states through both TurboTax (a decade ago), and FreeTaxUSA for the last five or six years, never had any problems doing it, although to be fair it is arguably the most complicated part of filing taxes if you are so unlucky to have to do so.

      I imagine support has varied by state, as states handle taxes wildly differently.

      7 votes
    3. nukeman
      Link Parent
      Seconding an actual CPA. While it’s a bit spendier than I’d like, I get a bound booklet with all the completed forms after filing, and it is worth the piece of mind of not being audited.

      Seconding an actual CPA. While it’s a bit spendier than I’d like, I get a bound booklet with all the completed forms after filing, and it is worth the piece of mind of not being audited.

      4 votes
    4. tanglisha
      Link Parent
      When my taxes became complicated I started using a CPA. My CPA got me easily through the absolute mess of a company merger on two different occasions, both of which caused major issues for...

      When my taxes became complicated I started using a CPA.

      My CPA got me easily through the absolute mess of a company merger on two different occasions, both of which caused major issues for everyone I know who tried to do it themselves.

      The hardest part is usually finding a CPA.

      4 votes
    5. skybrian
      Link Parent
      We tried H&R Block for a CPA before and do not recommend them. (Terrible, buggy software, even if the CPA themselves is good.) But I've used them to fill out my own taxes online before and that...

      We tried H&R Block for a CPA before and do not recommend them. (Terrible, buggy software, even if the CPA themselves is good.)

      But I've used them to fill out my own taxes online before and that seemed okay.

      2 votes
  3. [5]
    rrajath
    Link
    I've used CreditKarma for several years. They recently got acquired by Cash app. Pretty happy with it.

    I've used CreditKarma for several years. They recently got acquired by Cash app. Pretty happy with it.

    2 votes
    1. [3]
      imperator
      Link Parent
      Thought they were purchased by Intuit?

      Thought they were purchased by Intuit?

      1 vote
      1. chum-cha
        (edited )
        Link Parent
        Apparently Credit Karma Tax is a separate entity acquired by Square/Cash App...

        Apparently Credit Karma Tax is a separate entity acquired by Square/Cash App

        https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-requires-divestiture-credit-karma-tax-intuit-proceed-acquisition-credit

        Edit to clarify (since I was on mobile) that I couldn't find that much about Credit Karma Tax with quick googling, but the link at least shows the separation of Credit Karma from Credit Karma Tax.

        1 vote
      2. tanglisha
        Link Parent
        Their website has Intuit plastered all over it. I remember when it was run by some person on Reddit that wanted to help folks who couldn't afford to check their credit before applying to rent housing.

        Their website has Intuit plastered all over it. I remember when it was run by some person on Reddit that wanted to help folks who couldn't afford to check their credit before applying to rent housing.

        1 vote
    2. AugustusFerdinand
      Link Parent
      Same. I used CreditKarma back when it was made by someone on Reddit, used Cash App Taxes for the last few years after the divesture from Intuit, but they are the one that can't handle the more...

      Same. I used CreditKarma back when it was made by someone on Reddit, used Cash App Taxes for the last few years after the divesture from Intuit, but they are the one that can't handle the more complicated forms of this year apparently. Will likely go back next year when things should be simple again. Never had an issue until now, but there are half-done forms on their site that flat out allow you to put in amounts, but just have placeholders for boxes on the forms that say (not supported). So can't be sure any of it is being done right through them this year.

  4. Notcoffeetable
    Link
    Aside from several years where I used a CPA (ex-wife's family had money and consequently complicated filings) I've always just used H&R Block's online service. But my taxes are very simple, takes...

    Aside from several years where I used a CPA (ex-wife's family had money and consequently complicated filings) I've always just used H&R Block's online service. But my taxes are very simple, takes me about 30 minutes.

    1 vote
  5. [3]
    babypuncher
    Link
    Have you looked at the Cash App? I found it to be extremely easy, even last year when I had more complicated taxes than usual. It's also 100% free to file both federal and state. I can't overstate...

    Have you looked at the Cash App? I found it to be extremely easy, even last year when I had more complicated taxes than usual. It's also 100% free to file both federal and state.

    I can't overstate how much I like the UX, I found it much less daunting than TurboTax.

    1 vote
    1. [2]
      AugustusFerdinand
      Link Parent
      I've used CashApp Taxes the last few years, this year they are the reason I made this thread. As they are the one that can't handle the more complicated forms of this year apparently. Will likely...

      I've used CashApp Taxes the last few years, this year they are the reason I made this thread. As they are the one that can't handle the more complicated forms of this year apparently. Will likely go back next year when things should be simple again. Never had an issue until now, but there are half-done forms on their site that flat out allow you to put in amounts, but just have placeholders for boxes on the forms that say (not supported). So can't be sure any of it is being done right through them this year.

      2 votes
      1. babypuncher
        Link Parent
        That's unfortunate, I hope you find a good alternative.

        That's unfortunate, I hope you find a good alternative.

        1 vote
  6. [2]
    Minori
    Link
    For those eligible, the IRS has a free direct file program in 25 states, and many people also qualify for Free File which allows you to use some IRS partner services for free!...

    For those eligible, the IRS has a free direct file program in 25 states, and many people also qualify for Free File which allows you to use some IRS partner services for free!

    https://www.irs.gov/file-your-taxes-for-free

    1. AugustusFerdinand
      Link Parent
      Unfortunately Direct File only works if you haven't moved states and isn't available in my current state and I make far too much (sure as hell doesn't feel like I do) for Free File through their...

      Unfortunately Direct File only works if you haven't moved states and isn't available in my current state and I make far too much (sure as hell doesn't feel like I do) for Free File through their "trusted partners" as the income limits are pretty strict unless you're active military.

      3 votes
  7. hobblyhoy
    Link
    Anything beyond basic taxes you're better off just getting a CPA. Its not much more - last year it cost $140 for an independent local shop whereas if I used software it was going to be about $100....

    Anything beyond basic taxes you're better off just getting a CPA. Its not much more - last year it cost $140 for an independent local shop whereas if I used software it was going to be about $100. And it's nice to take that stress off plus they can sometimes find something you didn't know about which makes them pay for themselves. They're also a year round aide if you have quick tax questions or, in my case, helped me when I had someone else use my SSN.