Former Lancastrian

When you have figured it out let me know although judging by some of your replies in various threads I could be asking the same.

Novocastrian

Please point to an irresponsible post I've made.

Former Lancastrian

It may take some time to look through the 15,435 posts you have made although other BE posters might be able to help me out.

Well dependent on your definition of irresponsible then this could be construed as irresponsible

b : said or done with no sense of responsibility <irresponsible accusations>

Post 2587 The Toon Army Thread in the Maple Leaf section
I don't want to get cocky, but I think Andre Villas-Boas will be next out.

Perhaps on Saturday afternoon?
If I was a Chelsea fan Id consider that irresponsible and seeing AVB is still at the club.
Or how about post 41 in the Cities of Saskatchewan thread.
Did you find and post about the 5 murders that weekend although I realise that your son gave you the info. Did those 5 murders happen and if they didnt isnt that irresponsible to be posting such information?

ann m

+1

JGK

The price will probably drop about $10 in February. I use this software.

Steve_

Do it manually. Especially if it's only a partial year. It may take longer but if you're new to the country you should take the time to learn how the system works, if your wife is a CPA I can't believe it would be tough for you to figure out.

Read the general guide for the T1, it's not hard.

Steve_

Well when I phoned up the CRA about something once, the dipshit on the other end of the line asked what piece of software I was using, and it took me several attempts to explain to him that "pen and paper" is not a brand of software. I was so peeved I filed a complaint with the CRA which had them in stitches.

But anyway, yes there are pitfalls in TurboTax, I won't bore you with them, because you wouldn't understand them anyway if you don't understand the tax system.

But as posted above - as an immigrant you should learn how the tax system works in Canada. Using a piece of software won't teach you that.

I also have a major aversion to paying for something I can do for free (although there are a couple of free T1 preps that are okay). Also I think using software makes the job of the CRA too easy, which makes them lazy and also means it stops the Govt. from simplifying the tax system. I've spoken to too many people at the CRA who are wizards at which button to press but lack basic knowledge of accounting.

You should also watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnb7R79QPWA

iaink

While I agree about paying for something I can do for free, paper returns actually cost more to process, so adds a burden to the tax payer rather than encouraging a simpler cheaper system. Besides, I want my money back ASAP, which efile makes happen, and thats only an option with software. (albeit no use to a first time filer)

The fast turnarounf is why I use the cheapest software I can find that does the job accurately.

I cant say I found out anything doing it with pen and paper that the software I didnt lead my to anyway via its interview format.

Steve_

Yes they do, which is why I do it. If it costs too much, it encourages simplification of the tax code. I will never file one electronically ever.

Also I'm not convinced over the years it is actually true, because there was that big scandal about people claiming the medical costs exemption without being qualified for it - because if you file electronically you keep the receipts, so that makes fraud easier. Look at that massive scandal they've had in Florida with people filing fake returns using identities from ancestor.com

Nope, that's a myth that you get your money back faster. Speak from experience as I've mentioned on here before. It has to be said though that it might depend on where you file, I think efile is all in one place through Ottawa so if you file in Ontario it might be faster, definitely isn't if you file with the Winnipeg tax office though. In fact that might be the reason, because certain tax centres only do paper returns, they process them faster. And they keep getting faster as more people file electronically.

iaink

Its never taken me more than 10 days to get a refund via efile, but never less than 3 months with a paper return.

They still audit efiled returns, you need to keep your receipts. In fact, if there is a downside to efile its that it allegedly increases your odds of an audit for the reason you stated.

I suspect you are pissing against the wind if you think paper returns will cause a change in Government taxation and CRA policies.

Luckyone

I've used Ufile online for the last few years, after my regular accountant retired. Wished I used it before, it was fairly straightforward.

I have also used a free program to check how next years funds might be doing, and it seems pretty good as well.....the price is hard to beat

Anyway, here's the link, they already have the 2011 version available for download but it's a pre-certified one for use before the start of filing season-
http://www.studiotax.com/

BristolUK

I'm not sure that's something people necessarily want to know. But there are questions as you go through the process that I would expect would arouse interest in people who would want to know why it was being asked and that would prompt them to check what it was about.

That's why I've been using Turbotax (originally QuickTax). Free every time so far. Copes with foreign income as well as rental income.

Alan2005

Is it free for normal people as well as those in Moncton?

Not that doing it yourself counts as free in my book. It takes time - I value my time a lot more than the cost of the tax software.

BristolUK

Have you tried billing CRA?

iaink

Many software packages are free if your total income is below a certain threshold ($20k or so?)

Generally if you pay someone else to do your taxes you are still going to burn up your time getting all the documentation, receipts, T4s, investment income slips etc etc etc together anyway, much like hiring an immigration consultant I guess.