Just Jenney

I've been using TurboTax for years to prepare my tax returns, but I just discovered that Intuit's implemented new fees for printing (yes, printing) more than one return!

Basically, you can prepare as many returns as you want in TurboTax -- your own, for your kids, in-laws, friends, whatever -- but only the FIRST one you print is free. Any addition returns that you print will cost $9.95 EACH. In the past, TurboTax allowed up to 5 printed returns at no charge, so this is a HUGE price increase.

If you're a TurboTax user, you can read more information about it here: http://tinyurl.com/turbotax-price-change

I'm considering switching to a new type of tax software, but I've never used anything but TurboTax so I don't know what a good alternative would be. Any suggestions?

~ Jenney

Bill_S

We use TaxCut and haven't had any problems with it.

meauxna

I think I'm losing my Master Tightwad title....

rincewind

I've used H&R Block online since I've been here. Wouldn't use anything else.

Plus I get 12% of their fees back through eBates. Can't complain.

ironporer

We've used Free tax usa the last two years and found it quite simple as well as comprehensive...cheap too. about $20 for federal and state as I recall.

http://www.freetaxusa.com/

Just Jenney

Hey, don't be hatin'... The dollar ain't what it used to be! (It's especially not in my pocket, so I need to cut back where I can!)

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll have a look and see.

~ Jenney

meauxna

Duuuuude, not hatin'.. I've been spending all week chasing down $100 from the cell phone people!
I'm *trying* to stay in contention here! (I think the TurboTax is still a good deal.. they've been charging that much if you want to electo-file from the software. Seems fair)



Then again, 'free' is a very good price!

Rete

We use an accountant. Ironically he made a mistake that we didn't catch on our 2006 return and we were mailed a due notice from the state of tax owed plus penalty. He paid the penalty; we paid the tax.

If you don't have foreign income to contend with and it is just a simple 1040, DIY by hand.

Tracym

Maybe try emailing and complaining - here's what happened for me:

My email:

Comment on your new pricing - everyone I know, myself included, is looking into your competitors. I've used Turbotax for years and years - but bundling a bunch of stuff in that I don't use and charging for it doesn't appeal to me.

What is totally outrageous is charging for printing more than one return. That is the one that has many people looking to "dump Turbotax".

Their response:
Dear Tracy M,

Thank you for contacting TurboTax Customer Service & Support.

If I understood you correctly you are frustrated about the charge to print the additional paper returns.

I would like to inform you that this year our pricing structure for Turbo Tax Desktop products is changing to a pay per return model. However I can help you with the discount of $10 for the purchase of Turbo Tax Program.
I request you to get back to us with the incident number ######## to get the discount of $10.

In the past year, Turbo Tax Desktop users could create an unlimited number of federal and state returns, paying only the cost of e-filing. Mailing returns has no additional cost.

In the new pricing structure, there will be a $9.95 cost for the preparing subsequent federal returns.

You will only pay to prepare additional returns if they choose to print or e-file those returns. You do not incur a cost of creating multiple returns.

You may receive a survey from us through e-mail in approximately 24 hours asking you about my performance on today's contact, as well as comments you may have in regards to the TurboTax product. So we can continue with our promise to provide our customers with the best support available, please take a few minutes to complete the survey.

Respectfully,

Resmi

TurboTax Customer Service & Support

hobbes79

I assume TurboTax are on to this, but with past versions you could save the return as an Adobe Acrobat file. I often did this so I had an electronic copy on record, which meant printing the numerous copies I needed for the USCIS every few months (minutes!?) was very easy.

No printing restrictions in Adobe… worth a try. But like I said, I would be a little surprised if they hadn't thought of that.

Tracym

Good idea (hopefully they aren't looking..)

Trixie_b

Just Bumping this thread up again...........

So what are the options for tax prep software?

Turbotax
H&R Blocks version
any others of note?

who likes each one and why?

nettlebed

TaxACT (http://www.taxact.com/). I like it because it's lightweight, easy-to-use, doesn't bug me about anything. I've been using it since 2002 with zero problems.

Trixie_b

Which version do you use? Free, deluxe or ultimate?

nettlebed

Deluxe: I live in WA, so no state income tax.

When I chose it had some self-employed income, as well as employer income. I also like being able to import last year's return and have all the personal stuff filled in.

There is a guarantee that they will pay any penalty and interest if the error is found to be in TaxACT. I've never used that

It will also do joint vs. separate filing calculations as well, which may be useful for some people. It was recommended to me by a CPA, and like I said, I have been very happy with it.