Thinking about dumping my tax guy and going to Turbo Tax. Advice?

My tax guy just ripped me off to refile for last year. He changed one little mistake on my 2011 return, refiled and charged me $365. This is in addition to $650 for the original filing. I am getting fed up with this guy who was also quite rude to me in the process.

My wife and I both work, I have a small side business with no employees, and I teach music lessons on the side too. Anyone with experience in this area, would going to Turbo Tax be a good idea? If so, which version would I use, the Home and Business version?

 

I used TaxAct.com. I had 7 employers and my wife and I have 6 children. I also have self-employment income. TaxAct cost me $9.95 for State and $8 for federal.

 

Under the circumstances I'd dump him even if it was to go to another accountant. Anyone with their hand in my pocketbook doesn't get to be rude to me, ever.

 

Yeah, I can see your point. I have been using this guy for many years and the relationship was great in the past, but the past few years have become more expensive and less pleasant. Maybe he wants to be rid of me, who knows?

 

That's right, you adjunct for a number of schools, right? That must get rather complex at times.

 

Two colleagues of mine, one who has a side business and the other's wife has a home business, both use Turbo Tax Business Edition; They have been using it for years and they swear by it...

 

If its good enough for our Treasury Secretary its good enough for you.
TaxProf Blog: Geithner Blames Turbo Tax For His Tax Troubles

 

This is not making me feel better about Turbo Tax.

 

Compaired to what I have been paying my tax guy, TurboTax seems really cheap! Thanks for the info MC.

 

I posted one above.

 

H&R block online has been wonderful, and I'm NOT a tax person. I don't enjoy it, and we had a few issues- inherited a house, sold a house, bought a house, business stuff, tuition stuff, a move, etc. It's a very simple process. You go through a tutorial in plain English. With each response, it directs you to the next question, and really does everything for you. In fact, you can do it for free, you only pay if you file. BEST PART is that it's all archived, so from year to year, it is all saved. Your data is automatically brought into your state stuff too. They make it very easy. This is our 6th year using them, I have ZERO complaints. Also, if you get stuck, you can just go to their office. Not expensive, 1 federal return plus 2 state returns this year cost me $80.

 

I've used Turbo Tax for years, and I've never had a problem. It certainly asks a bazillion and one questions, but it definitely builds up my refund, so I can't complain!

-Matt

 

Wow. $80 > $9.99. Taxact.com.

 

Assuming your 'tax' guy is a CPA; have you considered using an EA (Enrolled Agent) for advisement, tax return preparation and/or taxation representation?
What is an Enrolled Agent (EA)? | NAEA

 

My taxes aren't complicated since I shut down my corporation, but I still use my CPA. She charged about $300 for our (federal and state) joint returns. I suspect I could have done it myself like the old days, but it would have take a few hours. Not only do I save that time, I get the assurance of accuracy that I've enjoyed for almost a decade working with her, I tend to file sooner (and get our refund sooner), and if something comes up, she's right there with the answers. It's a bargain.

 

I've used Turbo Tax for years and never had a single problem with them. I've recommended them to many people, and even got my mother (who owns her own business) to use them.

 

I am self employed, have all kinds of investment income, and itemize (but nothing extreme that might require an accountant).

I just download the forms from the IRS and state websites, fill them in, then send them in. Simple and no cost (apart from postage).

Also IRS has a computerized version on-line but I have never checked it out Free File: Do Your Federal Taxes for Free