We’ve all heard that saying — “There are only two guarantees in life — Death and Taxes.” Every January, we all start to collect our paperwork to get ready for this annual ritual of preparing the taxes.
For many, this means a nice refund, but for others, it means handing over more money to Uncle Same. Either way, it is NOT a fun process. So, why pay more than you need to in order to prepare your forms!
We’ve rounded up some of the best deals for you to save money by preparing your own taxes. Now, keep in mind that if you have any unusual circumstances, own a business or your taxes are over your head, it is truly worth every single penny to pay an expert to properly prepare your return for you.
An audit can result in additional money spent and possibly fines or penalties. My husband and I fall into this category, so we never prepare them ourselves. It is just too important to ensure that we fill out our return properly.
Of course, if your return is a bit simpler to prepare, there are services out there where you can get them prepared at a discount or even prepare them yourself for free!
Just click the underlined name for each company listed below to be taken there for free!
H&R Block
You can file your basic federal return for free. If you have any state returns to file, they are just $9.99 each. They also offer a bonus when you e-file. If you select increments of $100 from any of the e-gift cards they list, you will get an additional 5% to your return if you use the free or basic version — or get 10% back if you use any other version!
You can even purchase the software instead if you prefer to do that rather than to file online.
Turbo Tax
Once again – Turbo Tax is offering completely FREE tax return filings for anyone who needs a 1040-EZ/A form! They will even include the STATE for free!! If your return is a bit more complex, you will pay more — starting at $34.99 for Federal and state will be an additional $36.99.
If you would rather, you can purchase the software instead for as low as $49.97.
eSmart Tax
This site also offers free simple returns as well. If you need basic, the price is just $14.95 — with no products costing more than $34.95. You will pay more for your state return. Your return will be efiled with the IRS.
FreeTaxUSA
You can also file your basic return for FREE through this site as well. If you need the deluxe version, that will cost only $5.95. No matter which version you need, state returns are $12.95 each — unless you are under 22 and then they allow you FREE state filing!!
TaxACT
This site offers everyone a free basic Federal tax return. If your return is basic, then you will pay $14.99 to file a state return and if more complex your total will be $19.99 ($12.99 Federal and $7 state).
TaxSlayer
You can also get a free basic Federal return prepared for free here as well. If you need to purchase more complex versions, the prices start at $12.95.
