Tax software functionality and deals

And now is time for my annual comment. A bunch of rather well off people looking to save $10-$20 on tax software (myself included).

I guess that is how we got to where we are.
 
You can pay full price and brag about it in the BTD thread.
 
Well darn, it is now 2 days past Christmas, 6:40am EST, and still no signs of the big deal of years past.

TT Deluxe is still at $49 and change. What is missing from last year was that they threw in a $10 gift card with the same charge, making it effectively $39 and change. (EDIT: that's wrong, read below)

----

EDIT: just read the bogleheads memories of this. The deal is $39.99, with $10 gift card, so effectively $30 if you can use the Amazon card for something else. I checked my invoice from last year and this is correct. It is a really good deal.

They also report it has occurred anywhere from the 26th to the 29th. So, there's hope.
 
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Doctor of Credit email says tomorrow, 12/29, is the day for Turbo Tax discount and $10 gift card.
 
I’m not sure this is relevant for this thread but here goes…

Being a relative newcomer to tax preparation software (TurboTax for me, just started in 2020 tax year), I wonder when you know/are comfortable that you’ve received all necessary updates to the software? It seemed there were a lot last year but maybe it was just an unusual year.

I have really simple finances, just the typical stuff so am hoping that once I’ve received all my 1099s it’s probably good. But I’ve never filed an amended return and don’t want to start.
 
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steelyman said:
I wonder when you know/are comfortable that you’ve received all necessary updates to the software? It seemed there were a lot last year but maybe it was just an unusual year.
Click to expand...

TT will keep getting updates for a year or more after filing date. At some point you just have to accept that your return is correct, because most of those later updates will be trivial and irrelevant for 99% of filers.
 
braumeister said:
TT will keep getting updates for a year or more after filing date. At some point you just have to accept that your return is correct, because most of those later updates will be trivial and irrelevant for 99% of filers.
Click to expand...

Thanks, that’s good to know.

Taxes are how they got Scarface Al and I’m from Chicago too. But better behaved I think.
 
steelyman said:
I’m not sure this is relevant for this thread but here goes…

Being a relative newcomer to tax preparation software (TurboTax for me, just started in 2020 tax year), I wonder when you know/are comfortable that you’ve received all necessary updates to the software? It seemed there were a lot last year but maybe it was just an unusual year.

I have really simple finances, just the typical stuff so am hoping that once I’ve received all my 1099s it’s probably good. But I’ve never filed an amended return and don’t want to start.
Click to expand...

Usually, it's perfectly safe to e-file as soon as your tax software will allow it and you have all your documents. If you need to use a form that isn't ready yet, the software simply won't allow you to e-file. Updates that come along later are to implement rarely used forms or fix obscure bugs that don't affect many people.

Last year was different because Congress changed the rules in the middle of tax season for things like unemployment and ACA advanced premium reconciliation, so there were a lot of software updates to account for those changes. However, the IRS corrected the returns it had already received and issued extra refunds later in the year, so you wouldn't have needed to amend your return or re-file it unless the changes qualified you for a new credit that wasn't on your original return.
 
Thank you too, cathy63!

I guess I was just lucky (not) to start in an abnormal year. But I was still able to appreciate the benefits vs slogging through by hand. :(
 
For people who have used both, any opinion on H&R Block vs TurboTax? I've used H&R Block for years and purchased it when it was on sale a few weeks ago. Then based on this thread, I recently saw I was eligible for the free TurboTax from fidelity, so now I have both.
 
qwerty3656 said:
For people who have used both, any opinion on H&R Block vs TurboTax? I've used H&R Block for years and purchased it when it was on sale a few weeks ago. Then based on this thread, I recently saw I was eligible for the free TurboTax from fidelity, so now I have both.
Click to expand...
This is going to be a personal decision. Some people like one, some like the other. Fortunately, you'll be able to try both and see for yourself. I personally prefer Turbotax, but I have a friend who only wants to use H&R Block, even though he can get a free copy from Fidelity.

You can get a refund of H&R Block if you don't want/like it, so long as you haven't filed. Looks towards the bottom of the page for details.

https://www.hrblock.com/guarantees/
 
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braumeister said:
TT will keep getting updates for a year or more after filing date. At some point you just have to accept that your return is correct, because most of those later updates will be trivial and irrelevant for 99% of filers.
Click to expand...
It really bothers me that TT stopped putting out release notes when they update the software during tax season (and after). I have no problem with weekly updates, it's to be expected with software. But they should at least tell us what changed for situations like what is being discussed here, when a change might have affected your return. And especially when they update it after tax season is over.
 
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I just saw this thread again and remembered that I'd done no withholding for my dividends and capital gains in my after tax account. So, I sold some stock in my IRA and did 100% withholding. Just in the nick of time.
 
qwerty3656 said:
For people who have used both, any opinion on H&R Block vs TurboTax? I've used H&R Block for years and purchased it when it was on sale a few weeks ago. Then based on this thread, I recently saw I was eligible for the free TurboTax from fidelity, so now I have both.
Click to expand...
https://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f28/tax-prep-software-89479-6.html#post2064377 show my reasons for never using HRB again. See my quoted text as well as the post text.

That was a few years ago, maybe those things have been fixed. Many others seem happy with it.

Since you can get TT free, why not try both this year so you can judge for yourself? As a plus you get to double check your return.
 
qwerty3656 said:
For people who have used both, any opinion on H&R Block vs TurboTax? I've used H&R Block for years and purchased it when it was on sale a few weeks ago. Then based on this thread, I recently saw I was eligible for the free TurboTax from fidelity, so now I have both.
Click to expand...


I used H&R Block for the first time in 2019, the federal was fine, but even though they notified me of a deduction I hadn't realized I was eligible for, I felt like I was constantly fighting with the NY state version over an imported Vanguard 1099. Turbo Tax was a lot easier to use. I would never use HR Block again.
 
Please note that because the item is partly an Amazon gift card, you can't pay for it with Amazon gift cards.
 
JoeWras said:
Boom! There it is!

TT Deluxe Fed + State available today on Amazon for an effective $29.99.

Price is $39.99 and includes buying a $10 gift card.

https://www.amazon.com/TurboTax-Software-Federal-Exclusive-Download/dp/B09L5QN4SF

As of this writing, you have 20 hours and 31 minutes left to order.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the heads up. I ordered the disc version. Like clockwork, Amazon gives out the deal at about the end of the year.

Since this is already a cost cutting, cheapskate purchase, I chose the no rush delivery for an extra $1 Amazon digital credit on both the software and gift card :cool:.
 
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I ordered a copy of Premier. Thanks for posting.

I couldn’t use my Amazon CC because it asked me for the number and I don’t have the physical card with me. I wonder if they do this because you’re getting a gift card and that’s considered same as cash?

I also wonder why they send a physical gift card. Why not email?

Neither a big issue. I’m happy I was able to get the same deal as last year.
 
tulak said:
I ordered a copy of Premier. Thanks for posting.

I couldn’t use my Amazon CC because it asked me for the number and I don’t have the physical card with me. I wonder if they do this because you’re getting a gift card and that’s considered same as cash?

I also wonder why they send a physical gift card. Why not email?

Neither a big issue. I’m happy I was able to get the same deal as last year.
Click to expand...

One guess on the physical card: a certain percent are NEVER redeemed. It is significant enough for them to make a percent or few on it. Their drivers will be in the neighborhood anyway.

And as LarryMelman mentions, they want $$ to pay for this.

So, this boosts some section of their book of sales.

All that said, if you are willing to buy (and not use an existing credit), and then follow through and use the gift card, it is a great deal.
 
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