2024 Tax Software

[Ronstar]

I found a mistake in my CPA prepared 2024 tax return. Notified CPA who fixed the mistake, but only after numerous emails and office visits. I could have done our returns in less time than what I had invested in review / correspondence with the CPA.

At this point, I don't trust anyone to prepare our returns going forward. So I'm going to do 2025 returns for us and MIL myself.

I last did our own returns in 2010 using Turbotax. And I'm thinking about going with TT again for 2025. Our returns are very simple now. Pension, SS, and a few investment 1099's.

I have some questions.

Does TT allow the option to file either on paper and online? And pay by check or by automated bank debit?
Haven't made up my mind on this yet.

The problem with my 2024 return is that the CPA's software incorrectly computed my state retirement income subtractions based on the code on one of the 1099's. CPA was able to override their software to correct the glitch in the software. Does TT have the ability to allow manual entry to correct/ override any automated data entry based on an incorrect 1099 code?

Is TT downloaded onto one's computer or does the preparer enter into an online form on TT's website?

TT has plans where you can get one state included. I plan on doing 2 separate returns. Ours and MIL's. I thought I remember having the ability in years past to prepare multiple returns with one license. I don't care if I have to buy 2 softwares, but I don't want to have any problems keeping data separate for the 2 returns.
Does anyone file multiple returns and with no problems?

Or should I use a different tax prep software?

 

[cathy63]

Does TT allow the option to file either on paper and online? And pay by check or by automated bank debit?
Haven't made up my mind on this yet.

As of now, the IRS isn't going to accept or issue paper checks after Sept 2025 due to an executive order from the Whitehouse. I don't know if that's going to stick, but if it does, direct debit or other e-payment services that charge fees will be your only options. You don't have to setup the direct debit from within TTax, you can do it yourself at irs.gov or with EFTPS.

Currently there is no prohibition on mailing in a paper return.

The problem with my 2024 return is that the CPA's software incorrectly computed my state retirement income subtractions based on the code on one of the 1099's. CPA was able to override their software to correct the glitch in the software. Does TT have the ability to allow manual entry to correct/ override any automated data entry?

The desktop version of TTax lets you override entries on the forms. You generally can't e-file a return that has overrides, though there may be some exceptions.

If the codes on your 1099 cause the tax to be calculated incorrectly, then that's way more likely to be a problem with the 1099 than with the software though. The IRS is very likely to interpret the codes the same way the software does, so you might get a letter from them.

Is TT downloaded onto one's computer or does the preparer enter into an online form on TT's website?

There are both desktop and online versions. The desktop version is much more flexible.

TT has plans where you can get one state included. I plan on doing 2 separate returns. Ours and MIL's. I thought I remember having the ability in years past to prepare multiple returns with one license. I don't care if I have to buy 2 softwares, but I don't want to have any problems keeping data separate for the 2 returns.
Does anyone file multiple returns and with no problems?

In the desktop software you can easily do multiple returns. You can only e-file 5 returns per license (that's an IRS restriction). There's a charge for each additional state package you download and a charge for each state e-file. You can do an unlimited number of paper returns.

 

[Ronstar]

^^ thanks!