Tax Time Again: How to Save with H&R Block

I do my own taxes.  Well my husband's taxes (I'm a trophy wife so I don't work).  I swear by H&R Block.  Not the stores.  The online software.  Don't go to the "tax professionals" at the stores.  You'll have a better experience if you let a monkey do your taxes.  You can save $6 off the $29.99 price ($23.96) AND get 10% cash back through EBATES for the H&R Block software.  So with the 20% off Federal and my $34.95 I dropped on filing for MA, my total came to $58 before tax ($62 after tax for both Fed & MA) and I'll get 10% back of $58 - so another $5.80 in my PayPal account from EBATES.  And you can write your tax preparation fees off your next year's taxes.  

If you haven't joined EBATES yet, you should.  I don't shop online much - but I've gotten $82 back since 2010.  I seriously do not shop online at all.  Most of that $82 is from travel bookings.  But whatever - $82 is $82.  Better than $0.  

As long as you have nothing too crazy or major - taxes are really easy to do yourself.  I should know.  I've done mine and the husband's for about 14 years now.  I've gotten audited once and I brought my supporting documents to the IRS and they said "thanks" and all was fine.  

If you really have nothing to report but income - 1040EZ software is free all over the place.  But if you have more "umph" to your palate like owning a home, having investment income, needing to write off educational expenses, etc. - you'll have to to go with some basic 1040 software (unless you are brave enough to pump it out old school).  I know there are cheaper alternatives out there - but I like H&R Block.  And if you do too - well I'm just passing along the info about EBATES to save you some cash.  Holla!

Taxes!

Just a couple tips to help you save on doing your taxes this year:

1.  Did you make less than $56,000 this past year?  If so, you get to file your taxes FOR FREE!  Well federal at least!  Click HERE to get the scoop from our lovely IRS.  Oh, and you also have to be under 50 to be eligible.  Ha Ha Baby Boomers!  Our generation is taking you down!!!!

2.  Did you make more than $56K last year but STILL want to file for free?  Check out Taxact.com.  Free filing for everyone and $13.95 for state returns.  I've never used this service so I can't comment on it.  

3.  Do you really like TurboTax or another service?  You can get 10% back on all purchases made at TurboTax.com if you go through Cashbaq.com or other rebate sites.  Also, BJ's has a $10 off TurboTax coupon floating around out there.  

And lastly, remember if you paid someone or a tax service for tax preparation last year, this amount can be deducted off your taxes (that is if you itemize your deductions).  

Taxes!

If you're looking to maximize your return this year, now is the time to do some research on how to make the most of your deductions and credits!

If you have a mortgage, make your January payment this final week of December to have an extra month of interest to deduct on 2008's taxes. Remember though, you won't have this payment to write off on your 2009's taxes.

Even though I personally hate H&R Block, I think their website has a lot of useful information. If you do your own taxes, take the time to read up on deductions, credits and ways to maximize your refund! Click here for H&R Block's useful calculators, tools and articles.