Does anybody use either Turbo Tax or H&R Block Tax Cut to do their taxes.  I'm not talking about the "online" versions, but the good old download, go to Office Depot and buy the program kind of stuff.

Reason I ask is that I have been a TT user for probably close to 10 years.  This year, TT changed their policy early on about e-filing, so I figured I would buy Tax Cut - it was cheaper -saved money.

I work and receive a W-2.  My husband is self employed (although probably not for 2009), with office in the home (Schedule C).  Plus, we own a rental property (Schedule E).  This has been a typical for us for several years.

Tax Cut downloaded our previous return from TurboTax, no prob.
But, then Tax Cut took me thru income, deductions, depreciation, the whole nine yards, and we ended up with a $2,700 refund.  But, I wasn't comfortable knowing that something was missing, because it was vastly different from previous years when income and expenses have been relatively consistent over the years.

I bit the bullet, and downloaded Turbo Tax this morning.  I entered the exact same figures, and came out with a $5,700 refund.  The difference was that Turbo Tax treated me like I was a total dumbass, clueless and stupid.  It asked me every question regarding income, deductions, did I get this, did I spend that.....  and found more deductions than Tax Cut even mentioned. 

Tax Cut assumed I knew all of the possible incomes and deductions - they assumed I was "smart and knowledgeable".  Turbo Tax knew I was dumb and clueless, plus, they did does the math for me, TC does not.

Well, I love being a dummy!

First time buying Tax Cut, last time buying Tax Cut.

I recommend Turbo Tax over Tax Cut - just my opinion.

Sandy

I used to have Schedule C income and it was complicated because i also had W-2 income: from the same company. For that reason, I always paid someone to do our taxes.  Meanwhile, I would also buy Turbo tax to do my kids and sisters taxes.

For the hell of it the last few years (since winding down my 1099 income) I have done ours on TT but still been paying someone else to do it. The interesting thing is our totals come about the same - the difference is in the amortizing of some re-fi points from years ago that the accountant does. (I would have no idea how to pick that up at this point).

So every year, including this one, I think, ok, next year I'll do them myself. We'll see. I like the 2nd opinion. But I guess my point is that I think TT is pretty good.

I started using Turbo Tax three years ago after I learned that is what my accountant was using to do my taxes!  It's a great product.  The hardest part is all the prep work filing and categorizing receipts from self-employment.  After this year I'll only have a W-2 (unless I start another business on the side) and I won't know how to handle the simplicity!  Last year I did my son's in less than 2 hours, after spending over 50 hours on mine.  Gee, wouldn't the Fair Tax be nice?!!!  I could take a 15%tax increase and still come out ahead, but it would actually cut my taxes AND time!

Jerry