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TaxACT: 2013 Income Tax Filing Options

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TaxACT: 2013 Income Tax Filing Options

Photograph Credit: TaxACT

Last weekend, I camped out at my desk. After paying bills, sorting mail, and clearing off all the paperwork, I filed our taxes using my 5 Steps to Filing Your Tax Return. Yay!

Even though I use my favorite tax service, I still get a knot in my stomach and a bit nervous when answering the questions. I know the taxes are right, but I feel the weight of the responsibility on my shoulders as I work through the process.

Weird? Maybe. But taxes are nerve-racking even if you are using the best service provider.

With so many options and businesses offering FREE federal 2013 income tax filing options, I know making the decision on where to file gets overwhelming. Last year, I reviewed the pros and cons of three similar tax companies: TaxACT, H&R Block, and Turbo Tax.

As some filing and pricing options have changed, I will review those options again. To begin my review, I will start with my favorite option, and the one I have used for a few years, TaxACT.

Free Federal Option – Cost $0

The FREE federal option includes preparation for simple and complex (without itemized deductions) federal tax returns with e-filing, tax help, and audit support. State filing cost $17.99.

Deluxe Federal Option – Cost $12.99

Designed to maximum your deductions, the deluxe federal option includes your federal tax preparation, imports your information from last year (if you used TaxACT), one federal e-filing, tax help, and audit support. State filing costs an additional $5.00.

Ultimate Bundle Option – Cost $17.99

Best filing choice, if you need to file a state return, as this ultimate bundle option includes everything from the deluxe federal package plus a state filing and phone support.

Other Options

For those families who have multiple family members filing individually, TaxACT offers downloadable packages to prepare all your family’s forms along with a number of e-filing services. This option is great for families with working children or retired parents.

TaxACT is my favorite service offering 2013 income tax filing options. Having purchased the ultimate bundle for $17.99, I filed our 1040 tax return with Schedule A (deductions) and C (business) along with our state return. With the audit help available, I know I will get assistance should we get another audit letter to dispute.

As I continue to review the other two tax services, you will see that this price cannot be beat. In addition to a great price, TaxACT is also user-friendly with phone and audit support.

If you are still considering your options, then hang in there because the next review in this short series is H&R Block. Stay tuned . . .

Question: What do you look for in a tax service?

H&R Block: 2013 Income Tax Filing Options

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H&R Block: 2013 Income Tax Filing Options

Photograph Credit: H&R Block

The April 15, 2014 tax deadline is quickly approaching. I know some are still wondering if filing yourself is best or just hiring a professional may be easier.

With so many companies luring in individuals with FREE federal income tax filing, I took time last year to breakdown the top three companies and their prices: TaxACT, H&R Block, and Turbo Tax.

Using the same format as last year, I am updating those same three companies’ information as prices and services have changed for this year.

Having already reviewed TaxACT, who had a $.04 increase this year, I now turn to H&R Block who has significantly increased their prices since last year. Ouch!

Free Option – Cost $0

The free option is suited for first-time filers and includes preparation for simple federal tax returns and e-filing. Each state filing incurs a $29.99 fee.

Basic Option – Cost $34.99

Designed for simple returns, the basic option includes federal tax preparation, imports your information from last year (if you used H&R Block, Turbo Tax, or TaxACT), one federal e-filing, and stores your return for 3 years with unlimited access. State filing costs an additional $39.99 per state.

Deluxe Option – Cost $49.99

For homeowners and investors who itemized their deductions, this deluxe option package contains everything in the basic option plus gives guidance on home mortgage interest, provides help with your investments and dividends, and offers a valuation of your charitable donations. State filing is an additional $39.99 per state.

Premium Option – Cost $74.99

Created for business owners and rental property owners, this premium option includes everything from the deluxe package plus maximizes business deductions (Schedule C), rental property guidance (Schedule E), and priority support. State filing costs an additional $39.99 per state.

After reviewing the H&R Block options, I would have had to pay the $114.98 price as I file a Schedule C for Using Time Wisely. Though this price might be reasonable for the services provided, I am truly grateful for TaxACT as the $17.99 price was a better option for our family and continues to meet our needs.

NOTE: None of these tax filing posts are sponsored, nor am I being compensated for any of these posts. The opinions are 100% mine.

In noticing that more companies are luring customers with FREE federal tax filing, I wondered how they compared. So, I’m finding out by doing a little research, and passing that information along to you.

Having looked at TaxACT and H&R Block, I will continue this short series by reviewing TurboTax next. Stay tuned to see which option is best for you. Happy choosing!

Question: Do you know of any other FREE or discounted tax filing options with online service? If so, please share in the comments as I will research those options as well. Thanks!

TurboTax: 2013 Income Tax Filing Options

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Turbo Tax: 2013 Income Tax Filing Options

Photograph Credit: TurboTax

Passing a costumed Statue of Liberty lady this afternoon as she waved and jumped around attracting attention, I scanned the vacant parking lot. Her business was slow today.

I know some people prefer to sit down with an individual to file their taxes. If you are one of those, then this series is not for you.

In using time wisely, this series on tax filing options is centered on online versions designed to get your taxes prepared and filed in one online visit.

Choosing to review these options, I started with TaxACT, moved to H&R Block, and will conclude with TurboTax.

Military Edition – E1-E5 – Cost $0

This military edition is the only FREE 2013 income tax filing option. Active military personnel and reservists ranked E-1 to E-5 can file a FREE federal and FREE state return with FREE preparations and e-filings.

Free Option – Cost $0

The free option is suited for first-time filers and students and includes preparation for simple federal tax returns and e-filing. Tax help is available via live chat, and each state filing incurs a $29.99 fee.

Military Edition – E6+ and officer – Cost $44.49

This military option assists with all tax preparation and e-filing for active military personnel. Each state filing is an additional $29.99 fee.

Deluxe Option – Cost $49.99

Designed for homeowners, the deluxe option includes everything from the free option plus mortgage interest, charitable donation deductions, and e-filing. State filing costs an additional $39.99 per state.

Premier Option – Cost $74.99

For rental property owners and investors who sold stock, bonds, or mutual funds, this premier package contains everything in the deluxe option plus gives guidance on investment deductions. State filing is $39.99 per state.

Home and Business – Cost $99.99

Created for business owners, this option includes everything from the premier package plus maximizes business deductions (Schedule C). State filing costs $39.99 per state.

Since I have to file Schedule C for Using Time Wisely, I would have had to pay $139.98 to file our taxes with TurboTax. Yikes!

Though this price might be reasonable for the services provided, I am truly grateful for TaxACT. Paying $17.99 seems more than reasonable for their services as we continuing stretching our dollars.

If you are still considering your 2013 income tax filing options, then I hope that you have found some answers through this short series. Though TaxACT works best for my family, you might find another resource more beneficial – like the TurboTax military edition.

Whatever your choice, keep a close watch on your calendar and file your taxes before the April 15, 2014 deadline. Happy filing!

Question:  What is your favorite option for filing your taxes?

Walmart: Blue Rhino Propane Deal through April 5, 2014

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Walmart: Blue Rhino Propane Deal through April 5, 2014

Photograph Credit: Walmart

Are you getting ready for spring cleaning? I am ready to whip our home into shape. We have been getting routine maintenance done, and I’m glad to be making headway.

In preparing for grilling season, we took advantage of the Blue Rhino propane deal at Walmart this week and next week.

Blue Rhino Tank (New), $46.82

Buy 1, get a $25 Walmart gift card

$3/1 Blue Rhino Coupon *print limit reached*
$3/1 Blue Rhino Rebate – one per household per calendar year

 

Blue Rhino Tank Exchange, $18.92

Buy 1, get a $10 Walmart gift card

$3/1 Blue Rhino Coupon *print limit reached*
$3/1 Blue Rhino Rebate – one per household per calendar year

Our First Propane Tank Exchange

I knew we needed one of our tanks refilled, so I printed the $3 off coupon from coupons.com earlier this week. We ventured out to our Walmart, and I exchanged our tank for $15.92 and received the $10 Walmart gift card. I will also submit for the $3 mail-in rebate which is the best deal I have found on propane.

After putting the new tank away, Paul discovered that we had another empty tank. So, I will be off to Walmart again. Since I do not have the $3 off coupon as the print limit has been reached, I am going to wait until Tuesday, April 1, 2014, as this deal continues in our area through next week.

Our Second Propane Tank Exchange

At the beginning of each month, Coupons.com resets their coupons. I am hopeful that the Blue Rhino coupon will reset. Then I can snag a second tank exchange for $12.92. If the coupon does not reset, then I will make sure to stop by Walmart by Saturday, April 5, and proceed as follows.

I will exchange the second tank at the $18.92 price, use the $10 Walmart gift card from the first tank purchase, and pay $8.92. I will then get another $10 Walmart gift card. For both tanks, I will pay $24.84, get $3 cash back from the rebate, and have a $10 Walmart gift card remaining.

If you are in need of a propane tank exchange or a new one, then make your plans to snag this deal. Our Walmart will exchange any tank for a Blue Rhino. If you have another brand of tank, then check with your Walmart. You might be able to get this deal even without an original Blue Rhino swap.

With offers like the Walmart Blue Rhino propane deal which is available through Saturday, April 5, 2014, we can enjoy grilling in the great outdoors without paying retail or full price for our propane. In using time wisely, I found this propane deal worth the time to stop by Walmart to keep stretching our dollars. Happy savings!

Question: How often do you grill out during the year? 

CVS: FREE Paper Towels through March 29, 2014

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CVS: FREE Paper Towels through March 29, 2014

Photograph Credit: CVS

If you have been skeptical about FREE products at drugstores and if anyone can actually leave the store without paying a penny, then CVS has a skeptic-crushing deal for you.

Now, you must have a CVS Extra Care card. If you don’t have one, then just go to the register and request one when you arrive.

The cashier will have you fill out a short form (use your junk e-mail), and then give you a card.

With your card in hand, go to the coupon machine. It is usually located in the front of the store at the beginning of an aisle. If you don’t see it, then just ask. CVS cashiers are so friendly.

1. Scan your CVS Extra Care card, and wait. At least one coupon will generate. The one for $.79 off a Just the Basics single roll paper towel.

2. Locate the paper goods aisle, and pick up a single roll of Just the Basics which is on sale for $.79 this week*.

3. Go to checkout.

4. Present your CVS Extra Care card which the cashier will scan.

5. The paper towels will ring up at $.79*.

6. Give the cashier your coupon.

7. Watch the balance go to $0.

8. Walk out of CVS with your FREE paper towels.

*This deal is available through Saturday, March 29, 2014.

Dear skeptic, you can get items for FREE, and I know you can always use an extra roll of paper towels. I love to have my children handle these transactions because it requires one coupon.

They love seeing how to get items the legitimate way for FREE. It also builds their confidence in using coupons. Because coupons are great ways to stretching your dollars while using time wisely. Happy savings!

Question: Do you shop at CVS?