normal35762 Member since Oct 20th 2004 13246 posts
Sun Jan-24-16 06:38 PM
"What are the atvanatages of paying someone (HR Block, etc) to do your ta..." Sun Jan-24-16 06:39 PM by normal35762
if you are a regular joe or jane blow with no ira accounts, no stocks, no business of your own, no per diem to write off, regular lower wage, blue collar employee type. Who is single too. With or without kids.
I mean will the fee they charge make it worth it to see them? Same with programs like turbo tax. What can they do that the free programs can't?
A lady where I work at said HR Bloch charged her 350 to do her taxes. She got 2 kids she claimed and will prolly get extra bread for earned incme credit but the free programs got those options too.
there are too many free opinions for "simple" filers to pay anyone
but
a couple of advantages if you do have a non-basic are:
1. liability - if you get audited, its on them to talk to the IRS and explain (not you)
2. expertise/knowledge - if you go with an actual pro they might know about non-obvious (legal) deductions you can take. likewise they can help structure things to help reduce tax burden in the future
18. "Respectfully...let's unpack this..." In response to Reply # 1
>there are too many free opinions for "simple" filers to pay >anyone > >but > >a couple of advantages if you do have a non-basic are: > >1. liability - if you get audited, its on them to talk to the >IRS and explain (not you)
The IRS is calling YOU...not your tax preparer when they come to audit. If you tell them "Talk to my tax preparer" they gonna reply "Naw". Now...your tax preparer may ASSIST you....but at the end of the day....it's on you.
>2. expertise/knowledge - if you go with an actual pro they >might know about non-obvious (legal) deductions you can take. >likewise they can help structure things to help reduce tax >burden in the future
By this logic, you are relaying on a "professional" to potentially do some shady math to get you some "extra deductions"...thus making your return MORE susceptible to audit triggers....
I submit...that unless you run a major money making business, and have money going to & coming from many many taxable entities, and just have complicated, not "complicated", money situation...the average person is better off learning how to do their taxes themselves thus being more informed and more knowledgeable about their situation...
I just think those are bad excuses ultimately... A good excuse/reason IMO to pay someone is the most simple... If you know you ain't gonna get around to doing it yourself because of laziness, lack of time, lack of interest...then yeah...paying someone is the best move to make... it's really that simple.
19. "if you get audited, its on them to talk to the IRS?...WRONG" In response to Reply # 1
>there are too many free opinions for "simple" filers to pay >anyone > >but > >a couple of advantages if you do have a non-basic are: > >1. liability - if you get audited, its on them to talk to the >IRS and explain (not you) > >2. expertise/knowledge - if you go with an actual pro they >might know about non-obvious (legal) deductions you can take. >likewise they can help structure things to help reduce tax >burden in the future >
4. "None. For that amount you can get a CPA/tax accountant " In response to Reply # 0
...even if they don't save you money they can advise on what you should do next year to save money. Actually you can put money into retirement accounts until April for 2015. So they may save you money immediately.
6. "I feel out of my depth in that world." In response to Reply # 4
I wonder if I should try using a consultant. I have to get over my lack of trust in any financial advice. I've always just kinda clawed and scratched my way financially and now's probably the first time that I actually have options.
I guess I don't know how to confirm that a consultant is giving you advice that doesn't reflect their interest in some way instead of mine. Like when you hear about banks encouraging people to buy houses that they can't afford. Anyone know if that's a strong consideration in seeking financial consultation? Or am I being over-cautious?
>if you are a regular joe or jane blow with no ira accounts, >no stocks, no business of your own, no per diem to write off, >regular lower wage, blue collar employee type. Who is single >too. With or without kids. >
There is no reason for anyone with these characteristics to pay money for filing a tax return.
8. "refund anticipation loans" In response to Reply # 0
the hood pays that premium for somebody to use turbotax to do their taxes because that company will give them money faster than going through the normal channels...
10. "HR Block is just some random dude using TurboTax/Quicken" In response to Reply # 0
Right after I got married I used H&R Block for about three straight years. I sat with dude and he asked me for all my info one by one and fed it into his program. Eventually I though, "well I can do what he did." I've used Turbo Tax ever since.
I think if I had a ton of investments or various income streams...etc., I would go to CPA, but my current tax situation is far from complicated.
legsdiamond Member since May 05th 2011 79624 posts
Mon Jan-25-16 08:15 AM
12. "we used H&R Block one year and I was SWOLE" In response to Reply # 10
my wife wanted to use them because we had a few 1099's and other shit going on and after she saw how much they charged she stfu and let me do that shit on turbotax.
I used to do it the old school way and probably should do it that way again.
but I can't front. I don't mind paying a few dollars for turbotax to update my shit instead of doing it line by line with a pen.
**************** TBH the fact that you're even a mod here fits squarely within Jag's narrative of OK-sanctioned aggression, bullying, and toxicity. *shrug*
15. "They will spell everything correctly for you" In response to Reply # 0
-The Knicks’ coaching search still includes a lone frontrunner, Kurt Rambis, whose qualifications for the position include a strong relationship with Jackson and a willingness to take the job.
The Wordsmith Member since Aug 13th 2002 17070 posts
Mon Jan-25-16 09:23 PM
20. "With that situation, none." In response to Reply # 0
When I was single, I messed around and decided to go to HR Block one year instead of filing online through Turbo Tax. Basically, I figured an "expert" might be able to get me more money due to knowing the ins and outs of filing taxes. How wrong I was. I ended up getting back less than usual. That bull had me saltier than a mugg. I went right back to Turbo Tax the following year and got around the amount I was used to getting. Since 1976
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