Tax software

[dancingirl21]

My FIL usually buys a CD version of TurboTax and installs it on his computer, then we go to his house and do our taxes. They are usually pretty simple and it’s not a big deal. This year, though, things may get more complicated.

DH worked half the year in IL and the other half in SC, so we definitely have two states. He has also received a lot of extra pay for working in a different state, some other reimbursement things, etc. that I won’t have a full grasp on until we get his W-2.

All that said, is there some tax software that you like best? Maybe something where an expert can look it over before we file?

[ohgillian]

Turbo Tax should definitely be able to handle that. And it has a version where you can get an expert to review your return. I pay for the highest version where you can get live help and audit defense. Also, I don't buy the CD; I just use the online software.

I do think TT has predatory business practices but I fully admit I still use them anyway. I'm not going back to doing my taxes by hand.

[goldengirlz]

Working in one state while living in another is a very common tax situation. Plenty of people live in NJ or CT while commuting to NYC, for example.

H and I even had to file tax returns in three states one year. TurboTax handled all of it easily.

[winemaker06]

Any of the big companies will be fine - TurboTax, TaxAct, TaxSlayer (thi, s is what the IRS has its volunteers use).
I used TaxAct for several years because it was cheaper than TurboTax, then tried FreeTaxUSA and have stuck with that because it's even cheaper.
You can also run your numbers with more than one company to make sure the end result is the same. But most have expert assistance you can pay for also.

[dancingirl21]

Thanks, all. In looking at DH's last paystub of the year, it may not be as complicated as I originally thought. His company is paying us for rent, car allowance, weekly per diem, and extra pay while he is a traveler. But it also looks like they are grossing up so it won't be a tax burden for us. It shouldn't be as dramatic as I thought. Appreciate your insight - we will probably try to use TurboTax online.

[keweenawlove]

I live in WI and have W2s from IL and WI and Turbo Tax has handled it fine.