Using Turbo Tax? You should be able to import just about everything from Schwab and most large financial firms, etc. Factor in forwarding info from previous years and it really does make it quite painless compared to just a few years ago...even multiple states (which I've done a couple of times the old way) is "built in". Heck, even the tax firms (HR Block, etc. which I've never used) go to the backroom and use T-tax :D.

Yes, think of it more as a zero interest savings plan that would otherwise be turned into beer.


It's more that I get to claim back activities and purchases during the year that I wouldn't otherwise get back.

Ahh, but beer pays dividends! :D :D

Fair enough--we get to deduct all medical expenses on our state taxes, which is nice considering I have two young children who seem to be getting sick all of the time.

I used to do that "by design" too...but just not "too much" when I was younger. I'd get my return, and then go blow it...hey it's FREE MONEY :D

I have to file in Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorada and California because I worked in each of those states more than 15 days.

I have an investment property so can claim expenses from that, as well as conferences, trade literature, memberships etc. Anything work or investment related has some degree of deductability.

just got my 1099 today. they always push it to the last day.

I always owe some money. They can wait until later to get it.

I really hate doing tax returns. But, we have approx. 350 tax clients, so I know what I'll be doing for the next 2.5 months, and it's a living.

I dislike it a lot.

But I tried an accountant. They want me to collect all the documents and fill out a screening form. That's 90% of the work. I can type the rest in myself, thankyouverymuch.

Still missing some bank stuff from the credit union. Works for me, I usually break even and don't rush but also do it before the deadline to not get stressed out.

G

Same here. I've learned the hard way about MLP's and restricted stock sales. Nothing too complicated but not the most straight forward thing either. Hopefully the new cost basis reporting will simplify things in the future, but only for stuff bought in 2012+.

This was by far the earliest I've ever done mine...last year was a LOT of unusual activity for me and I wanted to know just how far I was bending over this time around. Today was the first day the import data was available from my brokerage. Vincent, I keep MLPs in a sheltered account (non-issue for me), but wouldn't all that be handled automatically via importing it? At least I know where I stand (err...bend) now :)

Could be, not sure though. Last year I received the MLP info after I filed. Love that. Basically re-file and complete the archaic docs that confirm no changes required. Hopefully I can import and get ahead of it this year.

I'm having some import issues wit foreign tax payments from a fund too. Not a 1099div but the #'s match up plus there are 'qdi eligible' and another new to me column. Need to do some reading.

Sometimes I think I should simplify the investment accounts and just stick to funds. Much, much simpler tax reporting.

If it weren't for kids, daycare and non taxable combat pay... We'd be bending over with the best of them.

I'm "fortunate" enough that I get to give my ex-wife about 30% of my pay for child support and can't claim a dime of it. However, she can claim the daycare on HER taxes, even though I'm the one giving her the money for it...I so love our draconian divorce laws. :rolleyes:

And combat pay is GREAT for soldiers/contractors. But of course, now I'm in the other boat (federal civilian), so the time I spent in theater was completely taxed. I ended up owing Uncie Sam about 15 grand on top of what I'd already paid for the year.

With the business I gave up doing my taxes. About 2 years ago, I ran the numbers myself, and the account saved us about $5K over that.

Oh we just bend over. No kids, no mortgage, just two paychecks.

DINKs. It would be nice if they at least bought you a lobster dinner first...SmileWavy

I love doing taxes...that is where it all happens, where truth in spending lies and the real buffoonery exists.

Do your own taxes to see how stupid the tax code is.