IRS forms...canot get them from local library anymore....

[Baz]

Just finished ordering my tax return forms from the IRS.

They used to be mailed to me every year. Then that stopped and I picked up what I needed from the local library.

Now the library does not have them - they gave me a slip of paper on how to obtain them directly from the IRS.

I have printed out the odd form I needed in the past (Schedule C, etc.) but the other stuff I picked up.

Guess this saves some costs somewhere.

I feel bad for those who are not Internet savvy these days.....

[74-911]

Baz,
If you will try TurboTax or H&R Block (get the DVD if you don't feel comfortable doing it on-line), You will never go back to paper forms once you use your computer. Once you get the first year done, for most people the next years tax is just bringing forward last years return and changing the numbers. Huge time-saver, guides you through the forms based on questions it asks you and eliminates math errors.

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by 74-911

Baz,
If you will try TurboTax or H&R Block (get the DVD if you don't feel comfortable doing it on-line), You will never go back to paper forms once you use your computer. Once you get the first year done, for most people the next years tax is just bringing forward last years return and changing the numbers. Huge time-saver, guides you through the forms based on questions it asks you and eliminates math errors.

Jack is correct. Used TT since 1994. Even with rentals and the sale of a rental.

If you don't want to go online, order the basic disc thru Ebay this time of year for under $10. Print your forms and mail them in if you would rather....Save the file and just change the numbers next year.

[herr_oberst]

Baz, you ARE internet savvy, so do you still do taxes using paper forms? Or are you helping out a relative? My ex GF was talking to me about this same thing the other day. Seemed like a real pain in the ass, because she wasn't exactly sure what she might need....

[Jeff Higgins]

We've done out taxes with TT for years; couldn't be easier.

My 95 year old, fiecely independent decorated WWII vet father in law, however, sees no reason he has to be internet, nor computer savy to file his taxes. This was the first year he could not get his forms at the library, and he was livid. Rightfully so, I would say. Has it really become too much to ask, with as heavy of a tax burden that we carry, for our government to at least continue to provide the forms, in ways that are accessible to all, that they demand we file?

[Dantilla]

For my daughter, I printed off a 1040EZ from the IRS website.

I wish I could use the EZ form. I have to have my tax return done by a CPA. Too complex for TurboTax.

[jyl]

Maybe a different library is still stocking the forms. Or call IRS:

Ways to Obtain IRS Forms and Publications

[Baz]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions.

I always do it by hand and just use the previous year as a template - same idea as TT but with a pen and paper I guess.

It's not a big deal for me really - I can get it done in just a few hours.

BTW JYL....your link above is dated 2011 - and things have changed since then - hence the reason for my post - but thanks anyway.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

We've done out taxes with TT for years; couldn't be easier.

My 95 year old, fiecely independent decorated WWII vet father in law, however, sees no reason he has to be internet, nor computer savy to file his taxes. This was the first year he could not get his forms at the library, and he was livid. Rightfully so, I would say. Has it really become too much to ask, with as heavy of a tax burden that we carry, for our government to at least continue to provide the forms, in ways that are accessible to all, that they demand we file?

Jeff - Please tell your grandfather I ran into the same goofy problem and more importantly....please thank him for his service for me.

[jyl]

Looks like the TFOP (tax forms outlet program) is still going on, as of Feb 2015. Maybe the library you checked stopped participating?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by jyl

Looks like the TFOP (tax forms outlet program) is still going on, as of Feb 2015. Maybe the library you checked stopped participating?

Perhaps but we only have 1 library and they were not there and I was told by library staff member they are no longer stocking them there....and he handed me an IRS document telling me how to order them directly from the IRS.

It's OK - I can play by the rules.....as long as I know what they are. But sometimes with the government I feel like I'm in a shell game.

[VincentVega]

Why not just use the free computer at the library and get the forms you need?

http://apps.irs.gov/app/picklist/list/formsPublications.html

[widgeon13]

TT here and is very straightforward. I may have to use a CPA when I start taking RMD in two more years, working on getting a plan for that over the next year.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by VincentVega

Why not just use the free computer at the library and get the forms you need?

Forms and Publications (PDF)

Vincent, I want the booklet as well with all the instructions. Too much to print out. I keep my copies in the book for next year's reference.

You guys with all your stuff on the computer - what if you lose it or have a glitch and things get messed up? I know low probability but still....stuff happens! (gulp)

[VincentVega]

Thumb drive, stores all the tax forms/booklets you can download. Save a backup copy or 2. Print out as many pages as you like, lots of choices.

[rwest]

No win for the IRS, they send out the forms and they get beat up for wasting tax payer dollars on forms hardly anyone uses, they don't and they get beat up for not making them available. Seems like they've done a decent job of making them available, although less convenient than in the past.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by Baz

I want the booklet as well with all the instructions. Too much to print out.

While my daughter uses the one-page 1040EZ, it has 43 (Forty-Three!!) pages of instructions.

[mocha07]

Originally Posted by Dantilla

While my daughter uses the one-page 1040EZ, it has 43 (Forty-Three!!) pages of instructions.

Just save the instructions to your desktop,open as a pdf as needed.

[CHICKS]

Welcome to 2015.

[Dantilla]

Originally Posted by mocha07

Just save the instructions to your desktop,open as a pdf as needed.

No need. EZ form completed without needing 43 pages.
Just found it humorous, or maybe just typical of government, that a one-page form needs 43 pages of instructions.