BB: Buy Turbo Tax, get Free MS Mouse & $5 GC

[Master [H]]

Yes, it's tax time again.

I went to Best Buy and found that if you buy any version of Turbo Tax running $39.99 or more, you get a free wireless Microsoft Optical Mouse 3000 and a $5 gift card.

I ended up walking out with almost as much free stuff as what I paid for. Plus, you'll be reimbursed for tax prep software.

Just a heads up to the rest of the working stiffs.

[NeoGohan]

Time to head to best buy. Thanks!!

[weuntouchable]

;1032017061']Plus, you'll be reimbursed for tax prep software.

And who exactly reimburses you for tax prep software?

[TheBluePill]

Its a Deduction, not a refund, two completly different things.

[Modred189]

I would assume that the software automatically applies this deduction?

[stuntjumper]

I might be mistaken, but I think it's a deduction off of next years taxes, just save the receipt.

[nilepez]

Before you open the software, you might consider trying the various online tax programs to see which is best. AFAIK, TurboTax and TurboTax online will give you the same results.

The reason I suggest this is one year I did it with Turbo Tax and then with a different program (I think it was HR Blocks software) and the latter netted me at least 100 bucks more than Turbo Tax. This year, maybe TT is better or perhaps it's someone else.

Of course if you've got a house, kids and all that, you're probably best off just saving every receipt and passing it off to an accountant.

[Modred189]

I might be mistaken, but I think it's a deduction off of next years taxes, just save the receipt.
Nope! I just ran the software, (bought it a while ago), and indeed, there is a location for Tax Software

[weuntouchable]

Its a Deduction, not a refund, two completly different things.
It's actually a miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to 2% of Adjusted Gross Income. So first a person has to itemize their deductions in order to get this, and even if that is the case the amount involved is so small that it will almost certainly be phased out unless an individual has a lot of other miscellaneous itemized deductions. Buying Turbo Tax (or any accounting software or service) generally isn't going to be deductible for too many people on their individual tax returns.

[TheBluePill]

It's actually a miscellaneous itemized deduction subject to 2% of Adjusted Gross Income. So first a person has to itemize their deductions in order to get this, and even if that is the case the amount involved is so small that it will almost certainly be phased out unless an individual has a lot of other miscellaneous itemized deductions. Buying Turbo Tax (or any accounting software or service) generally isn't going to be deductible for too many people on their individual tax returns.


Exactly.

As for different results from different software, both TurboTax and TaxCut gave me identical results one year.. so YMMV on that one.. Since you cant return software, then its a gamble..

[Rori]

Not trying to crap on the deal since it's a good deal if you need the software and the mouse,


But.....


If you are only doing a 1040EZ or a relatively simple 1040A, you can use TurboTax for free online: http://turbotax.intuit.com/

[Master [H]]

Actually, all I was looking for was the software. It's hard to say no to free stuff. :p

[nilepez]

Exactly.

As for different results from different software, both TurboTax and TaxCut gave me identical results one year.. so YMMV on that one.. Since you cant return software, then its a gamble..

I didn't buy both packages. I entered my info online into both packages and TaxCut (if that's HR Blocks software) gave me extra cash.

But as you say, it's definitely a YMMV, which is why I suggested trying it.

Regardless, it costs nothing to enter the info online, so the only thing you lose is your time.....actually filing will cost you money, but you'll only do that with one package

[TheBluePill]

I didn't buy both packages. I entered my info online into both packages and TaxCut (if that's HR Blocks software) gave me extra cash.

But as you say, it's definitely a YMMV, which is why I suggested trying it.

Regardless, it costs nothing to enter the info online, so the only thing you lose is your time.....actually filing will cost you money, but you'll only do that with one package


How complex can your online tax return be? What if you have a bunch of different 1099s and more than one W2?

[Rori]

My wife and I used the free version. We had 2 W-2s, 4 1099s, 2 1098-Ts, and just took the standard deductions without having to pay anything even though we used eFile. Where you start having to pay $$ is if you ask the program for help (we just looked up the two questions we had in the IRS pubs) or if you want additional services like State filing or audit insurance.

[nilepez]

How complex can your online tax return be? What if you have a bunch of different 1099s and more than one W2?

I'll let you know when I check them out. I don't believe I ever had 2 w-2s when I've used these.

I used them when I had capital gains. I'm pretty sure you can get info on what's offered at www.turbotaxonline.com and I'd assume at the other ones as well. I believe when I tried the HR Block site, it was based on some reviews I'd read of all the online tax software.

Given that turbotax always had several different price levels, I tend to believe that anything you can do with the packaged software can also be done online.

Generally they give pretty heavy discounts if you file early.

[TheBluePill]

Cool.

I Went for the Deal at BB, that is a VERY nice notebook mouse! Gave it to my wife for her new laptop, and the $5gc makes it an even better deal!

THANK YOU!! :D