Intuit, the company that owns TurboTax, announced last month that they plan to double the number of customers that file taxes with their products. This means that they are also making it easier for you to prepare your own tax return.
If you are an individual and have a W-2 and some deductions like mortgage interest and charitable donations, you should be filing your taxes online or using a free service like AARP’s Tax-Aide program. Well-trained, caring volunteers run programs like Tax-Aide…and it’s free! Several online tax products like TurboTax walk you through every step of preparing your tax return. These online services even have trained professionals on staff ready to help you in a chat session or on the phone 24 hours/7 days a week.
You may be asking why am I telling you this and potentially turning away business. Three reasons:
First, have you heard the saying, “Either get on the train or get left behind?” Well, I’m getting on the train. The technology companies like Intuit are developing cloud-based programs that make it easier and more cost effective for you to file your own taxes. My tax preparation services cannot compete on either convenience or price.
Second, I am confident that you can prepare your own return. It’s not that hard…I promise!
Third, I want what is best for you. Charging you for something you could do for free does not make sense to me.
Of course, Fit Books Accounting, LLC offers full service tax preparation for businesses, nonprofits, and individuals. If you feel like your tax situation is too complex or still don’t feel comfortable preparing your own taxes – give us a call!