HR Block/Tax People Worth It?

Discussion in 'Trucker Taxes and Truck Financing' started by IROCUBabe, Mar 18, 2011.

  1. IROCUBabe

    IROCUBabe Road Train Member

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    Wondering if I need to hire someone, cause for the first time ever I owe the gov. I owe quite a bit more then I was figuring... but I dont want to pay 300 dollars to HR Block so they can tell me I owe still.

    Any information on previous experience with tax persons let me know how it works, do I do some monthly fee or something?
     
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  3. bigjoel

    bigjoel Road Train Member

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    There are several good online tax programs that walk you through it.

    I use TaxAct myself (the free version). TurboTax is another one. It does all the math for you. It asks you the questions and you answer them. It is even easy to itemize.

    Try them, why pay someone else to do something you can do yourself?
     
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  4. rich_t

    rich_t Road Train Member

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    I have been using Turbo Tax for years. My tax returns aren't overly complicated to begin with though.

    If I owned a business or had a lot of various real estate investments etc. I'd probably use a CPA.
     
  5. Bigray

    Bigray Road Train Member

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    i have used turbo tax as well, very easy to manuver thru.
     
  6. Hanadarko

    Hanadarko Independent Owner/Operator

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    I used TurboTax for Business...i think I paid $75 for the software.
    Worked very well and was really easy.
    Yea, why pay someone for something you can do yourself?

    ...just don't forget ALL of the deductions your legally entitled to out there!
     
  7. Rockin&Rollin

    Rockin&Rollin Heavy Load Member

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    If you do a simple return forget H&R Block (who basically hires anybody that can run a software program that is similar to TurboTax) and do it yourself with TurboTax.

    Ask around and find a good local CPA. They get paid to know all of the tricks general software programs don’t always include (like getting away with claiming multi-year depreciation etc). My accountant is former IRS and it’s eye-popping what those in-the-know can do for a few hundred dollars.
     
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  8. ‘Olhand

    ‘Olhand Cantankerous Crusty

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    As stated earlier--there are quite a few online programs that will work--as for HR Block etc--I feel these are mostly "generic servicers" So IMHO if you ARE going to pay someone--you will be $$$$$ ahead to find an accountant/tax preparer with specialized knowledge in the trucking industry--trucking like any business has expenses/deductions unique to this industry--and there are many people(financial)that specialized in this industry--Since I hae to assume(I know bad word)that you are a driver--you are in a position to take deductions that are unique to this industry--and someone with a great deal of experience--would be your best bet--if you choose to "pay" a professional preparer. Good luck~!
    Just my $.02
     
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  9. whosedog

    whosedog Medium Load Member

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    We use a CPA because I can't figure out my own since I got into the stock market.He only charges $150 ,a small one man office,w/ secretary, works out of his house,.Whenever we need advise during the year,he's always got time to see us no charge,maybe we just got lucky and found the right one;he's worth his weight in gold.I would never go to H&R Block,tried them once, way over priced.
     
  10. Hanadarko

    Hanadarko Independent Owner/Operator

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    Agreed. If I owned or dealt with Stocks or trades and stuff I would likely consult a professional....

    For basic income and expenses I feel the software I use does a fine job...
     
  11. Big Don

    Big Don "Old Fart"

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    WHAT THIS POSTER SAID! If you need help with your return, go to someone who really KNOWS WHAT THEY ARE DOING. Not some outfit that hires "temps" to work during "the season." And there are several companies like this, not just H&R. I wouldn't go to ANY of them!
     
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