[Matt]

In past years I have filed a handful of friends’ tax returns at a CPA firm where I held a seasonal position. I did not charge my friends anything to do this since my employer was allowing me to use their software and efile for free. I am not working there this year so I do not have the ability to use that software. I’ve had about 6 people ask me in the last week if I could help them with their taxes this year. I’m wondering if anyone has used downloadable softwares such as the TurboTax or H&R Block and prepared multiple returns with them. And if so, how does it work? I’m thinking the easiest way to go would be to just purchase a software like this and split it 6 ways (or however many people’s returns I complete- I’m not doing this to make money, just want to help friends out). I’m also wondering if these softwares charge extra for preparing a state return, even if I don’t plan on e-filing it. My though would be to just prepare my friends’ federal and state returns and then just print them out and mail them in. Any thoughts on how I should go about doing this would be appreciated!

REG: 78 (5/31/2013)
AUD: 59 (8/31/2013); 81 (10/8/2013)
BEC: 80 (12/5/2013)
FAR: 2/28/2014

[Anonymous]

I use turbotax every year to do my business (s corp) and personal taxes. I do two different business and about 5 personal each year. I have a Macbook, so the business turbotax only works on windows, so I install it on windows that I have with VMware. Then for personal software I use the home and business edition and i put that on my mac OS. For personal, turbo tax charges $20 per return for state to e-file and its free for federal. I usually download the turbotax from torrent site (illegal), saves me around $200 I guess. But as far as I know you can install the software on more than one computer since it does not require serial numbers or activation.

[Anonymous]

I use turbotax every year to do my business (s corp) and personal taxes. I do two different business and about 5 personal each year. I have a Macbook, so the business turbotax only works on windows, so I install it on windows that I have with VMware. Then for personal software I use the home and business edition and i put that on my mac OS. For personal, turbo tax charges $20 per return for state to e-file and its free for federal. I usually download the turbotax from torrent site (illegal), saves me around $200 I guess. But as far as I know you can install the software on more than one computer since it does not require serial numbers or activation.

[neika822]

I have very little tax knowledge, but me being an accountant makes me the certifiable tax return preparer (even though I'm likely doing a horrible job). But because all the tax returns are EZ, I can do them for free on turbotax.com. My state (MA), offers free software online at mass.gov, so while it's annoying to re-enter the information, it saves money! I do about 5 returns, but they each have their own login info for both.

Let me know how the downloadable software works, though! I'm assuming at some point I'll have to do that as the tax returns become more complicated.

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[neika822]

I have very little tax knowledge, but me being an accountant makes me the certifiable tax return preparer (even though I'm likely doing a horrible job). But because all the tax returns are EZ, I can do them for free on turbotax.com. My state (MA), offers free software online at mass.gov, so while it's annoying to re-enter the information, it saves money! I do about 5 returns, but they each have their own login info for both.

Let me know how the downloadable software works, though! I'm assuming at some point I'll have to do that as the tax returns become more complicated.

R - *77*(02/'13)-Becker & NINJA
A - 71('11); *87*(04/'13)-Becker & NINJA
F - *76*(08/'13)-Becker & NINJA - "server upgrade" survivor
B - 60('11); *82*(10/'13) -Becker & NINA

DONE, DONE, AND DONE.

CPA in Massachusetts; issued 01/24/14

[LongTimeComing]

I buy one copy of TurboTax and do the tax returns for my whole family (~7 returns) with no problem. The software allows 5 free efiles, so after I reach the free limit, I just print them out and mail them. No software restrictions on how many returns you can print and snail mail.

@chakdey – I would NOT recommend illegally downloading TurboTax. Call me paranoid, but who knows if the software is skimming my personal financial information (and my family's as well). If they can hack Target's POS system, they can just as easily change the code in tax software. I'll pay the $50 for peace of mind any day.

[LongTimeComing]

I buy one copy of TurboTax and do the tax returns for my whole family (~7 returns) with no problem. The software allows 5 free efiles, so after I reach the free limit, I just print them out and mail them. No software restrictions on how many returns you can print and snail mail.

@chakdey – I would NOT recommend illegally downloading TurboTax. Call me paranoid, but who knows if the software is skimming my personal financial information (and my family's as well). If they can hack Target's POS system, they can just as easily change the code in tax software. I'll pay the $50 for peace of mind any day.

[san4596]

@chakdey – I cannot help but notice you have passed all the exams. How many times did it take you to pass the ETHICS? I guess it's hard for me to understand why you would do something illegal to save so little money, and is it worth all your hard work?

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[san4596]

@chakdey – I cannot help but notice you have passed all the exams. How many times did it take you to pass the ETHICS? I guess it's hard for me to understand why you would do something illegal to save so little money, and is it worth all your hard work?

CPA EXAM: DONE!!!!
Ethics Course: Passed
Application Mailed: 3/16/15
Professional Conduct Exam: 97
Certification Date: 4/2/15!!!

[KFu]

@san4596

Amen to that. Not worth it.

BEC: 79! (Nov 2013)
FAR: 66 (Jan 2012), Rematch July 2014
AUD: 61 (Jan 2014), 86 (May 2014)
REG: TBD

[KFu]

@san4596

Amen to that. Not worth it.

BEC: 79! (Nov 2013)
FAR: 66 (Jan 2012), Rematch July 2014
AUD: 61 (Jan 2014), 86 (May 2014)
REG: TBD

[Anonymous]

I knew you guys would get mad about this. I have been doing it for few years, have not had any problems yet. But I usually end up purchasing the business edition of the TurboTax for my business taxes.

[Anonymous]

I knew you guys would get mad about this. I have been doing it for few years, have not had any problems yet. But I usually end up purchasing the business edition of the TurboTax for my business taxes.

[Ntw6817]

Are you allowed to use Turbo Tax as a paid preparer? I thought it was only to do your own taxes.

[Ntw6817]

Are you allowed to use Turbo Tax as a paid preparer? I thought it was only to do your own taxes.

[Mike117]

Sure Turbotax is great, but if you are new then it would be difficult to use it. I see that there is already quite a bit of conversation going on, thus wanted to ensure that everything is right and offer my help in return. I work for the company that provides support for both QuickBooks and Turbotax. Thus if you need any help then hesitate no longer and get support now. You can try us on our website where you can access QuickBooks and Turbotax Canada contact number. Thus feel free and get in touch now.

[Author]

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