| Borrowing |
If you fill out your own tax returns, you
have two basic alternatives:
- Complete the forms by hand.
- Use a computer, either by buying a software
package or by using one of the online tax
programs.
The chief advantage of using
a compuer is
that it should help you avoid
arithmetic
errors, but there can be other
advantages:
- access to all the forms you need, including
obscure ones
- tax guidance, sometimes in the form of video
presentations
- the ability to automatically import last
year's information and information
from your
personal budgeting program
(e.g., Quicken)
- the ability to transfer federal information
to your state tax form at the
push of a button
- electronic filing that provides a secure
Internet connection for submiting your return
for faster processing and without the worry
of your paper return being mishandled in
the mail.
The principal downsides are:
- the cost of the program
- the investment of time needed to learn the
tax program
- the fact that flipping from page to page
to compare sections of your return can be
easier with paper
- inaccuracies in the program
Some firms offer free tax preparation through
their websites that save you the expense
and bother of acquiring and installing a
new program. If you opt for one of these,
make sure you fully understand what is and
is not free. |
| To Learn More (click to visit) |
To advertise your web site here,
go to CliqueRouter Ads. |
Topic contents © Mark Kolakowski and CliqueFriends,
LLC, 2004 |
|
