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Why do i have to pay you for what is a free service

why do i have to pay you for a free service
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4 Replies

Why do i have to pay you for what is a free service

You are posting from the Free Edition.   But it is too late to start a new return using online software.   If you do not already have a return that you started to prepare before the October 15 deadline you cannot start one for free now.   The only way to start a new return now and use TurboTax is to purchase and download the software to a full PC or Mac.

 

CD/DOWNLOAD (This requires a full PC or Mac—-cannot be used on a mobile device)

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/cd-download/

 

You can also purchase the CD/download from various retailers such as Costco, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Staples, Sam’s Club, etc. etc. etc.

 

This link Where can I obtain authentic TurboTax software? has a list of authorized TurboTax resellers.

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**

Why do i have to pay you for what is a free service

Online preparation and e-filing for 2018, 2019 and 2020 is permanently closed.

 

To file a return for a prior tax year

 

 If you need to prepare a return for 2018, 2019 and 2020 you can purchase and download desktop software to do it, then print, sign,  and mail the return(s)

https://turbotax.intuit.com/personal-taxes/past-years-products/

 

You may also want to explore purchasing the software from various retailers such as Amazon, Costco, Best Buy, Walmart, Sam’s, etc.

 

Remember to prepare your state return as well—if you live in a state that has a state income tax.

 

When you mail a tax return, you need to attach any documents showing tax withheld, such as your W-2’s or any 1099’s.  Use a mailing service that will track it, such as UPS or certified mail so you will know the IRS/state received the return.

Federal and state returns must be in separate envelopes and they are mailed to different addresses.  Read the mailing instructions that print with your tax return carefully so you mail them to the right addresses.

 

Note:  The desktop software you need to prepare the prior year return must be installed/downloaded to a full PC or Mac.  It cannot be used on a mobile device.

 

If you are getting a refund, there is not a penalty for filing past the deadline.  If you owe taxes, the interest/penalties will be calculated by the IRS based on how much you owe and when they receive your return and payment. The IRS will bill you for this; it will not be calculated by TurboTax.

 

Who has to file?

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Do-I-Need-to-File-a-Tax-Return%3F

 

Where to File Paper Tax Returns With or Without a Payment | Internal Revenue Service

 

 

Why do i have to pay you for what is a free service

You do not have to pay for the Free Edition which is only for simple tax returns that do not require additional schedules that only the paid versions support and you upgrade.  But you cannot file an online tax return now - it is too late.

**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**

Why do i have to pay you for what is a free service

If you have a simple return and want to file for free you can fill out the forms by hand.  Here are some basic forms.....

 

Here is the 2020 1040 return

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-prior/f1040--2020.pdf

               

or if you want bigger type use 1040SR for Seniors,

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s.pdf

 

2020 1040 Instructions

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040gi.pdf

 

2020 EIC and Tax Tables  https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/i1040tt.pdf

 

Schedules 1-3

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s1.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s2.pdf

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040s3.pdf

 

Don’t forget your state.  And you will have to print and mail your returns.  So be sure to attach copies of your W2s and any 1099s that have withholding on them.  You have to mail federal and state in separate envelopes because they go to different places.  Get a tracking number from the post office when you mail them for proof of filing.

 

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