(I’m not American & not familiar with the tax system at all) how much does it cost if I get someone else to do them?
2007-12-26 06:55:03 · 8 answers · asked by ane519 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ United States
If this is your first time filing, make an appointment at an H&R Block office. As for an experienced tax professional - 5 years or more. Ask them to set aside at least an hour for your return. Then, when you get there, tell them you want to understand your tax return. Ask them to explain everything - they should anyway, but if they know you want to learn, they'll be a little more thorough. This way, someone will explain to you how your return works, what you can do to pay less in taxes (legally), and your options for filing the return.
If you get to the end of the work, and find that it's not worth it for you to pay to have the return prepared because it's too simple or because your refund isn't as high as your fees, ask them about discounting for people in your situation. But be aware, you also have the ability to walk out at any time, taking only the documents you brought with you, and not pay for anything. In other words, if you decide not to file with us, you don't have to pay.
Good luck... and also ask about taking the Income Tax Course in September. This can really help you with your own return. And if you want to work part-time, you might qualify to work for Block after passing the class.
2007-12-30 00:24:34 · answer #1 · answered by Katie Short, Atheati Princess 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you have any computer skills you could buy the tax program TURBO TAX for about $40. That price covers the cost of federal and state taxes).
It asks you the same question a tax guy would. You answer with a number and it puts that number on the tax forms in the right place. It doesn't make arithmetic errors. It knows all the tax forms. It suggests deductions you might have overlooked. It prints out all the papers or lets you e-file if you are getting a refund.
2007-12-26 15:06:35 · answer #2 · answered by Rich Z 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
In your particular case, there could be complicating factors based on the fact that you are not an American citizen. I would avoid doing your own return (either on paper or using software) and would also avoid any storefront tax return company (such as H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, etc.) until you find out your status for tax purposes.
Filing rules are different for resident aliens than for non-resident aliens. You will first need to check to see which set of IRS rules applies to you, based on your own circumstances. If you cannot find that answer, you need to check with an experienced tax professional who can help. Storefront tax preparers probably do not have the kind of experience you may need.
2007-12-26 15:47:57 · answer #3 · answered by taxreff 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Unless your tax situation is quite complicated, there is no reason why you can't prepare your own tax return. The directions are clear and filling in the numbers is basic. anyone who can read can do it. You need a tax service only if you have complexities like a side business, securities transactions, royalties, and similar issues.
2007-12-26 15:01:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It depends on how complicated your taxes are. If you bought and sold a lot of stocks for example, it could get complicated - but if you just had income from a job or two, and maybe a savings account with interest, they'll be pretty simple and you could likely do them yourself.
If you pay someone else to do them, it should be under $100 if they are simple, more if they're complicated.
2007-12-26 15:00:36 · answer #5 · answered by Judy 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
cost depends on how much you make, and also, how many deductions you'll have, if you'll itemize, etc..
Average cost is from $100 to about $200 bucks.
HOWEVER- if you buy a computer program called Turbo Tax, you can do it yourself. It is VERY easy, the system makes it like childs play. You can buy it for about 70 bucks, and use it for several years. It's WAY worth it.
2007-12-26 15:00:03 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
It all depends on how difficult your taxes are to do. If you just have 1 job and are a w'2 wage earner then not very hard at all to do.
2007-12-26 15:00:24 · answer #7 · answered by golferwhoworks 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Unless you have a complicated return, you should be well served by H&R Block. They have offices in most every city. Assuming the return is not complicated your cost for them to file should only be a few hundred dollars. (I do not now nor have I ever worked for H&R Block)
2007-12-26 14:58:51 · answer #8 · answered by jwishz 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋