Tax questions..

[desert_fox 32]

I find your comments about people to be very disrespectful..... just because you do your own taxes does not mean you have the right to belittle people who dont do their taxes.... I do not work for H&R Block so I can not comment on how much training they get.... but I do know that just because you use H&R Block does not mean you have to take any sort of loan... that is just one of the products they offer... you can have your tax return e-filed by them and have any refund paid to you by direct deposit.... no other fees involved other than the tax prep fee....

so unless you work for H&R Block and have full knowledge of how they opperate and what services they offer, I dont think you should be advising people that they are loan sharks....

Just because people deceide to have their taxes done by an accountant or other Tax Pro does not mean that they are any less educated than someone who chooses to do their own... I also know for a fact that many people who do work for H&R Block are retired IRS officers and accountants....

Kez

That comment was directed at some guy who posted that the reason go to H&R Block is to get an instant refund or quick refund......now that is dumb...and constitures USUARY.

I can see that H&R is successful in ther business strategy to convince the American ppl that taxes are so complex that you should use their service. Probably the worst place you can go. Its the last place to go if you need a tax professional and need tax advice...they dont know.

The worse case senario for anyone is to sit down in front of your computer and knok it out in an hor or so with TurboTax and file electronically.

Probably the same ppl who paid some ättorney" 2 grand to file out the I-129F for them and they pröb screwed it up on top of that.

Once again Kez...none of this is directed towoards you and Im sure that you are a professional and can relate to what Im saying. If ppl have thin skin...too bad.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

I find your comments about people to be very disrespectful..... just because you do your own taxes does not mean you have the right to belittle people who dont do their taxes.... I do not work for H&R Block so I can not comment on how much training they get.... but I do know that just because you use H&R Block does not mean you have to take any sort of loan... that is just one of the products they offer... you can have your tax return e-filed by them and have any refund paid to you by direct deposit.... no other fees involved other than the tax prep fee....

so unless you work for H&R Block and have full knowledge of how they opperate and what services they offer, I dont think you should be advising people that they are loan sharks....

Just because people deceide to have their taxes done by an accountant or other Tax Pro does not mean that they are any less educated than someone who chooses to do their own... I also know for a fact that many people who do work for H&R Block are retired IRS officers and accountants....

Kez

That comment was directed at some guy who posted that the reason go to H&R Block is to get an instant refund or quick refund......now that is dumb...and constitures USUARY.

I can see that H&R is successful in ther business strategy to convince the American ppl that taxes are so complex that you should use their service. Probably the worst place you can go. Its the last place to go if you need a tax professional and need tax advice...they dont know.

The worse case senario for anyone is to sit down in front of your computer and knok it out in an hor or so with TurboTax and file electronically.

Probably the same ppl who paid some ättorney" 2 grand to file out the I-129F for them and they pröb screwed it up on top of that.

Once again Kez...none of this is directed towoards you and Im sure that you are a professional and can relate to what Im saying. If ppl have thin skin...too bad.

So what do people do that do not have a computer or a copy of Turbo tax or any other tax software.... and as I said before unless you have worked for H&R Block then you can not comment on how good they are at giving advice on taxes and tax filing.... all of the people I have met who have or do work for H&R Block have been very highly trained and give very good advice, also H&R Block would not be registered with IRS as approved for e-file tax returns unless they met the IRS standards, only approved companies are allowed to directly e-file to IRS all others including software e-filing is done through an approved IRS e-filing companiy...

Kez

[desert_fox 32]

So what do people do that do not have a computer or a copy of Turbo tax or any other tax software.... and as I said before unless you have worked for H&R Block then you can not comment on how good they are at giving advice on taxes and tax filing.... all of the people I have met who have or do work for H&R Block have been very highly trained and give very good advice, also H&R Block would not be registered with IRS as approved for e-file tax returns unless they met the IRS standards, only approved companies are allowed to directly e-file to IRS all others including software e-filing is done through an approved IRS e-filing companiy...

Kez

I assume that if they post on this site, that they access to a computer. You can buy the annual TurboTax software at K-Mart or Walmarts for $20. Even I dont buy the software, I go to the TurBoTax.com site and do it on-line. They even file it for you. Something you dont quite understand, then they have all the help screens in the world. They walk you thru it step by step and tell you exactly where to get the information for filling out the screens. Even I can do it and Im not a tax professional. They also have State income tax software for each state also.

[JoeCanuk 3]

So what do people do that do not have a computer or a copy of Turbo tax or any other tax software.... and as I said before unless you have worked for H&R Block then you can not comment on how good they are at giving advice on taxes and tax filing.... all of the people I have met who have or do work for H&R Block have been very highly trained and give very good advice, also H&R Block would not be registered with IRS as approved for e-file tax returns unless they met the IRS standards, only approved companies are allowed to directly e-file to IRS all others including software e-filing is done through an approved IRS e-filing companiy...

Kez

I assume that if they post on this site, that they access to a computer. You can buy the annual TurboTax software at K-Mart or Walmarts for $20. Even I dont buy the software, I go to the TurBoTax.com site and do it on-line. They even file it for you. Something you dont quite understand, then they have all the help screens in the world. They walk you thru it step by step and tell you exactly where to get the information for filling out the screens. Even I can do it and Im not a tax professional. They also have State income tax software for each state also.

desertfox, you are rather arrogant and getting on my last nerve. She never said "access to a computer". She said "what do people do that do not have a computer". Not having a computer and not having access to a computer are two completely different things. Only "dummies" can't grasp that concept. I don't know about you but I wouldn't want to file my taxes on the public library computer!

And I am that "some guy" that you mentioned. The next time you want to talk about something I said, use my name! Only dummies say, "some guy...".

And just so you know, I have always done my own taxes. I'm simply smart enough to know that some people don't like to and some people want their refund right away. Who are YOU to judge THEM? knob.

[JoeCanuk 3]

[

US tax law is very complicated. What you might be thinking is double taxation situation may not even remotely be the case. This area of the tax law is complex and there are exclusions and exceptions everywhere.

Can be complicated. but if we are talking about paying taxes on ordinary income, it becomes quite simple. Anyone who can balance a check book can figure their taxes. If you finished grade school math and can add and subtract, then you can do your own taxes. It also requires a few table look-ups. If you are confused about what is taxable, etc., there are publications available on the IRS site, along with examples. If it is still too camplex for you then use turbo tax (available on the internet), and file for $25.

People who suggest to use a tax lawyer or a tax accountant (CPA) are looking at $200 per hour to do simple math. H&r Block, etc. are for real dummys. Most likely you can do everything on the 1040EZ unless you are deducting home mortgage interest, and medical expenses, etc., (which are not taxable).

That was offensive. Some people like to use H&R Block so they can get their tax refund right away.

People like peace of mind that if a problem arrises with their tax return then they have someone to sort it all out..... also unless you know exactly what you can claim for or deduct then you could well be missing out on a better refund or small amount to pay.... companies like H&R Block assist people who want the security of knowing it will be filed right and a fast way to get your refund, that does not make you a dummy and not everyone wants to spend hours trawling through IRS Publications looking for what they can and can't claim.... As a tax Pro I know just how hard it can be to understand the language that IRS use in their publications....

Kez

These posts have to be the most offensive, or from ppl who never completed the sixth grade who use H&R Block to get a quick refund. What you are getting is an instant loan that you are paying somewhere around 25% annual interest. Only someone who is not too smart would do something like this...its preying on poor ppl and the practice should be outlawed. Evun filing a TurboTax return electronicall will get you refund in 7-10 days without paying a dime in interest.

With all due respect to Kezzie, I would not consider anyone working for H&R Block as a tax professional, but only as a clerical that just transcribes numbers from the source information that your clients bring you. There are no professional services provided, there are no decisions to make, and is strictly a clerical function.

I would think that all you newbies to the tax system would take a look at the simple forms yourselves and development a general understanding how this "complex"" system works for ppl who are filing returns bsed upon earnings only. Simple adding and subtracting, and giive you a general understanding on what kinds of incomes are taxable and what expenses are not taxable (interest on home, medical payments, uniform and education expenses, etc.) If y9ou feel offended, then you should be offended at your own ignorance of just throwing up your hands and declaring it complex, which it is not.

The only time it would become complex is if you are buying and selling stocks, and need to time them right to avoid paying taxes. Even H&R Bloock clericals are not trained to know how to do this. Another example when it gets complex is if you own rental properties which involves depreciation accounting and keeping track of deductible business expense. But if we are talking about the average married couple living off of wages, and so not own a home, and have no usual medical expense, then we are talking about 1040EZ....about 20 minutes to prepare. Or you can pay H&R Block 100 dollars and 25% interest for your instant refund (which is CRIMINAL in my opinion...worse than payday loan sharks.

Well, I completed GRADE SIX (not the sixth grade) and I don't use H&R Block. I'm simply smart enough to know why some people do. And you have a funny way of showing that you "care" for poor people when you come on here and insult people you don't even know, nor do you know their situation or whether or not they even use professionals to do their taxes. Simply arrogant. And annoying.

[JoeCanuk 3]

[

US tax law is very complicated. What you might be thinking is double taxation situation may not even remotely be the case. This area of the tax law is complex and there are exclusions and exceptions everywhere.

Can be complicated. but if we are talking about paying taxes on ordinary income, it becomes quite simple. Anyone who can balance a check book can figure their taxes. If you finished grade school math and can add and subtract, then you can do your own taxes. It also requires a few table look-ups. If you are confused about what is taxable, etc., there are publications available on the IRS site, along with examples. If it is still too camplex for you then use turbo tax (available on the internet), and file for $25.

People who suggest to use a tax lawyer or a tax accountant (CPA) are looking at $200 per hour to do simple math. H&r Block, etc. are for real dummys. Most likely you can do everything on the 1040EZ unless you are deducting home mortgage interest, and medical expenses, etc., (which are not taxable).

That was offensive. Some people like to use H&R Block so they can get their tax refund right away.

But you're not getting your refund right away, (most of the time) you're getting a loan check, and if something is wrong with the taxes they did for you, you can wind up having to pay money back.

For the most part, I'd agree with Fwaguy. I've been doing my own taxes since I was 16, and I'm not a rocket scientist. The calling people dummies, etc. I don't agree with, for most it's a comfort thing to go to a tax professional and I'm not berating the profession, but I use turbo tax and it walks me through the entire thing, and is relatively painless. It's a personal decision, but with the advent of the internet, doing your own taxes is not that difficult anymore.

If you have a special situation, I'd recommend seeing a professional, but with us it's pretty straightforward and easy to do.

And besides, I have my refund within 3 days of filing online. If you use H&R Block for the instant gratification...does 3 days really make that much of a difference?

Edited for clarity

I think you have to register to file online. The people I know that have used professionals simply did not want to bother with that. It was much simpler to just go to a professional and get the money the same day.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

The OP post a very valid question...... all this he said she said is not going to help anyone, and as for the insults they should be left at the log-in page and collected on your exit....

Please people Tax is a very important subject and yes some people are happy to do their own other are happy to pay someone to do it for them.... it does not make them any less smart.... so let just leave it at that... some posters dont want to see past their own nose and that is up to them....

Kez

[JoeCanuk 3]

The OP post a very valid question...... all this he said she said is not going to help anyone, and as for the insults they should be left at the log-in page and collected on your exit....

Please people Tax is a very important subject and yes some people are happy to do their own other are happy to pay someone to do it for them.... it does not make them any less smart.... so let just leave it at that... some posters dont want to see past their own nose and that is up to them....

Kez

Good point. The OP found some very helpful answers here hopefully.

[Nicole72082 0]

[

US tax law is very complicated. What you might be thinking is double taxation situation may not even remotely be the case. This area of the tax law is complex and there are exclusions and exceptions everywhere.

Can be complicated. but if we are talking about paying taxes on ordinary income, it becomes quite simple. Anyone who can balance a check book can figure their taxes. If you finished grade school math and can add and subtract, then you can do your own taxes. It also requires a few table look-ups. If you are confused about what is taxable, etc., there are publications available on the IRS site, along with examples. If it is still too camplex for you then use turbo tax (available on the internet), and file for $25.

People who suggest to use a tax lawyer or a tax accountant (CPA) are looking at $200 per hour to do simple math. H&r Block, etc. are for real dummys. Most likely you can do everything on the 1040EZ unless you are deducting home mortgage interest, and medical expenses, etc., (which are not taxable).

That was offensive. Some people like to use H&R Block so they can get their tax refund right away.

People like peace of mind that if a problem arrises with their tax return then they have someone to sort it all out..... also unless you know exactly what you can claim for or deduct then you could well be missing out on a better refund or small amount to pay.... companies like H&R Block assist people who want the security of knowing it will be filed right and a fast way to get your refund, that does not make you a dummy and not everyone wants to spend hours trawling through IRS Publications looking for what they can and can't claim.... As a tax Pro I know just how hard it can be to understand the language that IRS use in their publications....

Kez

These posts have to be the most offensive, or from ppl who never completed the sixth grade who use H&R Block to get a quick refund. What you are getting is an instant loan that you are paying somewhere around 25% annual interest. Only someone who is not too smart would do something like this...its preying on poor ppl and the practice should be outlawed. Evun filing a TurboTax return electronicall will get you refund in 7-10 days without paying a dime in interest.

With all due respect to Kezzie, I would not consider anyone working for H&R Block as a tax professional, but only as a clerical that just transcribes numbers from the source information that your clients bring you. There are no professional services provided, there are no decisions to make, and is strictly a clerical function.

I would think that all you newbies to the tax system would take a look at the simple forms yourselves and development a general understanding how this "complex"" system works for ppl who are filing returns bsed upon earnings only. Simple adding and subtracting, and giive you a general understanding on what kinds of incomes are taxable and what expenses are not taxable (interest on home, medical payments, uniform and education expenses, etc.) If y9ou feel offended, then you should be offended at your own ignorance of just throwing up your hands and declaring it complex, which it is not.

The only time it would become complex is if you are buying and selling stocks, and need to time them right to avoid paying taxes. Even H&R Bloock clericals are not trained to know how to do this. Another example when it gets complex is if you own rental properties which involves depreciation accounting and keeping track of deductible business expense. But if we are talking about the average married couple living off of wages, and so not own a home, and have no usual medical expense, then we are talking about 1040EZ....about 20 minutes to prepare. Or you can pay H&R Block 100 dollars and 25% interest for your instant refund (which is CRIMINAL in my opinion...worse than payday loan sharks.

I'm wondering if you think most of us here are morons or ignorant.. why you're even bothering talking to us? Normally I do my own taxes and have no problems with it. For me, it was quite simple, but I've tried doing some reading on having foreign income and just wanted a straight answer as to what I should do... not be insulted because of tossing around the idea of getting help. If you have all the answers, give us the answers instead of insulting us.

[MargotDarko 0]

So, here's my story. My husband came from Scotland in April to move over here. He came on a fiance visa. In October he received his EAD, so he's been working since November. I just received an email saying that he's basically been approved of his AOS. He'll be receiving his resident card shortly. The questions are, what am I to do on taxes? I've tried reading up on it, but a lot of people have mentioned having a spouse who is a non-resident at the time. But since my husband will officially be a resident (conditional), won't that change things? I can now file married jointly, right? Isn't that the biggest issue? I read something also about having to claim his income from his home country as well? If there is just a place to go that should have all of these answers and more, please point me in the right direction. I just want to have an idea of what I have to do when it comes time to file.

Thanks!

I found www.irs.gov to be quite a good site and they were helpful when I called the helpline. Here's a direct link to a page about taxes for aliens - http://www.irs.gov/publications/p519/index.html

This is a bit tricker than my situation was. He is supposed to report the money he earned in the UK between Jan and April 2007, but I am not sure how he goes about excluding it as I am quite sure he isn't able to file the 2555 (the foreign income exclusion form). I would say your best bet is to read the relevant parts of that guide and then give the IRS helpline a call.