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Even if assemble your tax file is something we are doing all each year, it is not uncommon to turn to a program like Turbotax to get help in the process. Popular software occurs as the solution to simplify the forms and ensure that you include all the necessary information. But although it has become the familiar name for preparation aid, a former IRS worker now warns that Turbotax "actually tries to make your taxes more difficult" and may not be the best option for your needs.

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In a recent article, the user of Tiktok @see_me_in_hindsight explains that she used work for the tax agency As an employee in the division of tax compliance before moving to the IT department, adding that it had also "spent time on the other side" to supervise the tax audits. It begins the video - which has now been seen more than 1.7 million times - highlighting a 2019 article on Turbotax saying that they and other companies "have been lobbying for more than 20 years to complicate your taxes and Make sure that you cannot deposit for free or make it more difficult for you to deposit for free. "

The user - who lists his name of Jenni - indicates that the tax software company has actively worked to maintain the complicated deposit process. However, she maintains that despite the additional hassles, most people probably don't need help to do things the right way.

"If you can avoid using Turbotax to produce your taxes, please do it," she advises viewers. "Most of us on this application probably have fairly easy taxes. You work for an employer, you may have a jostling, you could have a house. Most people have no super complicated taxes and you can Make them yourself. "

However, if you are in a position where your deposit is less clear, you may always want to look for a little external professional aid. "If you have a complicated tax situation, you should pay an accountant - and a CPA preferably - someone who is authorized to sit in front of the IRS and represent you," she suggests. "You can even search for these people on the IRS website."

In a declaration at the Daily Dot, Tania Mercado , a representative of the parent company of Turbotax Intuit, rejected against allegations. "Intuit does not put pressure for the tax code to be complicated. In fact, we work to encourage a simpler, fairer and more transparent tax code," they said.

In the end, Jenni says that instead of opting for a paid option, many appropriate free services are available for the public. Read the rest to see which tools she and other experts suggest instead of paying for Turbotax.

One of the first recommendations that Jenni is during the video is for a Addition of recent IRS This does not cost taxpayers who qualify anything.

"There is a free file option on the IRS website," she advises. "They use what are called free filling forms, and that means that you must complete the tax form, but sincerely, the tax form is not so complicated."

However, not everyone can deposit Use the service right away. The agency specifies that Eligibility will be limited To "relatively simple returns taxpayers", targeting those who have income, credits and specific deductions, according to a press release from the agency from October 17, 2023. It will also be limited to taxpayers in 13 states for the 'Instant.

In relation: The IRS warns that the complaint of these credits can provide you with audit and a fine .

If you are looking for more free help with your taxes, Jenni adds that an option specifically adapted to those with lower income is the tax assistance of volunteers (Vita). She says that the local tax clinics of the organization use professionals to help taxpayers to complete the forms.

"It is an at no cost," she said. "I used to volunteer with the Vita program and help people to fill their taxes because I worked at IRS."

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In addition to the options mentioned in the video, other experts say that there are many interesting free ranking options. We understand Freetaxusa, who can help get your information in order Without paying a penny .

"Freetaxusa is an excellent software that offers free federal income statement services for individuals", " LEVON L. GALSTYAN , an accountant certified to Oak View law group In California, previously told Better life . "It offers step by step advice, verification of errors and easy -to -use forms to help users produce their income declarations. And if you end up needing them, it also offers various paid options for more financial situations complexes. "

Although many applications can claim to be free to use, only a handful can hold on this promise. And according to Robert Farrington , founder and CEO of The college investor , Taxes on cash applications are those that will not end up invoice you once the time to deposit. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"It allows you to produce free federal and state yields," he said previously Better life . "But it is limited in certain regions, such as not authorizing several states."

Best Life offers the most up -to -date financial information for high -level experts and latest news and research, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the money you spend, save or invest, always consult your financial advisor directly.