Tax time.....what to use as a truck driver?

[Kevin0915]

I was given advise that i could use 'turbo tax' and still file online. Can you still get the same deductions as you would having someone else do them?? I've been saving my receipts for everything I have bought that could remotely be used on the truck. all my food receipts, equipment like flashlights, gloves, etc., and anything else i've bought for my use while working in my truck.

would like any help. what others have used, etc.

[Double R]

I use H&R Block(head). Go to the office every year. Never had a problem with deductions.

As for do-it-yourself software, I have no idea. I heard Turbo Tax is good, but have yet to try it.

[dobry4u]

Turbo and Taxcut are fine, but you need to know what you are entitled to deduct and must claim. I can sort of see by your post that you aren't clear. If you claim Per Diem you cannot claim actual. If you are reimbursed for your expenses from your truck you also cannot claim them.

Perhaps Kevin, you might consider having someone familial with the industry and the tax consequences associated with it do your taxes this year and try to wing it next year having paid for your education in taxes.

[Jackrabbit379]

I've used H&R Block for the last several years. Kinda pricey, but I know it's done right.

[EvenJoe]

I will not use H&R Block.
I use an accountant.
And the reason I do so is that H&R will only take deductions if they are expressly allowed. My accountant will take deductions unless they are forbidden.
I was audited once. Accountant answered all letters, went to all meetings, and I paid nothing.

Accountants are licensed and have degrees. Block people have taken courses. But if you are going to use an accountant, try to find an aggressive one. All people calling themselves accountants are not created equal.

Try to use Tom Daschel's accountant.

[Mr. Ford95]

I use Turbo but you have to pay for everything you want to do. File Fed, gotta pay a fee. You will have to download state and it's going to cost you about $40 then you have to pay a state filing fee. This will be the last time I use Turbo.

[Kevin0915]

One of the perks of working 6 years in the casino business, is you run into alot of different people. I delt craps, and i know one guy by the name of Roger, who played all the time. He is a CPA, and what made me sick, was when he said he makes $100,000 a year, but only works 7-8 months out of the year because of who he does taxes for. Trying to get him to do my taxes, if he can get me $2,000 back, whats 5%?

thanx for the info....

[Uturn2001]

I use Turbo but you have to pay for everything you want to do. File Fed, gotta pay a fee. You will have to download state and it's going to cost you about $40 then you have to pay a state filing fee. This will be the last time I use Turbo.

This year the federal e-file fee on is "included" with Turbotax and Taxcut. You still have to pay to e-file state though.

[Uturn2001]

Just to make things a little easier to decide if you need or should itemize your taxes, unless you normally do anyway, you will need more than $8950 if filing single or $17,900 if filling a married joint return (and this is with no other dependents) in total deductions to make itemizing worth the time.

Those numbers are this years standard deductions as per 2008 1040-EZ form and instructions which should be close to the total standard deduction if you file 1040 or 1040A.

[INKTOXICATED]

I guess its diff. For o/o's but for me a company driver i went to h and r block. Walked out 20 minutes later with 1900. I was happy

[Creek Jackson]

Just to make things a little easier to decide if you need or should itemize your taxes, unless you normally do anyway, you will need more than $8950 if filing single or $17,900 if filling a married joint return (and this is with no other dependents) in total deductions to make itemizing worth the time.

Those numbers are this years standard deductions as per 2008 1040-EZ form and instructions which should be close to the total standard deduction if you file 1040 or 1040A.

Yeah, Uturn is right. You need a lot of credits to offset the standard deduction. Doubt if an individual as a company driver can might that amount.
I have used TaxAct for the last 8 or 9 years, works for me.

[Daddy's Rig]

This year the federal e-file fee on is "included" with Turbotax and Taxcut. You still have to pay to e-file state though.

I use Turbo Tax and it works great! From what I understand,you're allowed to deduct $52.00 per day for everyday on the road..Unless you already get a per diem..Turbo Tax software will guide you thru it and explain everything..

[Robicon]

I will not use H&R Block.
I use an accountant.

Would you go to a Family Practioner for brain surgery?... Go to a tax specialist. I can't stand H&R Block but I would definintly recomend their Excutive Services branch. They know all the red flags and back you 100%

[dobry4u]

Would you go to a Family Practioner for brain surgery?... Go to a tax specialist. I can't stand H&R Block but I would definintly recomend their Excutive Services branch. They know all the red flags and back you 100%

H&R Block is way over priced for a walk in service place and on top of that, what they charge you to get a "loan" on your return is close to criminal!

[Syncrosonix]

h&r block works fine for me. i've already gotten my taxes taken care of. i'm getting back $1,254 from the "fedral gubment" and $10 from the state of arizona.

[dobry4u]

h&r block works fine for me. i've already gotten my taxes taken care of. i'm getting back $1,254 from the "fedral gubment" and $10 from the state of arizona.

I can only imagine what H&R charged you. I worked for a similar tax prep place and it was awful charging people that kind of $$ for less than an hours work, and the place I worked for was cheaper than Block.

I did VITA (Volunteer Income Tax) services for years and those returns were free based on income. Most gratifying work I ever did.

[Syncrosonix]

I can only imagine what H&R charged you. I worked for a similar tax prep place and it was awful charging people that kind of $$ for less than an hours work, and the place I worked for was cheaper than Block.

I did VITA (Volunteer Income Tax) services for years and those returns were free based on income. Most gratifying work I ever did.

i was in there for ~5hrs going through all kinds of receipts. they only charged me $120 for the entire thing, and i checked "no" on most of the boxes and what not. i even donated $50 to a child abuse charity.

[dobry4u]

i was in there for ~5hrs going through all kinds of receipts. they only charged me $120 for the entire thing, and i checked "no" on most of the boxes and what not. i even donated $50 to a child abuse charity.

you are the bestest

[INKTOXICATED]

h&r block works fine for me. I've already gotten my taxes taken care of. I'm getting back $1,254 from the "fedral gubment" and $10 from the state of arizona.

just 10 from the state. That sounds akward?

[Jimbpard]

Did mine on freetaxusa.com
Did standard deductions.
Got my $8500.00 back last friday.
Works great for me every year.
It's free to file fed taxes, and a $10.00 fee is you want to e-file your state taxes. Cant beat it.