[bert]

——According to their tax preparer-——

My question is why did they spend money on a tax preparer? Had they done their own taxes, they might not have calculated they owed anything.

[redfreedom]

I agree. Preparing your own tax return is surprisingly simple with the various software programs out there.

18 yrs ago we lost our rear end playing commodities. H&R Block, who did our taxes for close to $200 per year, refused to touch that years return as they did not know how to do it (I’m serious, I called upper management to verify it). I bought a $20 program, got some tips from the IRS, and filed it on my own. I’ve saved thousands over the years.

[Kid Shelleen]

Had they done their own taxes

You raise an interesting point. What if everybody starts doing their own taxes by hand? Don't use tax software. I take my taxes very seriously and always go out of my way to ensure their accuracy and file electronically so there is always an electronic. But this year I feel very weary. I am going to file the old fashioned way by snail mail. I hope I dont make any mistakes. If I happen to make some small math mistakes or get confused on how much I paid in quarterly taxes what do you think will happen?
Are there any CPA/accountant types that can advise me?
We can wring our hands about the corruption in government but I think it is time to engage in our own harmless acts of civil disobedience.