Doing your own taxes for a total n00b

[cael]

Well, not *my* taxes, my fiance's. All he has to account for on his taxes are his wages, health insurance, and 401k contribution, so his taxes are super simple. (I have interest and dividends so mine's a little more complicated) I'd like to try doing it myself but I have noooo clue where to begin. I believe we can efile his state return free for MA. For federal, how hard would it be for me to do it on the IRS website (which is free, right?) - halp! Thanks

[Deleted]

www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/f1040ez.pdf

[cael]

Thanks Archie! Could I probably look at our w2s and Turbotax documents from the last few years to figure out what to enter where on that form? Seems at least for DF it would be pretty simple..

[Deleted]

Yes you probably could. You could also probably efile for free. you could check here: www.irs.gov/efile/article/0,,id=118986,00.html

[cael]

Great I'll check all that info out, thanks!

Now - state returns. I know we can do it free through the Mass DoR site (Webfile). On Turbotax the last few years for both of us, we've been asked to enter the amount of rent we pay to deduct. It ups our returns a little bit. That is the state return, correct, not federal?

[Deleted]

Feb 3, 2011 15:11:42 GMT -5 cael said:

Great I'll check all that info out, thanks!

Now - state returns. I know we can do it free through the Mass DoR site (Webfile). On Turbotax the last few years for both of us, we've been asked to enter the amount of rent we pay to deduct. It ups our returns a little bit. That is the state return, correct, not federal?

That is a state issue. You cannot deduct rent on your federal return.

[cael]

That's what I thought, just verifying. Sorry for the dumbo questions!

[mwcpa]

cael.... from Mass DOR website... more info is available there..

"A deduction is allowed for rent paid by the taxpayer during the taxable year for a principal residence located in Massachusetts. This deduction is limited to 50% of the rent paid not to exceed a total deduction of $3,000. The deduction must be for rent that the taxpayer paid to a landlord for the rental or lease of taxpayer's principal residence in Massachusetts."

[cael]

Great, thanks! I didn't know it was limited to 50% of the rent paid.... Turbotax never told me that :/ at least my rent's cheap, lol.