NYS and free-file

[teen persuasion]

In the past I have used Turbotax online (thru the NYStax site) to efile my state and fed returns.  This year, apparently NYS is not working w/ TT, but are using 2 companies I never heard of before.  I decided to go thru TT for my federal, and at the end decline to file my state, and use the forms on the state site.  When we discovered that this wouldn't work (TT changed the format), I looked more closely at the state forms.  Despite their claims that 85% of NYers  could e-file for free, apparently if you use any form related to children you can't e-file for free.  Eighty-five percent of NYers don't have any children, even college aged?

Bit the bullet and tried one of the companies.  Turns out it is a front for H&R Block.  I cannot get the software to accept that DD3 paid enough tuition to be eligible for the AOC.  TT said we qualified.  I know that we do.  I hate the Q & A format!  Just let me fill in the forms myself!  How many other people just accepted $0, who are using the software because they don't really know if/what they are qualified for?

What is NY's problem?

[mwcpa]

New York allows "free" efile if your income is under 58,000.

Per NYS tax department.... if you income is 58,000 or more... www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile/fed_state_separate.htm

"Based on your income, you are not eligible to use free software that allows you to prepare and file both your federal and state returns together."

Per NYS tax department... if your income is between 13,000 and under 58,000... www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile/fed_state_return.htm

"You can prepare and e-file both your federal and state returns at no cost using the approved software providers below. Once you're on the company's Web site, review the information to ensure it meets your needs."

The state has partnered with "MyFreeTaxes" and "OnLine Taxes"

And per NYS tax department if you income is under 13,000....

www.tax.ny.gov/pit/efile/fed_state_free.htm

"You can prepare and e-file both your federal and state returns at no cost using the approved software provider below. Once you're on the company's Web site, review the information to ensure it meets your needs. "

The state has partnered with "MyFreeTaxes" here...

As they say, you get what you pay for sometimes....

[teen persuasion]

And inexplicably, after ditching on H&R Block and going back to TT to at least finish up filing the federal and planning to paper file for NY , TT let me file both for free!  I know they asked for $15 for NY a few days ago.  

Wonder what they will do when I fill in things for DD3 who is at college?  I just begin the process for the kids (since all their forms are sent home), and let them do the checking and filing.  DS2 is done.  FAFSAs next.