Ed Pawlowski wrote:
>"Julie Bove" wrote:
>
>> I use Turbo Tax. Used to be
>>free for military people but it's not any more. I can't see why anyone
>>would need help. It's pretty self explanatory.
>
>You've not seen much of the world then. I know of thousands of people
>that cannot comprehend checkbooks, bank accounts, tax forms, etc. Take
>a ride down the street, open your eyes, and you will see many of them.
>I'd bet 90% of minimum wage workers cannot do the 1040EZ either on
>line or on paper. They fall prey to overpriced tax services and that
>is why I do the forms for some people for free.
>
>One reason the problem exists is because of people like you that don't
>know it exists and don't care to be of any help with it.

For those who just need to file a short form there are many places
that will help someone file for free or for a minimal fee, most senior
citizen centers will have someone who will perform that service for no
charge or on a sliding scale based on ability to pay... many banks
will offer that service for free to their depositors. Those who need
to file taking deductions can almost always afford to pay for the
service out of their refund. The thing is most folks don't want
people they socialize with to know their business so rather than have
a friend/acquaintance prepare their taxes for free they pay a tax
service. I've been buying Turbo Tax for many years and do my own
taxes, couldn't be easier... I think anyone who has a computer can use
Turbo Tax... I've offered to do the taxes of people I know for free
but they always refuse, then they lie about their enormous refunds.