I don’t “do” taxes. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not pulling a Snipes. I pay them, but hire my bean counter Ernie and his steam-powered abacus to do them for me. “Ernie & The Steam-Powered Abacus” is also the name of a children’s book I am writing. I digress.
Because it is possible to get free access to TurboTax 2012 tax preparation software, I am going to give it a whirl this year to see how I do. Fear not Ernie, we’ll file your version. I’m too pretty for the clink.
All I had to do for the freebie was open a State Farm Bank “Free Checking” account with $25. No fees. No minimums. I did it online. I opened the account on a Friday and was cleared to use TurboTax the next Thursday.
If you go the free State Farm Bank route, here’s what you do: When your account is open, log in online. Click on the TurboTax checkmark on the right sidebar.
The next screen reminds you “To receive your special TurboTax offer, you must access and complete your return through the links on statefarm.com. If you access your return directly from Intuit’s site, payment will be required.”
You’ll see that you can use Deluxe for free ($29.99 retail). Premiere is only $20 and Home & Business is $30.
If you click on “State additional” you will see (next screen capture) that is also free with all versions (retail $36.99).
TurboTax only charges when you file a return. I’ve never done my own taxes, so I am going to play around and see how I do.
