[x kawachi x]

I don't know if this belongs here so mods, feel free to close this down if this isn't in the right place.


This is the first time that I'll be filing my taxes by myself. My parents don't want to claim me anymore, saying that we'll get more in tax returns that way, even though we live under the same roof

I am 18 years old, a freshman in college right now and i have a part time job in which i made a bit over $5000 (it's my first job). In addition, i received financial aid and grants which paid for whole college tuition. Which form should i use to file my taxes? Should i file myself or should i go out and get it done for me? Any recommendations where?

Help!!

[jahmez]

Since it's your first time and you don't make that much you should just do it yourself. It shouldn't be too complicated. Just use an online tax prep site, which is a lot cheaper than having someone else do it for you. I know the IRS website lists some sites.

I've personally used TaxACT online for my taxes last year. It was free online filing for Federal Taxes, but had to pay like $20 for state taxes. It was very simple as you print out everything you need to mail in from the website. Everything you fill in by just answering some simple questions.

[novemberbaby]

I did my parents' and my taxes for the first time this year. It's really not that complicated especially if all you have is your W2 and your 1098T. I used Tax Cut and it's very simple! They tell you what to look for on your forms. My co-worker also did her taxes through the website and she got help through the phone from their reps.

[watcher]

you should look up the tax laws in your state. i didn't file any taxes during college. i didn't have to because i earned under the minimum per year required for filing taxes.

anyways... i don't get why your parents get less money for claiming you as a dependent? [but then again, i don't know the details of your family's tax situation ^^;]

[x kawachi x]

Thanks! I'll go try some of those websites out. I heard it can get pretty complicated though because of Financial Aid, grants, and bank statements (containing interest earned from CD accounts).

My parents refuse to claim me because they said if i file myself, i can get tax returns as an individual = more?
No clue.