Tax Software - Page 2 - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

CaptainCrunch · 02-02-2009, 12:46 PM

I use Quicktax because it directly connects with Quicken and picks up all of my required tax information as long as I have setup my paychecks and spending properly.

It takes me about 5 minutes to do my return.

bachman · 02-02-2009, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by return to the red

so here's a question. My divorce hasn't been finalized yet, do I file as married or is there an option on these software programs to file as seperated?

file as married unless it is final

cSpooge · 02-02-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bachman

file as married unless it is final

DO NOT DO THIS. File what your marital status was, as of Dec 31/08. If you were living separate and apart from your spouse for more than 90 consecutive days (even if it goes in to the new year) file as separated. Filing a wrong marital status is one of the worst things that you can do on a tax return as it will screw a lot of things up.

MJK · 02-02-2009, 01:33 PM

WHat is the best way for me to file. I have been living with my girlfriend for over a year now. Am I automatically considered common law? Is it better to file as common law or single?

Thanks.

bachman · 02-02-2009, 01:35 PM

news to me - I guess check into tax law... if you were married at the end of 08, then I thought you had to file as married.

return to the red · 02-02-2009, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJK

WHat is the best way for me to file. I have been living with my girlfriend for over a year now. Am I automatically considered common law? Is it better to file as common law or single?

Thanks.

I always filed as single when I was living with my ex. It just made things so much easier, I think it really depends on what tax bracket you and her fall into. I probably should have filed as common law because she had tuition credits she didnt need and I could have used them but meh whatever.

loob job · 02-02-2009, 01:41 PM

I've used quicktax for years, no problems at all, great program.

cSpooge · 02-02-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJK

WHat is the best way for me to file. I have been living with my girlfriend for over a year now. Am I automatically considered common law? Is it better to file as common law or single?

Thanks.

By law if you have been living together for 1 year, with no breaks of 90 days or more due to a breakdown in the relationship you are common-law. The CRA will go back and retroactively change your marital status and it will be a huge ing mess. Even if they don't get it right it is next to impossible to get it fixed.

sixpacked · 02-02-2009, 02:59 PM

[quote=fotze;1638351]My problem is that its $50 and studiotax looks the same to me and is just as easy to use.

Still don;t know why you can't just mail all the stuff to the government and they do them. Seems like they do them anyway to see if I made any errors, so whats the point of us fumbling around doing them.

When claiming capital losses do you actually have to note that you are doing it or will the gov't claim them against gains automatically?[/quote]

Yes you have to request them to be applied. Are we talking about prior year losses/gains or all in 2008?

Bobblehead · 02-02-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by return to the red

so here's a question. My divorce hasn't been finalized yet, do I file as married or is there an option on these software programs to file as seperated?

I had to file as separated last year, and Quicktax let me know that in order to do the calculations for that I would need to purchase the expensive version (not basic or standard). This was not mentioned on the packaging anywhere.

I was able to override to get the correct numbers in place, but it is just something to remember.

MJK · 02-02-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cSpooge

By law if you have been living together for 1 year, with no breaks of 90 days or more due to a breakdown in the relationship you are common-law. The CRA will go back and retroactively change your marital status and it will be a huge ing mess. Even if they don't get it right it is next to impossible to get it fixed.

I am curious if it is beneficial to file as common law though. What way gives me the chance of a greater return.

Last year I was in one of the higher tax brackets but she didn't work that much.

cSpooge · 02-02-2009, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJK

I am curious if it is beneficial to file as common law though. What way gives me the chance of a greater return.

Last year I was in one of the higher tax brackets but she didn't work that much.

It does not matter what is beneficial. THE LAW states you have to file common-law if you meet the definition you have no choice in it. The benefits to filing common-law is that you can claim your partner as a dependent if they have a small income.

MJK · 02-02-2009, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cSpooge

It does not matter what is beneficial. THE LAW states you have to file common-law if you meet the definition you have no choice in it. The benefits to filing common-law is that you can claim your partner as a dependent if they have a small income.

Meh, things work a little differently here in the North. Have we been living together for over a year? Yes. Can anyone prove it? Not a chance.

BUT if it is beneficial for me then I will officially become common law.

cSpooge · 02-02-2009, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJK

Meh, things work a little differently here in the North. Have we been living together for over a year? Yes. Can anyone prove it? Not a chance.

BUT if it is beneficial for me then I will officially become common law.

you would be surprised to know how easy it is to prove :P

MJK · 02-02-2009, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cSpooge

you would be surprised to know how easy it is to prove :P

No one can prove it here man, I'll leave it at that.