Overcoming my fear of TAXES...

Thursday, February 11, 2016


TAXES. bleahhhhkasljfkjewkorew. That's seriously the sound that comes out of my mouth whenever I hear that word. My eyes glaze over and my mind goes elsewhere whenever my husband brings up the subject. I've even become a pro at avoiding personally doing my taxes until the healthy age of 24. Connor has taken care of that joyful duty the past three years of our marriage and yes, I was one of those people who had their mom do their taxes in college. And I'm not ashamed of it.

Welp. This year I finally decided to suck it up, face my fear, and DO MY OWN TAXES. Yes, Ariel is a big girl now. But with new responsibilities calls the need for extra help, which is where TurboTax steps in! TurboTax has been a HUGE stress reliever this tax season and has helped tax newbies (like me) breeze through the process and even file them early this year--freeing up my time for things that really matter! ;)


I know tax season is the most stressful and least favorite time of the year, but TurboTax is changing all of that with new tools that make it easier than ever to tackle your taxes quickly with confidence. TurboTax is the smarter way to get your #TaxesDone. They combinine technology advancements with sleek, intuitive design to deliver worry-free tax filing, so you can be confident your taxes are done right and you’re getting your maximum tax refund. I feel like doing them right and making sure you get as much as you can back are the two things that stress me out the most when it comes to taxes so I was so relieved with TurboTax assured me those guarantees!

Here are my favorite key features TurboTax has that made the process easier for me:

1) W2 Snap

You know how some banks let you deposit your checks with the snap of a photo? Well TurboTax does a similar thing with your W-2 form! You can snap a picture of your W-2 with your phone or tablet and the information is securely entered into the right forms without hard work and worry. They also securely import W-2s and 1099 forms from more than 1.4 million banks, employers and financial institutions – eliminating the need for data entry.

2. ExplainWhy

ExplainWhy is made for people like me who literally ask "WHY?" about everything. It gives you personalized, bite-sized explanations of the “why” behind your deductions, credits, and tax refund, so you can be confident that you are getting every dollar you deserve. ExplainWhy provides easy-to-understand explanations in certain tax topics where you'd want a clearer understanding of what did or did not impact your tax refund, like changes in filing status, personal info, dependents, EITC, Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care, W-2, and the Affordable Care Act. Taxes can be so confusing so it's nice to have something that makes you easily understand what’s going on with your tax refund.

3. SmartLook

SmartLook is a new feature that connects customers with live TurboTax experts (like a real human being, not a robot) using one-way video technology. Through SmartLook, TurboTax experts answer questions in real time for free so you can complete your return with confidence and ease. You can connect with someone with just a click and don't worry, the video is one-way--as in you can see the agent but they can't see you, aka you don't have to change out of your PJs. It's always helpful to get a second pair of eyes on your return so you never feel alone and lost!


There really is no reason why you shouldn't file your taxes with TurboTax this year! Through mid-March 2016, the 60 million Americans who prepare and file straightforward federal and state tax returns (1040A or 1040EZ) can take advantage of absolutely free federal and state tax filing. $0 fed. $0 state. $0 to file. TurboTax doesn’t charge for things like Earned Income Tax Credit or complying with the healthcare law. They also offer other totally free tax preparation and e-filing options, including: Military One Source and IRS Free File. And with the ever-changing world of technology, TurboTax also offers their services via their mobile app for those of you who are on-the-go all the time! You can start your taxes on your phone, tablet, or computer, take a break and then pick up right where you left off on any other device without skipping a beat!

I used to be terrified of taxes--just thinking about the subject would bring on a headache. Now, I'm not saying I'm totally in love with tax season, but I know I can survive it without sprouting a grey hair. And I'm not gonna lie--it makes me feel pretty empowered (and grown up, ahhhhh). I'm all about life-hacking and making daily tasks easier and shorter so TurboTax is seriously right up my alley. Anything that frees up my time to do better and FUNNER things, I'm all about!

Now that I'm not pacing around stressing out about filing my taxes this year, I'm free to spend my time cuddling up with my fur baby and a nice cup of cocoa to watch all sorts of trashy reality TV. Because that's how my productive time should be spent... ;)


Have a great Thursday, friends!

Cheers.


Thanks to TurboTax for sponsoring today's post!
All opinions and my love for this company are my own. #TaxesDone @TurboTax
  1. I hate tax season. I typically use TT for all of my filings, but with the blog this year I think I may have to hire a professional. I have been using them for years though and would agree, it makes filing a breeze! XO

    Anna
    A Lily Love Affair

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