It states clearly on the Internal Revenue Service website
that to free file, your adjusted gross income must be less than $57,000. Our
adjusted gross income exceeds that, and for that I am glad.
But I glossed over that fact as I sped onward through the
IRS website to one of the many free-filing services offered out there by
companies ranging from TaxAct to TurboTax to H&R Block, the latter which I
chose not because of its tax-filing reputation but because they graciously
allow spaces in their name.
But, foolish mortal that I am, I did not heed the IRS’
advice on the free-filing adjusted gross income limit. So the hours I spent
putting data into H&R Block’s system were for naught, because as I went to
print my returns for my own records, I was told, oopsie, you earned too much
money last year, zitbrain, to qualify for free filing.
They didn’t use words like “zitbrain;” they’re far too couth
for that.
But still. That is the only point at which H&R Block
told me, oopsie, you can’t file for free. Even though it knew what my adjusted
gross income was many, many moons ago. Even though it knew I came to its site
from the “Free e-file” page of the IRS website.
It wants me to pay. Not quite 500 pounds and not to someone
called Harry the Bastard, but in the neighborhood of $60 which is far, far too
much to pay. On top of what I already owe the state of Idaho (thanks for that,
Idaho).
I will file my own taxes, on my own, thank you very much.
That H&R Block deserves some compensation, I understand.
Why it demands compensation at that arbitrary $57,000 limit I can’t fathom,
but, you know, it’s a business. They should be paid. They’re offering me audit
protection. A real live human to help me do battle with the IRS if their
software – or my fat fingering – screwed something up.
But please. Tell me when the AGI exceeds the free filing
limit up front, as soon as it’s calculated, so I can decide then and there if I
want to go through the onerous chore of entering all those numbers into your
system and then pay to file, or bail right then and there. I know they’re
counting on me to capitulate and pay – you’re so close to filing, just give us
the freakin’ money!
How do I feel about myself?
Totally dissed, Homey.
But Homey don’t play dat.
Not at all. Homey will use the free fillable forms from the
IRS. He doesn’t need to pay.
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