I set a personal record for my earliest tax filing yet by filing today. I have never filed in January. My first e-filing and it was free! To any one that hasn't looked into this, the requirements for filing free cover almost everyone. For example, I used TaxAct and their requirement is an AGI over 28K, that should cover 99% of RX-8 owners. Note this is not an advertisement for TaxACT, I never heard of them until today, I went to the IRS site and used thier "Guide me to a free provider" (or similar) and this company was one of two listed and the other one's server was down. Anyway, I'm getting my largest refund ever direct-deposited on Feb 6. It's amazing, I filed today and 5-6 hours later I get an email saying the IRS has accepted my return and setting forth the date of expected deposit. All done automatically by computers.

If I'd gotten all my W2's, I would have, but my company is slow as dirt. Hopefully, we'll get something back, but I sold some stock to pay for my car and I'm sure capital gains on that is going to eat up a bunch of the refund...

I filed mine online last week. I used a relatively new website. I have used it for the last 2 years. www.taxslayer.com The normal cost is $9.95 for federal w/ free state return. It's the easiest method I have found so far. Sat down at the computer about 8 pm on 21 Jan and by 8:30 I was done. They sent it to IRS and I recieved an email from uncle sugar the next day saying they accepted it. I checked today and I should have my refund by the end of this week (by 31 Jan). 10 days from start to $$$$!! Plus, I am active duty military so the entire thing was free!! :D they have a special going on for all you other active duty folks. Try 'em out, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Originally posted by Texas 8
Sat down at the computer about 8 pm on 21 Jan and by 8:30 I was done. Plus, I am active duty military so the entire thing was free!! :D they have a special going on for all you other active duty folks. Try 'em out, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Wow, 8 to 8:30 is amazing! I spent at least 45 minutes last night filing in most things and probably another 45 minutes today finalizing it today. One of the questions the IRS's guide asked was about active duty, so there may be others that offer this free for active duty.

I failed to mention that I don't have a real complicated return. Mine and my wife's W-2's, interest papers from bank, advance child tax credit, and that's about it. I am not a homeowner nor do I have investments out the wazoo like some do so, mine was about as straight-forward as returns go.

Still waiting on W2's, 1098's and 1099's.

Originally posted by eccles
Still waiting on W2's, 1098's and 1099's.

same here. and my order for taxcut federal and state software.

Yup, all done! Bought TurboTax for 29.99 and got state, Quicken 2004 and electronic filing all free.

I did owe some to federal, but am due a refund from state. So, I actually came out ahead a few hunderd bucks. My goal is to just break even. I don't like overpaying for a full year just to get some cash back come tax time.