So yeah. As you could probably guess from the title, we haven’t done our taxes yet.
It’s hard. The children are demanding. And the taxes hurt my brain. And I’d much rather blog. Or watch Hulu.
And the 1098-T form? It is not properly filled out. There is an unexplained huge negative number that makes me think they included Josh’s grant. But they weren’t supposed to, if they did. That grant was supposed to be taxable. The 1098-T form was for tax-free scholarships only.
The grant was supposed to go on a 1099-G form, apparently. But we never got one. So do we fill out the 1099-G page on TurboTax? Assume that that huge, confusing, mysterious negative number on the 1098-T form was NOT the grant and chance entering it twice? And thus greatly reduce our return, possibly unnecessarily?
Or do we risk an audit by not filling out a 1099-G and assume that the 1098-T was all-inclusive. (But… taxable! Tax-free! Gah!)
Josh has already asked the bursar if they put the grant on the 1098-T form.
Their response?
“We don’t know.”
Soooooo…….
I think for the first time in our married lives, I will be seeking professional help with our taxes.
Who do you recommend? We need the best and the cheapest. And preferably someone with a little toy corner?
in the past we’ve had good luck with Jackson Hewitt, but we haven’t used it since we had kids, so I can’t tell you if they have toys. and you might have better luck with a local person, ask around at church.
H&R Block is my choice! Good luck! If you find one and you aren’t completely confident witht he person they give you, back out and try another place.
Love You!
GMOM
My husband (who is an attorney and accountant), said that you really need to ask the Bursar again. The tax preparer will only know the information that you give him or that is on the forms. So, even if you do end up going with a professional tax preparer, you really want to check with the Bursar again! They should know, and need to figure it out if not. I’m sorry that’s it’s been such a hassle for you:(
Um, my dad. Richard Bryant at 861-5298. Tell him you’re my friend. He can meet you somewhere if needed, depending on his schedule.
I don’t know about the US, but here in Canada, there are some accountants and book keepers, or even just accounting students who will do taxes for free, if you are a student or a student family. Maybe try to check with the local United Way or with the Student Services section of the University.
I did them for lots of people when I was a student. . . . .
To buy some time you could file for the automatic extension. It will give a little time to get help and find the problem. It is for 4868 and can be printed from online