Tis the season for taxes

Internal Revenue Service

And if you are going to use an online service to file your taxes, and your adjusted gross income is less than $50,000, make sure you go through the IRS's website to file for free.

You want to start at the IRS. They will take you to the professional site's free service. Even if you end up being over the amount, they will still complete your taxes (for a fee, see below). If you start at the business end, and try to go back and get the service for free, you might be out of luck. Not all of the companies will allow you to reenter through the IRS site, and then you end up reentering everything on another site. (thanks HRBlock)

The free offer is for Federal preparation and e-filing only. You're gonna pay $20-25 for state filing no matter what. Be careful, some of the sites make you pay for the state preparation whether you want them to do your state taxes or not. They will also charge you money to take their fee out of your refund, usually $25. If your AGI is over $50,000, you'll pay $25 for a basic filing (no professional assistance). Don't let them charge you for direct depositing your money into your account. This is a free service from the Feds and Oregon. You can get it done for about $44 if you play your cards right, and know what you are doing. On that note:

If you can't find information under theIRS's individals site, go to the tax professionals site. The information is well organized for those of you that are a bit tax savvy. Better yet, go to the Code, for the WORD. But be careful with that one, unless you have a handle on statutory interpretation. Google search is also a good avenue for your questions, and you will likely find articles explaining your issue in a more understandable language.

Better yet, just do those taxes on paper (or fillable PDF form) unless they are really complicated. And no, don't call me to help you, at least not until after Feb. 23rd. I have done our house's taxes though, yeay.

Oregon forms.

Lastly, don't forget the Multnomah County ITAX. You can file and pay online. Last year, this. Or better yet, don't pay. Perhaps then I can work for the County again and take you to court. I could use the job. Oh and for you 'Couvs, I'll find a way, someday, don't worry.