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e-File for free with TurboTax Online, and get your refund in as few as 8 days.

As we get closer to tax d-day, I have become increasingly amazed at the number of Michiganders that are not using online programs like Turbo Tax to file both individual, family and business tax returns.

With most of the online tax programs like Turbo Tax Efiling, you can quickly search for more than 350 tax deductions. I don't know about you, but I didn't even know that there were 350 tax deductions. Most programs also give you a guarantee that you will get your maximum tax refund possible.

Our family and my business have been using online tax filing for about four years. Not only does it save money and time, without a doubt, my returns are more accurate and I get more refund back than I would get if I did it myself.

Most programs also offer graphs and schedules that give you accurate values for your charitable donations. It is so important with the economy in Michigan these days to save as much as possible.

Lose any money in mutual funds or stock options this year? Need an expert to help you determine how to maximize your losses and get a bit more back in a tax refund this year? Most online tax filing programs have built-in "experts" that can answer your questions while you fill out your forms.

Some of the more popular free e-Filing systems are listed below:

• TurboTax - Free Efiling
• TaxACT - Free Version
• TaxCut by H&R Block
• Complete Tax
• TaxHead
• TaxBrain Prepare and E-File Online- Fast
• TaxHawk
• Easy E-File
• 1040Return - Professional Tax Software
• Tax$imple
• EFile Tax Returns

Another thing to remember - with most of the online filing systems, they offer free Audit support service with many of thier packages. TurboTax not only helps you reduce your chance of an audit, we also give you clear guidelines with illustrations on what to do if you are contacted by the IRS.

TIPS for Tax Return Filers

Commonly overlooked deductions and credits include the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Saver's Credit, medical expenses, moving expenses, state and local taxes, charitable donations, job expenses and self-employment deductions. Nearly 4.1 million people fail to claim education tax benefits, including the Hope Credit, Lifetime Learning Credit, Tuition and Fees Deduction, Student Loan Interest Deduction, and the Exclusion for Savings Bond Interest.
File an amended return to claim missed deductions and credits within 3 years.

Labels: Michigan Service Tax, Michigan Taxes, Tax Filing Software