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Not just TurboTax, H&R Block does this shit as well. "File your taxes free! Oh, you have to file an HSA contribution? Sorry, you'll have to buy H&R Block DELUX

Not just TurboTax, H&R Block does this shit as well. "File your taxes free! Oh, you have to file an HSA contribution? Sorry, you'll have to buy H&R Block DELUXE ($79.99) to do that!" Kinda feels like blackmail, really. If I don't file my HSA contribution I'm technically committing fraud, right?

zaphod12 5y ago
Not sure why you're including the word 'technically,' in there - you are clearly and definitely committing tax fraud if you knowingly fail to include all of your financial information.
- bombcar 5y ago
  You could do it the hard way by doing the taxes in the app, printing it out, and then modifying the forms as necessary. But the companies know exactly how much to charge you so you avoid the hassle; though I won't shell out for state e-filing when I can print and mail.
  - throwaway48375 5y ago
    >though I won't shell out for state e-filing when I can print and mail. This is pretty much the only reason I own stamps.
mywittyname 5y ago
> If I don't file my HSA contribution I'm technically committing fraud, right? The IRS will send you a corrected tax return, you sign it and mail them a check and you'll hear nothing from them again. Maybe you didn't get the form, or didn't understand the software, etc, etc. There are lots of honest ways to screw up your taxes. The IRS isn't going to assume fraud unless you refuse to pay them when they point it out. I've screwed up my taxes a lot of times. Not maliciously, but not having all of my forms, I've had clients report paying me a different amount than they told the IRS, forgot stock trades I made, etc. Every time, they've sent a letter asking to pay a balance, plus maybe a small fee, and all is good.
- pkulak 5y ago
  I wonder if this is a backdoor into having the IRS mail you your completed form to sign and send back, like many other countries do. Just file a 1040-EZ every year with only your personal details and everything else zeroed out, and then look over what comes back in 6 months. :D
  - junar 5y ago
    Would not recommend. If you happen to owe, you would most likely incur a 20% accuracy-related penalty. Also, interest accrues from the filing deadline on both the unpaid tax and the penalty. https://www.irs.gov/payments/accuracy-related-penalty https://www.irs.gov/payments/accuracy-related-penalty

zaphod12 5y ago

Not sure why you're including the word 'technically,' in there - you are clearly and definitely committing tax fraud if you knowingly fail to include all of your financial information.

bombcar 5y ago
You could do it the hard way by doing the taxes in the app, printing it out, and then modifying the forms as necessary. But the companies know exactly how much to charge you so you avoid the hassle; though I won't shell out for state e-filing when I can print and mail.
- throwaway48375 5y ago
  >though I won't shell out for state e-filing when I can print and mail. This is pretty much the only reason I own stamps.

mywittyname 5y ago

> If I don't file my HSA contribution I'm technically committing fraud, right? The IRS will send you a corrected tax return, you sign it and mail them a check and you'll hear nothing from them again. Maybe you didn't get the form, or didn't understand the software, etc, etc. There are lots of honest ways to screw up your taxes. The IRS isn't going to assume fraud unless you refuse to pay them when they point it out. I've screwed up my taxes a lot of times. Not maliciously, but not having all of my forms, I've had clients report paying me a different amount than they told the IRS, forgot stock trades I made, etc. Every time, they've sent a letter asking to pay a balance, plus maybe a small fee, and all is good.

pkulak 5y ago
I wonder if this is a backdoor into having the IRS mail you your completed form to sign and send back, like many other countries do. Just file a 1040-EZ every year with only your personal details and everything else zeroed out, and then look over what comes back in 6 months. :D
- junar 5y ago
  Would not recommend. If you happen to owe, you would most likely incur a 20% accuracy-related penalty. Also, interest accrues from the filing deadline on both the unpaid tax and the penalty. https://www.irs.gov/payments/accuracy-related-penalty https://www.irs.gov/payments/accuracy-related-penalty