Taxing my brain

It seems so great when looking through the newspaper adds and seeing that you can buy tax software for almost nothing. Plus, you get state software, accounting software and deduction software for “free.” However, you read the fine print, and realize that they are “free” after mail-in rebates. So, of course, wanting to save on filing taxing, I buy the software instead of going to a CPA. I had way too many W-2s, 1098s, etc., to go the absolutely free route by printing the forms off the internet.

So, after forking over $85 for the software, I get to dealing with the mail-in rebates. While, it doesn’t take a Ph.D. to figure them out, you still have to be quite astute. Do I put the original UPC in this envelope, or just the box top? Can I photocopy the UPC or does it need to be the original? After about 20 minutes of filling out the rebate forms, cutting up boxes, and filing out and stuffing envelopes, I think I have it all done. Just one more thing, I need to make photocopies of all of this stuff…don’t want to not get the rebates because of snail mail not working.

I have them all ready to mail off, having spent the money on the software (+tax), money for the envelopes, stamps, and photocopy paper, I almost feel like I am being scammed. Why can’t they just give it to me free at the store? They seem to be relying on all of the schmucks out there, who could care less about $85 and don’t mail in the rebates.

Now, I get to filing the taxes using the software, which is easier than dealing with the mail-in rebates. On the box, right there, it says free e-file. I think thank goodness, something says it is free and actually is. Then I get to the point of doing the e-file. They need my credit card number. Yep, you guessed it, another mail-in rebate. That’s another $16. Now, I’m out almost $100 for something advertised for $10. Gotta love smart marketing.