KIPCUG General Meeting

KIPCUG was pleased to present two (2) major software tax packages to our members at the January meeting. First up was Steve Pennington who presented how to prepare a complete tax return using TurboTax by Intuit. Steve was followed by Chris Jackman, who demonstrated how to use H&R Block's TaxCut software to prepare a complete return. Both gentleman allowed for specific questions regarding tax preparation after their presentations. There was quite a bit of note taking and expressed interest in this showdown. All in all, I think it was a draw! Both packages are worth taking a look at, as they both have some interesting features. TurboTax offers a free edition if you do not require much guidance for completing a simple Federal tax return, however State filings are available at additional cost. TaxCut offers both download as well as online versions of its software, or you can request a CD by mail. Chris suggested that if you are only preparing a simple tax return, then filing online is the way to go. However, for everything else, he suggested that you should opt for the download version or the CD. Please note that certain eligible individuals may be able to file free online by going to the IRS' website.

H&R BLOCK's TaxCut

INTUIT's TurboTax

Chris Jackman is the Product Manager for TaxCut software and Online. He has a background in IT and product management and has been employed with H&R Block for two (2) years. Before H&R Block, Chris worked as a project manager for a custom manufacturing company for three (3) years.

Steve Pennington is a native Kentuckian, a graduate of UK, and a Louisville resident since 1970. He began his career with the public accounting firm of Ernst & Ernst, and passed his CPA exam in 1972. Steve left Ernst & Ernst and worked in the private sector for a few years. Steve returned to to public accounting in 1978 with the firm of Richardson, Pennington & Skinner CPA's. Steve retired in 2000, but continues to prepare a few tax returns while helping his wife manage a number of rental properties.

BACK TO BASICS

Prior to our tax presentation, Robbie Gibson demonstrated the technology behind placing a video call to Wayne and Brian out in Las Vegas. Robbie used Skype software to initiate the call. Skype was founded by two individuals from Luxembourg in 2003, involving software that makes communicating with people around the world easy, fun, and free if you both are using Skype. It works with your internet connection so you can talk, chat or make video calls for no cost at all. With Skype, you can also make calls to phones and cell phones at very good rates. Presently, Skype does not offer the ability to teleconference with more than a single connection. Robbie demonstrated the ease in making a free video call to Las Vegas, and this year's video feed was excellent.

Our Monthly General Meeting