Last week I tried to give away free money and few people wanted it. (Okay it was three $50 Visa gift cards, but that’s close enough.) A few weeks before people went crazy to enter my Mohu Leaf Giveaway. I don’t know what works and what doesn’t with you guys, but I’m going to keep trying to figure it out.*
Today, I’m going to test whether you like free Intuit TurboTax Online Premier Edition. It’s not exactly the best test, because hopefully you’ve already started your taxes… or even finished them. It’s also probably one of the least sexy of gifts to give. I’d much rather be giving away an iPad 2 a Touchpad. Nonetheless, the Premier edition of TurboTax Online costs around $80 (I found varying prices), so it should help out a few people right? If you aren’t sure whether it’s right for you, check out my TurboTax Review.
Before I get to the details of the give away, I have to get a little business out of the way. I’ll be quick. Intuit wanted me to tell you that April 15th this year is Tax Free Friday. They didn’t go into many details as to what that means. (I’m pretty sure if I buy products I’m going to get taxed on it.) They originally wanted me to give away the pre-paid codes on Friday, the 15th, so I’m going to presume that’s where it originated. However, why would I want to give away free software three days before taxes are due on the 18th? That’s crazy! So I sweet-talked them into letting me give it away earlier. I’m not afraid to stare down that gift horse – right in the mouth.
So how do you enter to win this software? Simple… leave a comment. I will pick three winners from virtual ping pong bouncy house thingy (it’s very technical). As usual, those who leave comments of some substance will get more ping pong balls. What qualifies as “of some substance?” Something that entertains me, makes me laugh, teaches me something, or just shows you put some effort into it. Those who leave a minimal, “I can haz fre tax softwearz?” comments will get fewer ping pong balls. Actually, that is a bad example as I find that at least somewhat entertaining (though don’t expect to use it now). Two other things: 1) I will only accept entries until Saturday April 9th at 11:59PM PT. 2) I’m going to need you to use your real email address so that I can email you the tax codes. I will not spam you.
I think that’s about it. Show me the comments! (And please keep the biting and eye-gouging to a minimum.)
* … as long as companies continue to give me free stuff to give to you.
I wouldn’t mind being rewarded (at least partially) for my procrastination. Actually, entering the contest gives me a “reason” to wait until next week — thanks!
About time I get my taxes done… (and I promise to only pull hair, scratch and stab)
Can the software be used for 2011’s taxes instead of 2010’s? I’ve already got 2010’s done…
If not, just put me (and me alone) in the raffle for an IPad 2 – or Touchpad if you want to be all anti-mainstream, you know, like how Apple used to be.
Sorry Chris, I think it will only be good this year.
I’ll pre-enter you in my next (and first) tablet give-away. I’m just waiting for HP or Apple to contact me.
Tax Trivia
Did you realize…
The top 1% of earners pay approximately 38% of the total federal income tax
The highest marginal income tax rate for individuals during the Eisenhower administration was an astonishing 91%
The correct colloquial phrase is “Get down to brass tacks” — NOT “Get down to brass tax.”
The NFL is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization
There’s an import tax of 143% on foreign peanut butter
Artists in Mexico can pay their income tax in paintings
Al Capone was just 32 years-old when the Feds got him for tax evasion
There was a beard tax in 18th century Russia
Sources:
http://www.ntu.org/tax-basics/who-pays-income-taxes.html
http://politics.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977623449
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brass_Tacks
http://www.care2.com/causes/politics/blog/unsportsmanlike-conduct-the-nfl-bends-the-rules-when-it-comes-to-paying-taxes/
http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Taxes/CutYourTaxes/HiddenTaxesYouPayEveryDay.aspx
http://www.pri.org/arts-entertainment/arts/in-mexico-artists-pay-taxes-with-paintings1949.html
http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/history/famous-cases/al-capone/al-capone
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beard_tax
Nick just flooded my virtual bouncy house with ping pong balls.
A haiku for you:
Want free turbo Tax
Do taxes and save money
Make LazyMan smile
this made me smile, as i am, and will be for another 3 weeks, providing tax and technical support for intuit. this is a really great company to work for and their tax software is as user friendly as possible. my co-workers and i are available from 5 am to 9 pm PST. i have used about a dozen different tax software packages over the years, personal and industrial and TT WORKS! btw, if you are already using TT online, the code is entered at the end. so as long as you haven’t already paid for the software [just before you actually efile, THIS IS A GREAT CONTEST! thank you, lazyman!
Assuming I win (ahem), can I use the prepaid code for the Deluxe edition rather than the Premiere edition?
The Deluxe edition fits my situation better if I need to pay for it (ahem) and I want to start entering information. I’m not opposed to having to do things twice but would rather not, obviously.
BTW, tell Intuit that they got at least one more customer from this promotion. I was going to use a competitor’s online system because I thought they were cheaper. But this contest made me look at TurboTax closer and I realized they were the same price. I used TurboTax in 2008 and liked it so I’m going with them. Mission Accomplished.
I still haven’t done mine. Can I please have one ? :)
I love being rewarded.. Help me out. My finances always suck. I could use help getting them back on track. Esp for my taxes.