Should I choose Tax Preparer or Accounting Software?
Are you ever wondering if you would be better off paying an accounting professional (CPA, attorney, enrolled agent or tax preparer) or using tax/accounting software to prepare your tax return? Is one better than the other? Unfortunately, there is no single answer for every taxpayer, and you will have to select the tax preparation method based on your individual situation. Here are some of the factors to consider in making your decision.
Factor #1: Complexity of Tax Situation
As a general rule, the more complex your tax situation, the more beneficial and compelling it is for you to hire a tax professional to prepare your tax return. Some of the following situations may present complexity that may require CPA assistance:
- You own a business (or businesses). As you probably know by now, there are many complex rules and various tax elections that you may want to discuss with a tax pro. For example, if your business purchased equipment, you have several ways to write off the cost; the best way to do this depends on your current tax situation as well as your prospects for the future. You can, of course, handle complex situations with appropriate tax software (e.g., TurboTax Home and Business enables you to prepare a Schedule C for your sole proprietorship), but you won’t get personal advice.
- You had a major life event. For example, if you sold a business, went through a divorce, sold a home or had any other major life change, a tax preparer can alert you to the rules that you now have to consider in your tax preparation.
- Extensive securities transactions. Software can automatically input the results from Form 1099-B, which reports securities transactions. However, you may need to work with a tax pro to make sure you have all the information required for your return (e.g., your tax basis); it may not all be on the 1099.
- You want to itemize. Again, software enables you to put all your information into the mix. However, a tax preparer can provide advice about legitimate deductible expenses, the substantiation you need and other matters to help you optimize your deductions while avoiding problems with the IRS.
Factor #2: Your Tax Proficiency
For some people, the very idea of numbers, taxes and the process of preparing and filing a return seems daunting. For others, taxes have become a routine chore that needs to be done each year.
If you’ve been doing your taxes year after year and not much has changed in your financial or personal situation, you’ll likely be more than able to handle your annual tax return. Just familiarize yourself with the new entries on the return related to the Affordable Care Act (may be found in the instructions on the return).
If you’ve never done a return before, decide whether you’re up to the task. Recognize that you don’t have to be a math wizard because software or online preparation sites do calculations for you. And you don’t have to be a tax expert because you’ll be prompted to supply needed information to complete your return.
Factor #3: Your Schedule
Time is always an important factor in deciding whether to do your return yourself or hire a preparer. Either way, you’ll spend the same amount of time gathering the documentation needed to prepare the return: information returns you’ve received (Forms W-2, 1098, and Schedule K-1s), your canceled checks for itemized deductions, logs and other substantiation for certain expenses.
So, the difference is in the time spent doing the actual return. Depending on your situation, that could be modest (an hour or so), or lengthy (6 hours or more). If you don’t have this time, then using a preparer is the better choice.
Factor #4: Cost
Cost may influence your decision about who prepares your return. Fees may be higher or lower depending on your area and complexity of your particular situation. Give us a call, so we can schedule your free consultation and provide you with a quote.
The Bottom Line
To summarize, hiring a tax preparer or using a software package or online tax site can both work well, depending on your tax situation and your comfort with the process.
If you want to use tax software, recognize that there have occasionally been issues with certain products – for example, some fraudulent state tax returns were filed using TurboTax, leading to a suspension of state filings for 24 hours and inducing Congress to investigate the matter. (Tax-related identity theft is an issue that everyone needs to be aware of, regardless of the method you use to prepare your return.)
If you opt to use a paid preparer, make sure to find a reliable one. You want to research few things like: How long have they been in business? Do they have a website? How are their online reviews?
Either way, the responsibility to file a tax return is on you, so don’t procrastinate!
