Do you do your own taxes or pay someone?

[StormRichards]

We got our refund last week.

[LivingAlmostLarge]

myself we won't file until april I have a bad feeling we owe a lot.

[txex86]

I do our own taxes every year on a paper return. Some others have mentioned using a CPA for more complicated taxes. My daughter will graduate in May with her Master's in Accounting and is currently taking sections of the CPA exam.

She mentioned that when people go to CPAs for tax preparation, most believe the CPA is so much more knowledgeable than the client. According to her, the vast majority of CPAs use a computer program not much different than a turbo tax to complete the client's return. She says most people, even with complicated returns, can do it themselves with tax preparation software, but most people just don't want the hassle or feel the CPA is so much more wiser because of the credential. While it's true the CPA credential is difficult to get, it does not mean your CPA, especially a younger CPA with little experience, is that much more qualified to do your return. For instance, once she passes all 4 sections of the CPA exam, she will be licensed and could hang out a shingle and prepare taxes. But, her concentration is in Audit and Assurance, not Tax.

When interviewing a CPA, be careful and ask what their concentration was in college, or what their work experience was prior to opening their office. Just some long-winded food for thought.

[frugal saver]

When interviewing a CPA, be careful and ask what their concentration was in college, or what their work experience was prior to opening their office. Just some long-winded food for thought.

I would think a more logical option would be an EA (Enrolled Agent). This is a tax preparer that has completed the IRS' Enrolled Agent test (in parts, similar to sitting the CPA--horrible test) and has all their experience in tax returns. They are qualified to appear before the IRS on tax matters.

I know the IRS maintains a public database of EA's--I don't know if you just went to someone--H&R Block, for example and asked to see an EA if they would do that or not.

It seems that I've finally gotten all my statements and such. Now it's just laziness that's holding me back.

Edit: Nothing with the IRS is easy, lol. You can email to verify if someone is an EA, but to just see the list, you have to mail them money to get the whole list. https://www.irs.gov/tax-professional...enrolled-agent

[scfr]

I don't know if you just went to someone--H&R Block, for example and asked to see an EA if they would do that or not.

[/url]

Possibly. The owner of the H&R Block franchise where I once took a tax course was an EA. It wouldn't hurt to call and ask.

[rennigade]

Received the last form and finished ours up tonight.

We're getting back $58! Thats the closest we've been to zero.

[~bs]

cpa's need a bachelor's or higher in accounting specifically. You can't have a basketweaving degree, take the test and pass, and become a cpa.

[jeremym51]

We can use tax slayer free Federal Edition because it is a solid alternative and offers an easy to use deduction guide and free email and phone support, all while guaranteeing a maximum refund.