What kind of program does a license tax preparer uses to do taxes.?

Question

When I go get my taxes done, my preparer only takes a few minutes and she is done, so maybe if I have the same program I can save some money. Thanks.

Thanks to everyone who had given me advices. I should have mention that I own a small business and it is an LLC. I might even become a Partnership LLC.

Answer 1

Most of the major tax firms have software of their own and you can not buy it. There are a number of programs that you can purchase but part of what makes your preparer move along so quickly is that she does it every day and is very familiar with the program. You will not have that experience if you but one of the off the shelf programs.

Answer 2

It depends on your preparer. H&R Block, Jackson-Hewitt, & Liberty Tax Service all use their own software. Preparers other than the chains buy software from a variety of vendors, but it is expensive (I am a CPA & my software "Intuit ProSeries" costs $6,000. Other professional packages start at about $700 and go up).

If you want to prepare your own tax return you can purchase either an individual package like H&R Block's "Tax Cut" or Intuit's "TurboTax". Here are the web-sites:
http://turbotax.intuit.com/ & http://www.taxcut.com/

I don't know what your preparer charges, but you need to consider if you really want the hassel of purchasing, installing and learning the software. What only takes your preparer a few minutes can take you several hours.

Also, the frustration/agrivation factor may be more than you want. I am a CPA and I prepare about 275 returns per year. They take me any place from 1 hr to 40 hours per return (most of my returns are complicated). I have been preparing returns since 1974 and I really enjoy it.........except for my own.................
I REALLY HATE TO DO MY OWN TAX RETURN!.

If you buy some software and get good at it will you please do my return?

Another alternative is to take the H&R Block, Jackson/Hewitt or Liberty Tax Service school. They all have good schools and the cost is nominal (cheaper than the software). If you do well in the course they will offer you a part-time job during tax season and then you could do your own tax return for free. I think they pay about $7 - $8 per hour plus a commission. Just call an office near you.

Hopes this helps, but I still hate doing my own tax return!

Answer 3

I'd say you need a new preparer. I work for a large firm, and we're SUPPOSED to take our time doing returns. There are questions to be asked, and things to be mulled over. For example, did you know that in some offices, you can reduce your tax right at the desk by contributing to an IRA? Your preparer should be telling you about ways to save money, looking at what's in your future, and talking to you about your financial situation so that they can best help you.

If they're not doing this, tell someone, don't just leave. You're paying for this kind of advice when you go to a professional. Take the opportunity to get the advice you've been paying for - it could save you more than it costs in the long run!

If you need anything more, feel free to contact me!

Answer 4

I have managed the offices for a local tax firm with 5 offices for last few years

We use Tax Wise

The base version is just a few hundred but that is more than what you would pay to have a eturn done.

As far as Tubo Tax and the like I have had many customers come to me and say they used such software the last year
Upon reviwing their return I found things that Turbo Tax didnt include or the person was unaware of them.

You can do your own return and even Efile your self but I do recommend getting a professional.

Answer 5

If you want to do your own taxes this year, then check out the IRS' web site and look for the Free File Alliance.
The FFA, has many tax preparation services that is free to prepare and e-file. H & R Block and Turbo Tax is just a couple of tax services that participate in the FFA.
Although the services are free to prepare and e-file your federal return, if you need your state, and you will, it costs extra. Try your Dept. of Revenue to see about filing your state return online. It should be free also.
In your details, it sounds like your taxes are fairly simple. If this is true, you shouldn't have any trouble using any of the free services to prepare your return. If they're not, Block and Turbo Tax (and I'm sure others) have hints or a help index. If you're really stumped, just call your local tax office for clarification.
If you want, you can always try out one of the services. Just remember not to actually submit the return until you're ready.
Or just spend the extra money and have them do it for you.
I've used Block's Tax Cut and Turbo Tax, both are pretty simple and self-explanatory.

Answer 6

Your tax preparer only takes the archives you grant and inputs it into the equations. particular, they do advise to write down this off or do not try this, yet so a ways as them being answerable on your audit.......NO. IRS seems for particular issues and you prob had some thing that only did not look real. in case you do each and every little thing via the books and you have a stable accountant, you will finally end up only superb. extra of a worry than something. My accountant provides us suggestion on some issues.........once you're a corporation proprietor you may desire to be the optimal paid guy or woman or it seems suspicious. in case you return and forth or nutrients rate is only too intense for the dimensions of corporation you're, which would be catching the IRS's eyes......or probably the mileage. stable luck

Answer 7

Your Tax preparers might be using a special software designed for them.say H & R Block. Jackson Hewlets etc It's an accounting software in general.

Answer 8

These are very fast programs but also very expensive. If you want to use an inexpensive one, try TaxAct or TurboTax. They will handle most any tax return and cost you less than $100. TaxAct is free and the state is $12.95. You can efile with them too for less than $10.