Do you get more back on your taxes if you file with a private accountant rather than H&R Block or turbo tax?

Question

I used to file with H&R Block and I have some friends that have used turbo tax but it seems like a few co-workers who earn the same salary and not homeowners like myself seem to get more back filing with their accountant. I am not a dependant but am work my first full-time job after college and was just curious. It seems like they rush you through at H&R Block.

Answer 1

To get the maximum back or to pay the least amount of taxes you MUST be informed. Your accountant, CPA, H&R Block or whoever you use can only work with what you provide them.

I strongly suggest that you get the tax books and read them. You can pick them up at any library if you didn't get them in the mail.

My advice comes from my BIL. It's what he told me when I was young. He was a prosecuting attorney for the IRS.

Is it possible that your co-workers have deductions you are not aware of?

To directly answer your question... I am not a believer in H&R Block as they employ seasonal workers, not full-time permanent employees. I have used the on-line service recommended by the IRS but have found it took longer than doing it manually. I don't use Turbo-Tax because you need a new program every year. My advice... Read the books and understand them. Then use a good calculator and do it yourself. It's not as complicated as you think. If you start doing your own taxes now it will be much easier as your tax life gets more complicated. You'll only have to learn one or two new things each year as your life changes. And changes in existing deductions are listed at the front of the books each year.

Trust me... If I could do it, so can you! I now deal with capitol gains, self-employment, etc. with no problems.

Answer 2

It really depends on your personal tax situation.

A software program is only as good as its programming, so on that front you might be limited if you have any unique situations you must contend with. On the other hand, a software program is pretty easy to update with the latest and greatest tax information so you'll pretty much be up-to-date with all the legal stuff. Overall: Good - inexpensive, somewhat easy to use, most often up-to-date. Bad - generalized, not suited for complex, unique situations, non-personalized.

If you've been with a personal accountant for awhile, they will know your financial situation in and out and may be able to find and justify those deductions a program (or you) wouldn't be able to by itself. If your walking into one cold, you probably won't get anything much beyond what you'd get from an H&R Block. Overall: Good - human factor, highly customizable. Bad - bit more expensive, only as good as their training/education and personal experience with you.

H&R Block should give you same level of service/satisfaction as an accountant. If they're rushing you through the process mistakes/deductions can easily be missed. This is YOUR taxes you're dealing with, so don't let them dictate an uncomfortable process to you.

I use TurboTax and it has worked for me, but then again my financial situation isn't all that complex (nor is it 1040EZ simple). Overall I'm satisfied with the software program. I'll be renting out my house next year, so maybe I'll look into an accountant to help out.

Answer 3

If everybody does everything right, then the accountant, H&R, and TurboTax should all get the same answers. If you own a business and it's pretty complex, then an accountant might know of deductions that others wouldn't. But it sounds like your taxes are pretty straightforward, so however you do them should come out the same.

Maybe your coworkers are having more withheld. Lots of people use withholding as a forced savings plan.

Answer 4

once you entered each and every thing in HR Block you would have responded a question otherwise. also when you're claiming someone as a depending you want to bypass to that area and choose edit and make effective if shows qualifying infant on it. the important reason will be on your situating although is will be as basic as speedier Tax programmers would have chanced on yet another deduction for you HR Block merely did not learn about or did not implement into this technique. i might want to easily use the only that could provide the most decrease back yet be effective to double verify each and every thing earlier filing because when you're making a mistake on it you may ought to ammend your go back (1040X) that could outcome you into paying some decrease back or perhaps probable getting extra. i'm hoping this facilitates.

Answer 5

You are better off going to an accountant. He can spend time with you, and will be more creative, about your deductions. H&R Block runs a school, and then hires the graduates to do your taxes. The idea is to get as many taxes done as they can each day. They also scam you by giving you your return right away, less a percentage.

Answer 6

I do fine with turbo tax but I had bad experiences with H&R a few times so i quit using them. Turbo tax was great for me ,but it costs so much more to use a private tax preparer, i just decided to use turbo .

Answer 7

If you aren't sure - why not calculate the tax yourself and pay a Tax Accountant to look it over quickly to see if you got everything you are entiled to.
You'll get experience for next year and have made a valuable contact long-term.

Answer 8

not sure any of them do you a worthwhile more justice being an average joe. go with cheepest