Is there ANY financial/ audit reason to hire an accountant to do my taxes instead of using a tax program?

Question

I am curious as to what the benefits are to hiring someone to do your taxes for you, when I don't have very many deductions to make as I a) don't own a home b) don't have an independent business c) have only $8000 in investments, which haven't made me more than $100 this year :( --- What would be the benefit, if any, to hire someone for $100 to do my taxes, rather than use turbotax or some other tax program?

I do not own a house nor a business. I do have any debt /loans. I have about $8000 in investment accounts and have made about $100 this year on those investments. I do not plan on writting off much of anything. Is there any reason for me to pay $100 for someone do to my taxes for me? Could they possibly catch something that I won't catch, filing through turbotax or another tax program?

Also, I have no debt/ loans.

Answer 1

I would save the money and just file them yourself! You can use a tax prep online service like H & R Block which is what I used-although a lot of people prefer Turbotax-and they basically just walk you through the steps so anyone can do it! There really is no reason not to-unless you have a complicated return which it sounds like you don't. I have never heard of anyone being audited more because of not using a professional tax accountant either! Do it yourself! :)

Answer 2

A commercial preparer can guarantee accuracy, and for an additional fee, guarantee that if taxes are owed over and above what is figured in the return, that those taxes will be paid by the preparation firm.

A commercial preparer can represent you in case of an audit.

If your return is simple and you want to do it yourself, and give up a weekend, or at least one or two evenings, then do it yourself. A commercial preparer can probably do this in 30 minutes.

Answer 3

no reason like you mention. Your decision should be based on your comfort level in doing your own taxes w/ a software program. If you end up doing them yourself, then fret over it for a long time worrying that you did it right, then spend the $100 or so and have a pro do them. I have clients who just dont want to bother w/ taxes and pay me to do their EZ or short form, as they have NO comfort level.