Is A Cpa Cheaper Than Big Box Tax Houses (H&r, Jackson Hewitt, Etc)?

[Studio-N]

Hello. Looks like taxes this year are going to be a little more complicated than usual so I'm wondering if using a CPA

is the way to go versus one of the big box tax houses like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt?

Then there is the concern of finding a decent CPA. The reason it's more complicated this year it is a combination of W-2 income, 1099 income, 1st year self employment income, and even some leftover unemployment income. That adds up to a lot of forms and I know H&R and JH basically charge by the form.

What are your thoughts?

Edited January 27, 2014 by Studio-N

[TXAG]

I think you're going to need to just call around to different bookkeepers in your area and get rates from them. You can probably find reviews on them on Yelp for your area.

[electrathon]

As to being cheaper, hard to say, but unlikely. But the main issue with the big name tax places is that they really do not know the law, just how to fill out forms. They are also trained to take only the "safe" deductions only, even though you are completly within your rights to take other deductions. The extra few dollars you pay will likely come back to you many times in proper filing of your taxes.

[Studio-N]

thanks guys.

[JLSleather]

The extra few dollars you pay will likely come back to you many times in proper filing of your taxes.

Not only this, but your "own" tax guy will be able to offer advice during the year if you have questions or concerns - since he knows your taxes. We're spoiled around here - same office for years. Mark's office does our taxes. He has all the information on file he needs (like how much we paid last year for any and all taxes, including what we paid for tax preparation). Any questions, they just call or email. When its ready, that girl brings the forms on her way home, we just sign and return it. Painless.

Your own tax guy is well worth the time - not sure what we'd do around here if Mark ever quit. Oh, and the money -- whatever year that was, we had unemployment, and W-2's, and 1099's, and SE, and kids (with education costs), and mortgage interest, etc. Filing still under $100.

[oltoot]

Tax software has gotten really good and has this advantage over CPA orH&R in that you don't have to get things ready to take to somebody all at once. You can input things as you get them together. Granted you then have to compare the amount that you're saving with the amount of work that you could be getting done. The right answer is going to be different for everyone. And then there is the thrill of waiting till the last minute

[deserttguy]

MY experience with some tax preparers are such that I have had to had them redone . I now have someone who used to work the tax department... Southern California.. Be aware.. Keith

[Sturme]

I have been self employed for decades, And I can honestly say that I use a CPA. Any tax question at any time I can call him on. and he really makes my financial side pretty painless. In general it does cost a bit more. But it is well worth it for the peace of mind and lack of hassle.

[SLudlow]

Similar experience. Amen to piece of mind!

[leatherjo]

I too would consult a CPA rather than the big box folks. To find a good accountant, I would call the business school at one of your local universities, and ask if any of their professors work as CPAs at tax time. Faculty often accept private work to supplement their salaries from the university, and they are usually up to date on the latest regs. Both Newman and Wichita State have Business schools. Start there and good luck.