You may be confident enough to do your taxes on your own, and tax accounting software can be like having a virtual accountant to help you. If you decide to hire a tax preparer, make sure to ask them how the rates were determined if the bill is higher than expected. A co-developer of an online DIY tax preparation product and former chief operating officer for seven years, she knows the ins and outs of filing taxes. Many people can file their own taxes and avoid the professional preparation fee.
Tax professionals set prices for preparing tax returns in various ways, so it can be difficult to find the best deal. When you pay a professional to do your taxes, you get the added benefit of other services such as accounting, record keeping, tax consulting, and auditing. The cost will depend on how complex your situation is and how much tax preparers in your area charge for their services. Walk-in sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis and will have a waiting list if all preparers are busy with other taxpayers.
Keep in mind that these are average charges; the cost may be higher if parts of your tax returns are in exceptional cases and the accountant takes longer to complete. As you prepare to file your taxes for the year, consider all your options and choose the one that makes the most sense for your financial situation. To avoid any fees, you should visit the Department of Taxation website to complete your return. If you have a simple situation, you may be able to file your taxes on your own using different types of tax software.
Make sure to bring your most recent tax return, all W-2, 1099 and other income documents, as well as real estate documents and receipts to prove deductible expenses.
