Knowing Which Tax Filing Method is Best Suitable in Your Situation: Tax Software or Tax Pro

In the present times, there are a lot of ways of making our lives easier and faster. If you are a freelancer, or you have one job, then probably you have been hiring an accountant, enrolled agent or a paid preparer such as Tucson personal tax preparer for them to process your tax return. Some preferred a tax preparer since tax law is constantly changing and not all can stay updated to the current and latest laws. Tucson personal tax preparers are knowledgeable enough to file for your personal taxes easier as well as getting the most out of your tax return. However, this is not always the case. Maybe you know someone who preferred using a tax software or an online app where in some cases, you can even combine these two and change from your desktop to a mobile. It also has its benefits such as accessibility and less costly. The question is, which method is preferable to use? hiring a tax pro or using a tax software?

Tax Software is Not as Reliable as You Think it is 

“A common misconception or incorrect assumption is that tax software will automatically prepare a correct tax return, but that’s only if the preparer understands their tax documents and their tax status. Tax software is great, as long as you enter the right info. However, it’s relying on you to be the tax expert.”

– Randall Brody, enrolled agent (IRS expert)

Most people think that it will be way efficient and less costly to just use a tax software because they see it as a safe-way to file their taxes. But Randall brought out a good point that you still need to be a professional preparer because you will be the one filling up the required details in order to come up with an accurate tax return.

So does that make hiring a tax pro as the best option? the truth is, the preparation method depends on your situation. Below are some factors to consider in deciding which one to choose:

  • Fresh Graduate Students – they are just starting to explore which career path to take. Hence, there is no need yet for a tax pro.
  • Freelancers having Steady Income– a professional tax preparer is best for this group of taxpayer since they are already like those employees with regular salaries. However, if the freelancing is more of a side job, tax software will work fine.
  • Business owners- if you are an owner of a business, then it is better to hire a professional because the tax return is more complicated.

As you can see, there is no right or wrong way of filing taxes. It depends on you which method will best suit in your situation. Hence, lot of thinking and assessment must be done prior to hiring a tax pro or using a tax software.