Turbo Tax or Accountant?

[walk066]

It's that time of year and wondering what I should do. I used Turbo Tax last year, but always feel accountants know some rule that maximizes your return. Any suggestions?

[pwherr]

Taxact easy keeps a total ect

[NightCap424]

CPA....they know just about every loop hole to get max return.

[walk066]

Thanks guys. Still looking for opinions.

[justdonating]

I go through the same debate annually. I usually end up with an accountant. Nothing like being able to ask a person questions you have about your return.

[bigsportsguy2006]

walk ... i am an accountant ... it really depends how complex your return is and what type of business expenses you have and if you are taking the SD or itemized, etc ...


if its a basic return, DONT waste money on an accountant. hell, you should be able to just do it yourself! but if its complex and you do a couple things that you think MIGHT just be able to help with your deduction, go ahead and pay the accountant, it could be worth it.

[walk066]

Originally Posted by bigsportsguy2006

walk ... i am an accountant ... it really depends how complex your return is and what type of business expenses you have and if you are taking the SD or itemized, etc ...


if its a basic return, DONT waste money on an accountant. hell, you should be able to just do it yourself! but if its complex and you do a couple things that you think MIGHT just be able to help with your deduction, go ahead and pay the accountant, it could be worth it.

I don't think my tax return is complex:

W-2's
interest income
investment income
donations
mortgage interest.

I did my own last year and it was very easy, but I feel as accountant always know some rule or tax code that might maximize your return. I just don't know if it's worth the extra money if you get the same money back.

[ParrotHead]

Like the accountant, fast, easy, and usually no **** ups

[TTB]

had no problems with turbo tax....

[bigsportsguy2006]

Originally Posted by walk066

I don't think my tax return is complex:

W-2's
interest income
investment income
donations
mortgage interest.

I did my own last year and it was very easy, but I feel as accountant always know some rule or tax code that might maximize your return. I just don't know if it's worth the extra money if you get the same money back.

from reading this ... really cant see any way you would hire an accountant personally. you have major investment/interest income? sometimes accountants can be good at finding offsets/losses in order to not take hits on this income ... but assuming these arent large amounts, i wouldnt bother.

[Ricky Tan]

give back to the system

[walk066]

Originally Posted by bigsportsguy2006

from reading this ... really cant see any way you would hire an accountant personally. you have major investment/interest income? sometimes accountants can be good at finding offsets/losses in order to not take hits on this income ... but assuming these arent large amounts, i wouldnt bother.

I don't have major investments, but have some. I did lose a very small amount, but nothing to write home about.

I'm fine with Turbo Tax, but I always wonder if Turbo Tax has your best interest instead of an accountant who knows more.

[walk066]

Originally Posted by Ricky Tan

give back to the system

They already hit me up for enough!

[walk066]

Originally Posted by bigsportsguy2006

from reading this ... really cant see any way you would hire an accountant personally. you have major investment/interest income? sometimes accountants can be good at finding offsets/losses in order to not take hits on this income ... but assuming these arent large amounts, i wouldnt bother.

Let me ask you this. I won a Happy Hour from a United Way Auction that I paid $250 for. Can I write that off?

[mrhotpicks2]

you guys are funny ..... why do u need either when you have WP ???