A CPA firm's services to prepare even very simple tax returns can cost much. While people should be able to prepare their own returns, a professional will be able to help you work with your return especially on new laws, credits that may be overlooked and other related matters with regards to your tax return. You can perfectly do your own return but there may be things that you overlook or certain advantages that you may fail to take advantage of.
Because having a professional prepare your return can cost you a good amount of money, people who work for wages (those who get a w-2), those who don't have children, who pay rent and don't own a home as well as who earn basic interest and dividend income should prepare their return by themselves.
The tax picture begins to be hazy the moment you get a mortgage, you have children and other more variables come into the scene. While you may have obtained a program that may calculate your tax due for you, it is important to know what to take advantage of that will benefit you, what expenses to redefine to make them deductible or how to reduce your taxes.
People who should not be doing their own returns include those who have their very own business, those who have stock options, trusts and partnership income, with rental properties, people who are into sales or consultants who have out of pocket expenses, people who have websites or any hobby that generates them income, casual and professional gamblers and any other complicated matters.
Tax laws can be quite confusing and it is essential that you get ample information on the questions that you may have with regards your own return. It is important to understand how to fill it up in case you opt to file it yourself. In doing it yourself, you have the option of using a software package or doing it online. Both have its pros and cons.
A software package has the advantage of being able to do unlimited returns and you only need to invest in it once. When you go online though you only get one return for every payment you make but you get the advantage of being able to access it anywhere with e-filing services included.
When it comes to preparing your tax return, it is your option on whether you will be doing it yourself or you can afford to have a professional do it for you.
