Preparing your own income tax return can be a task that leaves you with more questions than answers. According to a study released by the US Government's General Accounting Office last year, most taxpayers (77% of 71 million taxpayers) believe they benefited from using a professional tax preparer. You can file your
taxes online on this website by clicking on the previous link.
Whether we like it or not, today's tax laws are so complicated that filing a relatively simple return can be confusing. It is just too easy to overlook deductions and credits to which you are entitled. Even if you use a computer software program there's no substitute for the assistance of an experienced tax professional. If you do have questions as you complete your return online, you can click on the "ask the professional" to email us any questions you have. If while completing your return online you decide you would rather have us complete the return for you, there is a link for that as well.
Why hire a CPA to prepare your taxes?
Anyone can hang out a shingle as a "tax preparer." They don't have to have an education or experience and there is no licensing required to prepare taxes. If a tax preparer is not at least an Enrolled Agent with the IRS, they may not even be able to represent you before the IRS if you should get audited. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) not only has to have at least a 4 year college degree, but needs to pass a rigorous 3 day CPA exam covering accounting and taxes and work as an intern for at least 2 years in a public accounting firm. A CPA is required to maintain a license to use the title of CPA and is required to complete at least 40 hours of continuing professional education (cpe) and adhere to a code of ethics. Given the choice, why wouldn't you chose a professional to prepare your taxes!
Here's what you get...
