Software.com Find us on

Search

New users

Sign Up with Facebook

Don't use Facebook?

Create an account on Software.com to receive additional membership advantages, and to shop online quickly and easily.

Joining is free. All you need is a valid email address.

Is The More Effective Tax Preparer Software Or Accountant?

15 Apr

We Weigh Up The Pros & Cons Of Using Home Tax Preparer Software Vs. Employing An Accountant

Are you ready to file your income tax return? In this case, you have three options: use tax software, hire an accountant, or do it yourself. If you don’t know what you are doing, you can cross out the last option. This leaves you with comparing tax software vs. hiring an accountant.

There are many details to compare before making a final decision. To start, cost is always a factor to consider and you want to prepare and file your return as affordably as possible. In this case, your best bet is tax software.

The Costs Of Tax Software Vs. An Accountant

Top of the line tax software, such as TurboTax Online Premier, will only set you back roughly $75. When you hire an accountant, you will pay $150 or more – and that is if you only have a basic return.

Also, with tax software you don’t have to worry about being charged “by the hour” or “by the form.” Instead, you pay for the cost of the software and use it as often and for as long as you want.

On the other hand, an accountant may charge you an hourly fee and/or by the form. As you can see, your costs can quickly add up. While many people hire an experienced accountant with hopes that their return will be 100 percent accurate, this is not the way things always work out. In short, human errors can and do occur no matter how much experience an accountant may have.

With tax software, you don’t have to worry about human errors. Instead, your program will do all the work for you. H&R Block Home Deluxe Federal, for example, double checks your return for errors and guarantees accuracy. Can the same be said for your accountant?

Although the choice is yours, most taxpayers are beginning to see that filing via tax preparation software is more effective and efficient than hiring an accountant.