Anyone use a CPA for taxes?

[Glenn Quagmire]

I've always done my own taxes, but this year they're going to be a little tricky. I was just wondering how many people here use CPAs or some kind of tax preparation service. I've heard some pretty bad things about H&R Block, so I think I'll stay from them. Anyone have any recommendations. Also, does anyone know what the charge typically is? Is it based off of income? How many forms they have to use?

Thanks in advance...

 

[neverteaseit]

I've always done my own taxes, but this year they're going to be a little tricky. I was just wondering how many people here use CPAs or some kind of tax preparation service. I've heard some pretty bad things about H&R Block, so I think I'll stay from them. Anyone have any recommendations. Also, does anyone know what the charge typically is? Is it based off of income? How many forms they have to use?

Thanks in advance...

I use a CPA and I am glad I do. I have many itemized deductions and a CPA is well worth it.

 

[Axle]

Depends on your income and how many deductions you can claim......If you have to take a standard deduction on the long form, you can probably do it yourself.....

If you have various types of income and are not sure how to go, especially if you need a P&L, go with a CPA.

I use a CPA and I'm glad I do..... Costs a little more, but it is peace of mind....

 

[dawgball]

It's money well spent for me. That's not due to how much I make, but it's good peace of mind for me.

I assume the H&R Bock services are getting better, but I don't trust a part-time accountant to do as good of a job as a fullt-time CPA with their staff.

 

[Another Steve]

Have a Friend who is a CPA do my Taxes....last 10 years...20 bucks

 

[RAYMOND]

I USE A CPA AND GLAD THAT I DO . BECAUSCE I AM NOT THAT BRIGHT:sadwave:

 

[vinnie]

I USE A CPA AND GLAD THAT I DO . BECAUSCE I AM NOT THAT BRIGHT:sadwave:

 

[Glenn Quagmire]

Thanks for the responses, fellas. Very good advice. Time to research some local CPAs.

 

[hedgehog]

I have used one for years, my taxes are confusing, stocks, dividends, etc...Its well worth it, they charge me 265.00 and I would pay double, CPA is a family friend...

 

[vinnie]

I have used one for years, my taxes are confusing, stocks, dividends, etc...Its well worth it, they charge me 265.00 and I would pay double, CPA is a family friend...

$265 hedgy u got better friends here :scared

 

[AR182]

Thanks for the responses, fellas. Very good advice. Time to research some local CPAs.

glenn...i have always used a cpa also....but i would try to get a referral before picking somebody from a phone book....

 

[AR182]

$265 hedgy u got better friends here :scared

will be using a new guy since my previous accountant has retired....but i was paying $525....i guess it depends on how much work has to be done...

 

[Glenn Quagmire]

glenn...i have always used a cpa also....but i would try to get a referral before picking somebody from a phone book....

Absolutely. Maybe "research" was a bad choice of words. I'll definitely ask around for referrals first, and I'll probably check the Web as well. I've been known to overanalyze things to death, so picking somebody from a phone book is not a very likely scenario. :mj07:

 

[Glenn Quagmire]

I have used one for years, my taxes are confusing, stocks, dividends, etc...Its well worth it, they charge me 265.00 and I would pay double, CPA is a family friend...

See, that's just it, I'm not sure I want to spend that much. It's not that I'm not willing to spend that much on principle, it's just that for the amount I'm expecting to get back, that would be a pretty big chunk of the return.

I saw a lot of people online saying they get charged $300 or $400 each year. I obviously don't want to miss any deductions, but I also don't want to spend that much and then find out I could have done it myself.

 

[vinnie]

will be using a new guy since my previous accountant has retired....but i was paying $525....i guess it depends on how much work has to be done...

U got rentals stocks & dividends are easy you can do that by yourself :shrug:

 

[AR182]

U got rentals stocks & dividends are easy you can do that by yourself :shrug:

when i sold insurance i used to tell people let the experts do their thing....& i still believe in it....

 

[hedgehog]

$265 hedgy u got better friends here :scared

from what I heard thats cheap, no worries at all, its worth it for piece of mind:shrug:

 

[DOGS THAT BARK]

Good advice Al

I'm sure you have friends that that are in similiar occupastion as yourself that use CPA.
Find one thats happy with their accountant and ask them what he charges--that will give you an idea.

Then if you decide to use him--have your paperwork in order as if you were going to file and present them to him in orderly fashion. The less work he has to do the more modest his rate will be.

Have 2 accounting firms in our building and about every April I hear their stories of folks bringing in paper bag full of papers a week before deadline and expect them to sort through the maze for peanuts--it ain't going to happen.

 

[Axle]

See, that's just it, I'm not sure I want to spend that much. It's not that I'm not willing to spend that much on principle, it's just that for the amount I'm expecting to get back, that would be a pretty big chunk of the return.

I saw a lot of people online saying they get charged $300 or $400 each year. I obviously don't want to miss any deductions, but I also don't want to spend that much and then find out I could have done it myself.

If it is not a complicated return, you'll propbably be looking at around $150 - $200, plus it will be deductible the following year..... :SIB

 

[vinnie]

from what I heard thats cheap, no worries at all, its worth it for piece of mind:shrug:

maybe I'm out of touch with this been doing mine since we moved here in 01 had a cpa freind do mine before that for $100