It's no secret that doing your taxes is a difficult and complicated process. But the advice of someone experienced and knowledgeable is just the start of what you can expect. There are several other advantages, many of which are often overlooked by people who are considering whether to do the return on their own or get professional assistance.

Easy Filing Process

You can't possibly be a certified e-filer on your own. You might be able to use the IRS simple e-file system, but that only works for a small fraction of people with the simplest returns. If you're determined to complete the document by yourself, you'll need to mail it in. Programs can also work with e-file, but it may entail an extra costs or requirements.

Refund Anticipation Loan

A refund anticipation loan is only available if you go to an office and work with a trained preparer. This is a bank product, a loan like any other with similar terms and conditions attached. You can't get one online. The advantage of taking one is that you may be able to get your money more quickly, in some cases leaving the office with either a check or a card in hand. However, interest is assessed and you won't get your full refund if you take one as part of it will be used to pay off the interest.

Advice And Assistance

A computer program can guide you through the forms and provide the most basic advice through FAQs, but it can't give the kind of individualized guidance that is available from a trained person. People are much more capable of synthesizing information and presenting it than a computer is. You can't sit down and ask your computer to help you save on your taxes for next year. It might know a few tips to offer, but most programs won't be able to look at your exact situation and provide comprehensive answers. A human can.

Personal Service

Anyone who's tried to work with a computer program knows that it can be frustrating sometimes. Programs aren't as capable of adaptation as humans. They can be frustrating to navigate and they can be difficult to get working. Stopping in at an office and having a human complete your forms takes that out of the equation.

Faster Completion, Better Accuracy

You never have to wait to use a computer program, but making it work correctly can take time and carries the risk of problems with incorrectly filled out sections. You're prompted to give the program your info, but you don't really know what it's doing with that info. You're not a professional able to see how everything fits together, which can potentially lead to confusion and even to incorrect submissions.

If you're considering working with a company, there's no harm in stopping in to check them out before deciding to have them do your work. Simply search "California locations" (or whatever state you're looking in) and you should be able to find a selection of places.