If you are going to use online tax service, like TurboTax or TaxAct or others

[question everything]

be sure that you know what to expect. Don't just throw the numbers and accept the results. Especially if your return is not basic simple and also if this is your first visit with this site.

Just a suggestion.

[ret5hd]

1. In short, question everything.

[question everything]

4. LOL

[PoliticAverse]

2. Check the IRS website to see if you are eligible for free filing at any of the tax preparation

services.

Free file program:
https://irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free

[progree]

3. Same applies to having it done by a tax professional. I had one for 35 years and he wasn't flawless

nor was the tax software he used.

Fortunately I've got a tax calculating spreadsheet, so I can check.

[bucolic_frolic]

5. I still paper file

It takes 10 months to get a refund but I avoid the hassles of e-filers. If I did use e-file, I think they said I get a summary but not the actual forms filed, plus if you have a lengthy 1099, you can't add them in digital form (last time I looked, which was a few years ago) so you have to print them and send them to a special PO Box in TX. And by the way, what is it with the IRS and places to send your returns? They had about 11 regions at one time, now about 4 mailboxes. It changes every year. KC and UT and Hartford seem durable, but others change. Yet taxpayer advocates remain somewhat local.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

6. I have a tax professional I have utmost faith in.

Lucky me.

When I first started with him I had a very complicated return. These days it's a lot more simple, possibly simple enough that I could do it myself. But I am happy to pay his fee to know it's done right.

As for those who spend hours and hours doing their returns, I always want to ask how much their time is worth? Especially since a professional could probably do it in a fraction of the time.

[question everything]

7. Some of us enjoy it. And then depends what form you submit to your professional

The ubiquitous shoe box full of receipts?

Like progree, above, I have used CPAs on occasions and always found a mistake.

About 10 years ago we had a complicated one so did go to a CPA. We kept arguing and I kept calling the IRS - in the days that they would answer - and finally convinced him that I was right. By then we came to his office to collect the return and he had to redo it again. And he said: look at all the dead trees that are lying here on the floor...

Some 30 years ago when I had more money than time I did use a CPA each year. No software then, no online, at least not for regular people. But I would not bring a shoe box full of receipts but a 1040 already filled. He laughed, asked me whether he should just submit it as is.

But he was really good. When both of us were victims of "Reduction in Force" he suggested to leave our 401Ks with the employer who was, otherwise, on sound ground and they did very well.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

8. Interesting response. Thank you.

I do not have the skills to evaluate a tax return and find an error. I suppose it's possible I've paid more than I should because of my lack of knowledge.

I don't bring a shoe box full of receipts, but the statements I get from the various accounts I have that will be included in my tax filing. Again, I recognize that I could probably do my return myself, but I am personally very happy to pay my tax guy.

In the semi-distant past my returns were VERY complicated. I had an account at Merrill-Lynch and they did lots of transactions every year that needed to be looked at. Then my M-L guy went with a different, small firm, and I went with him. He changed around my investments, they are much simpler and more profitable. I know that financial advisors are looked down upon here, but I am extremely happy with mine.

And it does sound like you got good advice from that CPA. I'm glad, as I'm sure you are.