Using a tax preparation service initially costs more than filing yourself. However, professional accountants can also save you a lot of time and money down the road. Instead of spending hours reviewing tax minutiae and crunching numbers, you get the convenience of having someone else do it for you. Likewise, the best services only use Certified Public Accountants or Enrolled Agents - the most competent tax specialists available. This means your tax return is guaranteed to be as accurate as possible. In contrast, doing your own taxes your opens the door to errors. A simple math mistake or missed deduction can mess up your entire return or even cause you to be audited.

Ultimately, the decision of how to prepare your taxes is one you must make based on your own needs and circumstances. However, understanding the benefits of working with a professional can make the decision a lot less complicated and even ease much of the apprehension you may have about facing the coming tax season.