Best Tax Prep Place

[MizLindz1117]

Getting ready to get the taxes done... I usually have my mother in law do mine, but she doesn't do them until the last minute, so I have a question...

Is there a tax prep place anyone recommends? I tried H&R Block a few years ago, and they kept over $300 of my return, so I refuse to use them again since they with held so much for themselves.

What other options are out there? 

[keauhou]

Get Turbo tax-they will ask you ? for everything and all the info from this year will go into next year's which saves a lot of time.

[derrick12480]

Usually an independent place cost you less and they are just as good. Or just find a friend that will do it.

[candyterrius]

Why did Block kept the money for? Is that what they charge you for the service which is the amount of refund you suppose to get? If you’re not happy with their service, then I suggest you bring in all your necessary documents and walk into any firm and ask them how much it would cost to prepare your tax return. If you think it’s expensive, then move on to the next one. Make sure the tax preparer is registered w/CTEC (if you live in CA) and has a valid PTIN#. The cost of preparing a tax return will vary. For example, it would cost more if you’re self-employed than for someone who just have a W2. Look up your local phone directory and give ask around for some information. It doesn’t hurt. Or you can choose your in-law to help you file them for you if you don’t mind the wait and still get your Federal tax refund if it is owed to you. You decide.

[bholmes618]

Will never use H&R block again.  Currently use a private CPA, it actually cost around the same or less than H&R block used to charge, and I feel much more confident in his knowledge of the tax laws.

[shepherdchik]

I was going to go to HRblock only because they look back 3 years for you, as they were advertising, but I know it costs a lot to go there. There isn't a set price there I don't think. I had done the Turbo tax online the past few years and I was happy with that and don't remember any pricey surprises at the end

[dreamyxo]

Turbo Tax free edition.  This year I used Tax Act because for some crazy reason turbo tax wanted to charge me $14 for the free edition.  I've always done my own taxes so I said nope I'd rather do them myself by hand than to pay any money (yeah I'm cheap).

[champak97]

I dont have good experience with any of the tax places. They try to charge you a lot for the little work that they do.

[remediagirl]

I have done out taxes for the last 15 years. I spent 12 of those years filing them through the mail though. I love e-file! It makes it so easy!    BTW you don't have to pay any money to do it this way. I feel that if you are charged for filing your taxes online than you have been duped. Unless you are paying a little to get a refund from the state. (we are self employed)

[hollyromey]

TurboTax free edition is nice and convenient if you just have simple taxes. Someone I know said they won't give calculate in first time home-buyers credit though. Many cities/town also offer free tax services using volunteers but it's kind of up to you to trust them to know what they're doing.

[froggylover227]

I use my own personal accountant that my family has been using for years. He's a little expensive, but he does really get me the most out of my tax refunds. And since my family has been going to him for years, I feel like I can definlty trust him.

[hawkeye3210]

I wouldn't trust either HRBlock or Jackson Hewitt. Both hire people with no tax experience, give them a couple week crash course on taxes, and then set them loose. I personally do my own taxes so I rally don't know what it is going to cost you at any place.

[sdecaro558]

I always use H&R myself, they've never kept that much from mine, just $150.00 or so which is what I would pay any place else.  I'd do them myself, but because I go to school I can't use the 1040 EZ, so it's worth it to pay the $150.00 to get an extra $1,000 or so back.

[jonhall37]

i do mine online, 30 bucks....its not free but cheaper than taking them anywhere....

[hvnlydevil]

We have ours done through our local credit union, where we hold an account. They have always been very thorough and reliable.