The Startup Magazine Remote Tax Prep vs. Traditional Tax Services: Which One is Right for You?

Deciding how to do your taxes can be tricky. Did you know, most people need help with their tax returns? This article will show you the difference between doing your taxes online and going to a tax professional.

Overview of Tax Preparation Options

When it comes to tax preparation, there are two primary methods – remote tax preparation and traditional tax services. Remote tax prep involves utilizing online platforms or software to file your taxes from the comfort of your home, while traditional tax services usually entail visiting a physical office and working directly with a professional accountant.

Remote Tax Preparation

Remote tax preparation allows you to file your taxes online. You can use software from different companies. Prices for these services range from $60 to $120 in early 2021.

For people who made less than $72,000 a year, the IRS Free File is a free option. This way of doing taxes got more popular during the pandemic.

You just need an internet connection and a device like a laptop or tablet. Then you can handle your taxes without leaving home. It’s quick and often cheaper than going to a professional accountant in person.

Traditional Tax Services

Traditional tax services often involve hiring a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or tax professional. These experts sit down with you, face-to-face, to go through your taxes. They handle complex situations like income from multiple states or owning a business.

With their deep knowledge, they can find deductions and credits that software might miss. In 2020, the average fee for itemized 1040 and state return by these pros was $323.

CPAs offer personalized help based on your specific financial picture. This includes advice on retirement plans like Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and dealing with investments and securities.

Even if you have unique sources of income, such as dividends or capital gains from selling assets, a CPA can guide you correctly. They ensure your federal tax and state income tax filings are accurate to avoid any issues later on.

Benefits of Remote Tax Preparation

Remote tax preparation offers convenience and accessibility to taxpayers. It is faster and costs less than traditional tax services.

Convenience and Accessibility

Remote tax preparation means you can handle your taxes from any place with the internet. This got very popular during the pandemic. Now, many taxpayers love it for its easy access.

You just need a device and the web to start.

This option lets people work on their taxes without leaving home. It’s great for those who have busy schedules or can’t visit a tax preparer in person. Also, using tax software makes it easier to fill out forms right and catch mistakes before submitting them to the IRS.

Lower Cost

Using tax software isn’t expensive either; it typically costs between $25 to $120. This makes going the digital route a cheaper choice for many looking to handle their taxes without spending too much cash on hiring a tax accountant or visiting a physical office for help with their Schedule A or Form 1099 issues.

Speed

Remote tax prep wins big on speed. You can fill out your forms in less than an hour from home. This is a game-changer, especially if you have simple taxes. No waiting for appointments or sitting in offices.

If your money matters are more complex, remote services still save a lot of time. Traditional ways might take days or even weeks to sort through everything. But online, advanced software quickly handles complicated finances, like investments or self-employment income.

It’s all about getting things done faster and moving on with life.

Benefits of Traditional Tax Services

Traditional tax services offer personalized guidance and expertise. They ensure careful attention to complex tax situations, providing customized solutions for individual needs.

Personalized Service

Meeting with a tax professional face-to-face means you get service just for you. They listen and learn about your personal finance, income taxes, and more. Then, they use what they know to help you best.

This way, you can trust the advice they give because it fits your life.

This kind of service is perfect if your taxes are complex. Think owning a business or having lots of investments. The pro can handle tricky parts like itemized deductions or tax credits just right for your situation.

Expertise and Reliability

Moving from personalized service, we see the value of expertise and reliability in traditional tax services. Experts in this area have years of training.

They pass tough exams to get their titles. These professionals stay up-to-date with tax laws that change often. People trust them because they know a lot about taxes.

These experts bring deep knowledge to your tax situation. They can handle complex details other people might miss.

This means you could save more money or avoid mistakes on your tax returns. For folks with tricky taxes – maybe you own a business or invest in many things – this kind of help is very valuable.

Detailed Attention to Complex Tax Situations

Complex tax situations, like owning a business or having stock investments, need detailed attention. If you have real estate, work for yourself, or own stocks, you might want to talk to an accountant.

These experts know about things like tax-advantaged accounts and depreciation. They can help you with Schedule A and figuring out the cost basis of your investments.

In 2016, there were 9.6 million self-employed workers. This number is expected to reach 10.3 million by 2026. More people working for themselves means more complex taxes. Accountants use their expertise to make sure these taxpayers get every deduction they deserve.

They understand bonds, mortgages, and even cryptocurrencies taxation well enough to guide clients through these tricky areas.

Key Considerations for Choosing Your Tax Preparation Method

Consider the complexity of your tax situation, your comfort with technology, and privacy concerns when choosing your tax preparation method! For more insight on making the right decision, read our full blog.

Complexity of Your Tax Situation

When it comes to dealing with your taxes, the intricacy of your situation is crucial. Accountants can be particularly beneficial for individuals with intricate tax scenarios such as real estate ownership or stock investment.

In 2016, approximately 9.6 million people were self-employed, and this number is expected to increase to 10.3 million by 2026.

Your Comfort with Technology

Moving from the intricacies of tax situations to your comfort with technology, it’s important to feel at ease using digital tools for tax preparation. According to IRS data, over 70% of taxpayers submitted their returns electronically in recent years.

This shift toward digital solutions underscores an increasing dependence on technology for tax-related responsibilities. Whether you prefer utilizing tax software or interacting with professionals online, being knowledgeable about technology is becoming crucial in modern tax preparation.

Numerous Americans have reaped the benefits of online resources and virtual support when filing taxes, thanks to various user-friendly features such as live chats and easy-to-use interfaces provided by popular tax software and remote preparers.

Getting acquainted with these technological options can simplify the process and offer greater flexibility in effectively managing your taxes.

Privacy and Security Concerns

When selecting a tax preparation method, privacy and security are key considerations. Remote tax preparation involves sharing personal and financial information online, raising concerns about data protection.

Survey data reveals that 65% of Americans are concerned about the security of their personal and financial information when using online services for taxes. In addition, entrusting sensitive details with third-party platforms or individuals is a crucial aspect of virtual tax preparation.

Hence, evaluating the encryption measures used by remote tax preparation providers is crucial to protect against potential cyber threats.

Transitioning from privacy and security considerations…

How to Find Reliable Tax Preparation Services

When searching for reliable tax preparation services, consider seeking recommendations from friends or colleagues who have had favorable experiences. Moreover, you can explore online reviews and ratings on trusted platforms to find reputable remote tax prep providers or traditional tax professionals.

Finding Remote Tax Prep Providers

1. Seek recommendations from small business owners, self-employed individuals, or freelancers within your professional network who have used remote tax preparation services.
2. Utilize reputable online platforms like Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, or Consumer Affairs to read reviews and ratings of different remote tax prep providers.
3. Investigate the credentials and experience of potential remote tax preparers by checking for certifications such as Enrolled Agents (EA) or Certified Public Accountants (CPA).
4. Consider the security measures employed by remote tax prep providers, ensuring they comply with industry standards and use encrypted communication channels for sensitive information.
5. Compare the pricing structures of various remote tax prep services, bearing in mind that some may offer a flat fee while others charge based on the complexity of your tax situation.
6. Evaluate the customer support options provided by remote tax preparation companies, ensuring they offer responsive assistance and clear communication channels throughout the process.
7. Look for remote tax prep providers that specialize in handling specific situations relevant to you, such as rental income, investment gains, or self-employment deductions.
8. Ensure that any potential remote tax preparation service can accommodate your preferred method of document submission and virtual communication to streamline the process effectively.

Selecting a Traditional Tax Professional

When choosing a traditional tax professional, consider the following factors:

1. Expertise and Experience: Seek a professional with extensive experience in tax preparation and a strong track record of providing accurate and reliable services.
2. Credentials: Look for professionals with relevant certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Enrolled Agent (EA) to ensure they have the necessary expertise.
3. Specialization: Consider professionals who specialize in handling tax situations similar to yours, whether it’s individual income tax returns, small business taxes, or complex investment portfolios.
4. Reputation: Research and seek recommendations about the reputation of the tax professional within your local community or industry.
5. Personalized Service: Ensure that the professional provides personalized attention and is readily available to address your specific tax concerns.

By thoroughly considering these factors, you can select a traditional tax professional who best meets your needs and provides the expertise required for your unique tax situation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making a choice between remote tax preparation and traditional services relies on your individual circumstances. If your tax situation is simple and doesn’t involve many complexities, using remote tax preparation software might be a cost-effective and convenient option.

Conversely, if you’re dealing with real estate transactions, stock market investments, or have significant life events affecting your taxes, opting for professional accountants could provide the customized attention and expertise needed to navigate these intricacies effectively.

Keep in mind your comfort with technology, the intricacy of your taxes, and any major life events when making this decision. Ultimately, the goal is to find what best suits your unique requirements and financial objectives.