Susan S. Lewis CPA, Accounting and Financial Services in Naperville, IL

Millions of Americans use a professional tax preparer each year, and for good reason. Having a professional in Naperville, Illinois or anywhere across the country do your taxes minimizes the chances that there will be an error in your tax filings. Accountants are well-versed in tax law and on top of any changes made to the tax code each year. They’re professionals, and not likely to make a mistake.

But when you use online tax providers, you’re essentially using that provider’s software to prepare your taxes. You’re inputting the information according to the questions asked by the software. If you’re unsure about something asked for or confused, despite the things built into the software to make sure nothing’s missed, you could make a mistake that the software won’t catch.
The tax code changes regularly, and professionals like those in a Naperville Accounting Firm keep abreast of all the latest changes and developments to make sure you get every deduction possible and don’t overpay. Online tax providers update their software too, but if you come to something you’re unfamiliar with, you might miss something that could save you money because you’re not familiar with the latest tax changes.

While hiring an accounting firm over using an online tax provider might cost a little more, it’s no savings if you pay more taxes because you miss something that a professional wouldn’t. Online tax providers also can cost more than a person thinks at the outset. There might be extra fees associated with electronically filing the state form, or certain forms necessary to complete your taxes, as well as extra fees if the returns are rejected and need to be filed again. You should read the fine print before preparing your taxes with an online provider.

And while it doesn’t happen often, if your taxes are audited you’ll definitely see the benefit of hiring professionals. If you used a Naperville, Illinois accounting firm, that firm and all of your tax records are right there to back you up and make sure everything is taken care of. If you’ve done your own taxes through an online tax provider, mistakes you’ve made can cost you in late fees and penalties. You can get auditing back-up from online providers, but typically that incurs an extra charge, bringing the price up.
When you use a Naperville, Illinois accounting firm, you get not only personalized service and attention to detail that can save you headaches later, but the utmost in security and professionalism regarding your financial matters