Where Most People DIY Their Taxes and Tips for Last Minute Returns

A new MagnifyMoney analysis found that 45% of Americans file their taxes without paid help, while the other 55% rely on a paid tax preparer. The analysis is based on IRS statements of income data for returns filed Jan. 1, 2012 – Dec. 31, 2016.

Taking the DIY approach to taxes is most popular in these metro areas: Austin, Texas (62%); Virginia Beach, Va. (61%), Seattle, Wash. (59%), San Antonio, Texas (58%), Richmond, Va. (58%), and Portland, Ore. (56%).

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Online programs continue to offer new features to help customers comprehend their taxes as they go, such as prompts nudging them to fill out missing information, or explaining why certain information is needed

A DIY approach also works if you keep organized throughout the year with receipts and statements, and if you are comfortable going through those details to correctly enter your taxes.

On the flip side, you should probably consider hiring a paid preparer if you are concerned about the difficulty of filing a tax return, have complicated financial information or want to develop a long-term accounting strategy.

If you’re simply looking for someone to crunch the numbers for you and make sure your taxes are submitted accurately and on time, a basic tax preparer or an IRS-enrolled agent is a perfectly fine solution. They will usually charge a flat rate for filing your taxes (it will vary by location).

If you are looking for a more well-rounded tax preparer who can also offer long-term guidance on your tax strategy, you should seek out a certified public accountant.

“A good CPA won’t just fill in the forms,” said Steve Osiason, a certified public accountant and member of the Florida Institute of CPAs. “A good CPA will give you advice going forward about what you should be doing to save money.”

If you do decide to hire a professional, make sure it’s a reputable preparer who is transparent about their pricing, Nisall said.

He said some tax preparers will charge on such arbitrary basis as per-form completed (some of which take just a few check boxes to complete), or based on what you made in the previous year.

Ask for a list of their qualifications, proof of licensing and if they keep up with changes by taking continuing education classes. At the very least, ask for referrals from trusted friends, family or work colleagues. Some firms may even have Yelp review pages where you can see how past customers have rated their service.

Rushing through a meticulous task like filing taxes can mean a smaller return or no return at all.

“That’s where people make the biggest mistakes,” said Nisall.

However, if you still don’t have enough time to pay, there’s more good news.

“If you owe money, you can also ask the IRS for an installment agreement when you file your taxes,” said Lisa Greene-Lewis, a CPA with TurboTax. “The installment agreement will allow you to pay your tax debt over six years.”