Michael wrote: I did use HR Block once years ago but they wouldn't let me input the extra catch-up contribution to our Roth IRA's even though I knew it was legit starting that year (2002, I think).

mattkime wrote:
I've hired an accountant twice - once when I was freelance and another time when I had income across two states and I needed those states to agree on how it was attributed.

When I was a freelancer, the accountant made some minor tweaks regarding expenses but otherwise there weren't any big changes.

When I had income across two states, the accountant made an error - I owed a couple of grand and had a fine larger than the fee the accountant charged. The accountant covered the fine, losing money on me.

By now I think I've likely irritated everyone with my support of FreeTaxUSA. TurboTax thinks it has two jobs - convincing you that taxes are difficult and then helping you with your taxes. I find FreeTaxUSA stays out of the way more which I prefer. Switching from one to the other was relatively easy. Also its cheaper.

Generally speaking, I think people should understand how they're affected by the tax code. I really don't think its as difficult as its made out to be. I'm sure there's a level of investment sophistication where it makes sense to have an accountant but I doubt I'll see that in my lifetime.

Mike Sellers wrote:
[quote=Michael]I did use HR Block once years ago but they wouldn't let me input the extra catch-up contribution to our Roth IRA's even though I knew it was legit starting that year (2002, I think).

mattkime wrote:
[quote=Mike Sellers]
[quote=Michael]I did use HR Block once years ago but they wouldn't let me input the extra catch-up contribution to our Roth IRA's even though I knew it was legit starting that year (2002, I think).