- quote -

Let it be noted that what one pays depends on many factors,
such as location (where 200 in Cincinnati might be the
norm), experience (CPA's tend to charge more than EA's and
Ea's more than unenrolled tax preparers), and complexity.

A mother brought her 30 year old son to me last Saturday.
He is single, had bought a house last year in Atlanta where
he lives. My fee for schedule A and the Georgia return
included was $ 65.

Cheer$,
Harlan Lunsford, EA n LA

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- quote -

Not sure where this comes from. The federal brackets are
10%, 15%, 25%, etc. There is no 22% bracket unless you are
counting some state tax rate in the mix.

- quote -

So you have deductible mortgage interest and possibly
property tax, usually a good start on itemizing deductions.

- quote -

Your first sentence seems to support that.

- quote -

Many of the people who work for the mass tax preparers are
very knowledgeable and quite experienced and will serve you
well. Others take off their shoes to count to 20 and have
little or no experience. You won't necessarily know which
one you will get.

If you are comfortable using a computer, give Tax Cut or
Turbotax a try. What have you got to lose for less than $50.
If you want solid, reliable advice, hire an experienced CPA
or Enrolled Agent or an experienced independent tax preparer
(ask your friends if they use someone who has been in the
business a long time).

Expect to pay at least $200 more for expert services.

All freely provided advice guarantee correct or double your
money back

Frank S. Duke, Jr. CPA
Cincinnati, OH USA

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come_try[at]yahoo.com (CT) wrote:

- quote -

any comments?

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come_try[at]yahoo.com (CT) wrote:

- quote -

Like many, I have a biased opinion. I currently work for a
storefront preparation company, and have used CPAs for many
years prior to my own tax preparation training.

I would base you decision on the complexity of the return.
There are folks at HRB who can prepare a complex return
flawlessly. There are CPAs and EAs who can prepare a
complex return flawlessly. There are also folks in all
three categories who can't.

If your return is truly complex (use of obscure credits,
etc) a specialist in those items is a good idea.

If you have a basic return (W2's, a house, 1099's, 1098s)
then anyone can should be able to do your return.

No matter who you use, ask a lot of questions. If the
person doesn't seem to know the law, or dismisses your
questions, leave. If you are not comfortable that the
person is competent, leave. The job of anyone preparing
your return is to ensure you that they know what they are
doing, and can tell you why.

bex

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CT wrote:

- quote -

Naturally I'm going to suggest you find an enrolled agent
(EA) in your area. Either look in your Yellow Pages (tm)
or try the NAEA web site : www.naea.org

Cheer$,
Harlan Lunsford, EA
Phenix City, AL

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- quote -

Any competent tax preparer, including HRB, should be able
to handle the return. You will want to take along your
closing statement so s/he can also pick up the property tax
implications that occurred at closing. If you really want
to understand your taxes, perhaps so you can do them
yourself next year, you probably would be better served
going to an independent tax preparer. I would suggest an
Enrolled Agent (since I am one), others will suggest a CPA
(for similar reasons). Try to find someone who will take
the time to talk with you -- probably not at the busiest
office in town. And certainly not at the storefront with the
big "Get Your Cash Today!" banner.

--
Don EA in Upstate NY

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This is my first year filing taxes, we in 22% bracket.

We got a house this year and we got a 1098 form. I posted
earlier on and based on the responses, I really dont think i
know much about taxes and dont wanna pay more than I should,
get back much (like any other tax payer)

Should I try to find a reliable financial advisor to file
taxes with or go with HR block. I am 25 and really dont know
much.

What do you think, please advice.

Thanks.

CT.

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