I design algorithms for tax and reporting solutions yet each year I contact a CPA to compile and review tax returns for my business ventures and family.  My CPA is an expert in tax rules.  It is important to partner with others to utilize their expertise.

Tax Professionals keep up to date with changing tax codes and are ideally trained to answer questions after understanding the details of your situation.  If your taxes are straight forward you can buy tax software and read the help system.  Tax software may cost you as little as $39.95 but unless you know what you are doing, this could be an expensive way to save money. 

Note: There are over 350,000 tax preparers ready and willing to help 300 Millions US citizens file approximately 135 Million individual tax returns annually. 

I recommend an appointment with your Tax Preparer by early January.  If you wait until February to confirm an appointment and if your work gets complex then you will likely need to file for an extension of time with the IRS.  Most good preparers are booked solid the entire season and have little time to explore what-if situations during prime time. 

Action Step - Find your Tax Preparer’s name and e-mail or phone number.  Contact them to request a checkup.   They will be impressed and you will feel good. 

To find a preparer check your local listings and cross reference the information with recommendations from friends.  Then search your local better business bureau and perform a few net searches for news or other web content about companies you are considering.