There is one thing we all agree on: Nobody wants to make a mistake on their tax return. Filing taxes can be a stressful time, especially if you don't know whether to use tax software or hire a professional tax preparer.  Albert Einstein understood this problem perfectly, he said: "The hardest thing in the world to understand is income tax."  So don't worry if you haven't figured out the best way to file your taxes yet. This post will help you decide if you should buy tax software or hire a tax preparer that offers tax services Calgary. You can compare the differences between the two and decide what is best for you.

What is tax software?

If you like to do things yourself, tax software is for you. It is a computer program designed to help you prepare and file income, corporate, and other returns.  As you enter your financial data on the platform, the tax software automatically updates the forms and offers you advice. In addition, it will notify you of deductions for which you may qualify and calculate your tax liability if any. The task of preparing taxes is one of the most complex and to which you would spend the most time. Therefore, you should first prepare the necessary documentation that you will need to input into the software or give to your tax preparer.

How to choose a tax preparer

If you think a tax preparer is the best option, here are some tips to help you find the best one:

1, Find out how often they are available

If tax preparers only offer their services during tax season, you won't be able to contact them if you have a tax problem during the year.

2. Check their credentials

Check an individual's qualifications on the IRS federal tax return preparer’s site. You can browse the directory by zip code to find people who work near you. In addition, it is a good idea to get recommendations from other business owners or coworkers who are satisfied with their tax preparers.

3. Request information on prices

A candidate should be able to give you a detailed list of what they charge for each service offered. Once you gather the cost from at least three different tax preparers, you would then make an informed determination.

Review the preparer's history

If there have been complaints, most people file them with the Better Business Bureau. You can check the status of the preparer's license and whether disciplinary action has been taken.

Sharing confidential information

You should decide if you are comfortable sharing confidential information with a stranger. Because tax preparers review confidential financial information, you should choose someone you can trust.

Conclusion

Armed with this information, it is now time to determine which option you would rather choose. It will depend on your familiarity and confidence in preparing taxes on your own. However, remember that you may not be aware of the changing tax laws, but a tax preparer does.