Most people don’t need the help of an accountant to prepare their taxes, according to Geoffrey Kulik, a Partner of Sterck Kulik O’Neill. But, Mr. Kulik says, many taxpayers wind up signing up for too much or too little help in March and April because they panic and decide on a professional based on who’s available rather than who can best help them.
Fall is the right time to decide how you’re going to prepare your taxes next spring. Taxpayers with complex returns can meet with CPAs to see if the firm is a good fit. Salaried employees with simple returns can interview preparers about their price and schedule requirements. For simple returns, you can even investigate home computer tax software. By selecting how you’re going to get help in the fall, you can intelligently match your tax situation with the different levels of assistance available without deadline pressure.