Need a recommendation for a good tax/investment professional

[PonyPower]

Got a letter from my tax guy saying he's shifting his business to do commercial accounts only, and I have to find someone new.

I don't make a ton of money, but enough that Uncle Sam will care if I don't file my taxes (he's picky that way). I've done my own taxes before, and spent several days stressing over them — I'm always convinced I'll misinterpret the instructions and do something incorrectly (although my tax guy always finishes my return in about five minutes).

If anyone can recommend a professional tax/investment guy to take over, I would greatly appreciate it. Please send me a PM with contact info.

Many thanks — happy new year.

[bubba pony]

buy Turbo Tax. My tax guy took forever and wouldn't return calls. I bought Premium Turbo Tax 4 years ago and love it. It is really easy and any SMU graduate can use it. there are 4 levels of Turbo Tax, Premium cost $90 this year. Suspect goes on sale soon now that Christmas is over.

[smupony94]

buy Turbo Tax. My tax guy took forever and wouldn't return calls. I bought Premium Turbo Tax 4 years ago and love it. It is really easy and any SMU graduate can use it. there are 4 levels of Turbo Tax, Premium cost $90 this year. Suspect goes on sale soon now that Christmas is over.

Even I can use TT and last year was the first year in as long as I can remember I was not afraid to be audited. MR. IRS guy if you are reading this I don't make enough money to back and check prior years,

[RGV Pony]

I use Saville Dodgen in Dallas. If youre interested, pm me and Ill tell you more.

[Junior]

I'm a CPA and I use Turbo Tax as well.

[FordtoTolbert]

You come on PF for this type of advice? I love this web site!!!!!!!

[PonyPower]

You come on PF for this type of advice? I love this web site!!!!!!!

Oh lighten up — getting suggestions doesn't mean I'll go with someone I learn about here. I'm merely getting suggestions from people who use someone they trust, so I can do some research before tax day.

[FordtoTolbert]

Sitting in the dark..alone.....tax return on your lap..."where do I turn??!!" Thanks for the laugh...

[The Q]

You come on PF for this type of advice? I love this web site!!!!!!!

Oh lighten up — getting suggestions doesn't mean I'll go with someone I learn about here. I'm merely getting suggestions from people who use someone they trust, so I can do some research before tax day.

Better to start the hunt now, rather than in April.

[smu diamond m]

CPA > turbotax, imho.

I would hate to try and figure out how to do the things in turbotax my CPA does

[EastStang]

I'm not in Texas, but I'm a tax professional. But I recommend that people use a local highly recommended CPA or Enrolled Agent. I heartily recommend using someone who is a solo or small firm rather than a Big 4 Accountant because of price. When I represent people during audits, almost all use Turbo Tax or some other commercial software. Its not the software, but the decisions made by the person imputting the data that causes problems. A tax professional will not let you take deductions that you shouldn't take or will discuss the ramifications of an aggressive position. So, you can pay a tax professional now, or pay us later. The average cost for a personal return is about $250-1500. The average cost for an audit is about $5,000. Just my two cents.

[friarwolf]

Hughes and Associates in Flower Mound

http://www.financialshop.com/index2.html

[DiamondM75]

Eaststang is right. Just a small example. When useing tax software on itemized deductions, the software will only calculate the state sales tax rate. If you live in the Dallas area or a Dart city, you get an additional sales tax deduction because of the higher tax rate.

Software does not a CPA or accountant make. If it did, we would not need the Cox School of Business and the CPA exam.

[couch 'em]

Is a CPA really worth it for someone with a real simple tax return? I'm a single guy and don't own a home.

[DiamondM75]

Is a CPA really worth it for someone with a real simple tax return? I'm a single guy and don't own a home.

If you don't itemize and your income is all on a W2 and you might have some simple investment income (interest, dividends, etc.) then just use the online tax preparation services such as TaxAct. They will prepare, print and efile your return. If you itemize, have children, have more complex investment income or are self employed, use a professional.