What are the advantages of using a CPA over using tax software or a tax preparation service?

Do you get more money back using a CPA or not? What advantages do they offer? Are they worth the money?

Public Comments

1. A CPA keeps rrecods all year fo you making tax season and auditing easies on you. If your good and keeping records and receipts than you can do the ssame, If not I recommend a CPA. They make things easier. But the tax products out are just as good.
2. I'm not a CPA and I'm no tax attorney. I leave my taxes to a professional who understands fully my legal rights. I use a professional with specific expertise in this critical area of my financial life. I would advise everyone to seek the advice of a trained and certified professional in this matter.
3. Do you want to trust your tax return to a software program?? First of all, if your software program makes an error it can cost you a huge amount in fines and penalties. Whereas if done by a human, they can always be blamed or at least accept responsibility for any errors. As far as the tax preparation services are concerned, most reputable services are in fact done by CPA's. (Certified Public Accountants.) Besides, humans can find legitimate tax loopholes that softwar wouldn't.
4. First off not every CPA prepares Tax Returns. CPA stands for Certified Public Accountant, and like attornies or doctors they deal with certain specialties. If you want a professional tax preparer who is up to date with the latest tax laws and is used to dealing with the specifics of your financial picture look for a CPA that specializes in Tax Preparation or find an EA (Enrolled Agent) who is licensed to prepare taxes and defend you in the event of an audit, CP2000 letter, or other tax concern. Tax software is very generic and only useful for a very basic tax return unless you are able to keep up with tax law changes yourself. Not much better would be a retail tax outlet like H&R Block who on the whole are less concerned with accuracy and more concerned with getting you in & out quickly with a refund rather you are due one or not.
5. They keep all your records for you. But, most importantly, they make sure you dont make mistakes on your return, and point out which ones you can include if you didnt know about them. And if there is a problem, and you get audited, they will be there with you. And if you have to go to court, they will be at court with you. And they can negotiate how much you have to pay for taxes because you lost soo much money but cant show it in reciepts. The main reason is their expertise and their support.