Tax Preparation Services: Reviews

Updated March 2011

With the advent of tax preparation software, is there still a role for tax preparation services? ConsumerSearch finds the answers, and looks at the best choices if a human touch is a must. Tips for avoiding some of the pitfalls of user a tax preparation service are also explored.

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Best storefront tax-preparation service

H&R Block

*Est. $190 for an average return Learn More

With almost 12,000 locations, H&R Block processes about one out of every five tax returns in the U.S. This chain has a better reputation than its next-biggest competitor, Jackson Hewitt, and tax experts say it can be a… expanddecent option for relatively straightforward returns. However, there's not much H&R Block can do that you can't do yourself with tax-preparation software or the IRS Free File Program (below). Bear in mind that H&R Block hires many seasonal employees during peak tax season (January-April), so your tax preparer may or may not be an experienced professional. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

ConsumerReports.org: This article reports on the results of mystery shoppers' visits to storefront tax services in Philadelphia and Durham, N.C. The article addresses issues found at some storefront chains, including H&R Block, and steps to take to have the best results when using tax-preparation services.

SmartMoney.com: Janet Paskin looks at the pitfalls of using tax-preparation services, including large nationwide chains such as H&R Block.

About.com: William Perez, the tax planning guide for About.com, discusses the positives and negatives of H&R Block as well as other tax-preparation services compared to using a private accountant.

ConsumerAffairs.com: We found lots of complaints here about H&R Block's excessive fees and poor customer service.

Epinions.com: More than 200 people post ratings and reviews of H&R Block at Epinions.com; the overall rating is 2.5 out of 5 stars.

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Free, in-person tax help

IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Free for those who qualify Learn More

The IRS offers free tax-preparation services in person through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs at sites throughout the United States. For the 2010 tax year,… expandpersons whose household income was less than $49,000 should qualify. TCE programs serve those age 60 and over who meet the income requirements. Volunteers are trained, and in most cases can e-file returns. Most of these free programs operate in locations like community centers, libraries, schools and shopping malls. collapse

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Expert & User Review Sources:

IRS.gov: This section of the IRS website has information about the VITA and TCE programs, and links to sources of further information.

AARP.org: The AARP offers information about the Tax Aide program, a TCE partner program.

Vita-volunteers.org: This site began for VITA volunteers in Santa Clara County, Calif., but it has become a resource for current and prospective volunteers throughout the country.

TaxGirl.com: Kelly Phillips Erb, writer of the TaxGirl.com blog, responds to people who have said VITA programs should be eliminated in the wake of the scandal involving VITA partner ACORN (volunteers were caught on video offering clients advice on how to file fraudulent tax returns). Erb points out that the IRS cut ties with ACORN's VITA program, and that the vast majority of people seeking help from VITA are not trying to cheat.

Find info at IRS.gov

Jackson Hewitt *Est. $190 for an average return

1 pick including: ConsumerAffairs.com, SmartMoney.com…