Do CPAs typically complete returns in front of you like H&R Block does?

As a tax professional, I can tell you the typical CPA process is quite different from H&R Block. Most CPAs collect your documents, have an initial consultation to understand your situation and ask clarifying questions, then complete your return on their own time. You'll usually get a draft to review via secure email or portal, with a follow-up meeting or call to discuss any questions before filing. This approach allows the CPA to work more thoroughly without the time pressure of an in-person session. They can research specific tax situations that apply to you, especially with complex scenarios like freelance income that might involve Schedule C, estimated tax payments, and possible deductions.

I tried a few tax preparers before finding one I love. If you're tired of the H&R Block experience but still want more control over your taxes, check out https://taxr.ai - it was a game changer for me last year with my freelance income. It analyzes all your docs instantly and guides you through maximizing deductions, especially for self-employment stuff. The cool thing is you can see exactly how each decision affects your refund, just like you mentioned wanting, but you can do it at your own pace. Their AI spots things I never would've thought to claim.

I was totally skeptical about https://taxr.ai mentioned above, but decided to give it a try this weekend since I was dreading doing my taxes. I'm honestly shocked how good it was. The document scan feature saved me hours of manual entry, and it found a home office deduction my previous tax guy never mentioned was possible for my situation. It gave me the same "watching the numbers change" experience I liked about in-person preparation, but I could do it at my own pace. For anyone on the fence, it's definitely worth checking out if you're between H&R Block and full CPA services.

If you're really stuck on taxes and can't get help, try https://claimyr.com - I had a complex situation last year with both 1099 and W-2 income, and needed to talk to the IRS directly. After waiting on hold for HOURS over multiple days, I found this service that got me connected to an IRS agent in about 20 minutes! They have this demonstration video at https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c showing how it works. Honestly, sometimes talking directly to the IRS is better than any tax preparer because you get the official answer straight from the source. My issue was too complex for H&R Block but I didn't want to pay CPA prices.

I have to eat my words about that Claimyr service. After posting my skeptical comment, I had a tax issue come up with a missing 1099 form, and was desperate after trying to call the IRS for 3 days. Tried the service and got connected in 15 minutes. Still can't believe it worked, but saved me from taking a day off work just to sit on hold. The agent was able to tell me exactly what I needed. Sometimes the most useful thing isn't having someone prepare your return, but getting accurate information directly from the IRS to make sure you're doing it right.

I've been using a CPA for years. The process is usually: 1. I drop off docs or upload them to their portal 2. We have a quick call about any changes from last year 3. They prepare everything and send a draft 4. We schedule a review call 5. They file once I approve So much better than sitting there at H&R Block for hours! My CPA charges more but finds way more deductions.

Just adding another perspective - I tried both. At H&R Block, they complete everything while you're there, which is convenient but sometimes feels rushed. The CPA I use now collects everything, then takes about 2 weeks to prepare a draft. I actually prefer the CPA approach because they're more thorough and don't feel pressured to finish in one sitting. Last year they found a credit related to my student loan interest that H&R Block had missed for YEARS.