First and last time filing with Jackson Hewitt - my tax nightmare

My parents used to use Jackson Hewitt but switched to a local CPA a few years ago. They said the difference in service was night and day. Is it really worth paying more for a CPA though if your taxes aren't super complicated? Like, I just have a W-2 and some investment stuff.

For a simple return with just W-2 income and some investments, you can absolutely handle it yourself with tax software. The major programs all handle those situations easily and guide you through the process step by step. If your investment situation gets complex (multiple stock sales, crypto transactions, rental properties), or if you start a business, that's when a CPA might provide value that exceeds their cost. They can offer personalized tax planning strategies that generic software doesn't.

Does it handle state returns too? I live in a state with weird tax rules (looking at you, California) and I'm always worried about missing something.

I'm skeptical about AI tax tools. How does it compare to having an actual human review your stuff? I've been burned by automation before when it missed some credits I qualified for.

Yes, it handles all state returns including California's complex system. It's designed to apply all the specific state rules and catch those state-specific deductions and credits that other systems might miss. The AI component is actually better than many humans I've worked with because it's been trained on thousands of tax scenarios and current tax code. Unlike my experience with human preparers who missed things, the AI systematically checks for every possible credit and deduction based on your specific situation. It won't overlook something because it's tired or rushing through returns during tax season.

How does this actually work? I'm confused about how they get you through when the IRS lines are always busy?

This sounds too good to be true. The IRS is notoriously impossible to reach, especially during tax season. I've literally spent hours on hold before giving up. You're telling me this service somehow bypasses all that?

They use an automated system that continuously calls the IRS until it gets through, then connects you immediately when a line opens up. It's basically doing the waiting for you so you don't have to sit on hold for hours. I was skeptical too until I tried it. The reality is the IRS does eventually answer calls, but most people give up before that happens. This service just handles the frustrating part by persistent dialing and then alerts you when you're about to be connected. It's not bypassing any official channels - just making the existing system more bearable.

I used H&R Block for 3 years until I realized I was paying $250 for them to enter information I could do myself. Their software is decent but the in-person preparers vary WILDLY in quality. I had one who was amazing (former accountant) and two who clearly just completed their basic training course. One missed a major education credit I was eligible for until I specifically asked about it.

Thanks for the honest feedback. That's what I was worried about - paying a premium for someone who just plugs numbers into the same software I could use myself. Maybe I'll just upgrade my TaxAct subscription instead of switching to in-person prep.

How did you find your CPA? I've been thinking about switching to one but don't know where to start looking for someone reliable.

I asked other small business owners in my area for recommendations. Personal referrals are usually the best way to find a good CPA. Another good approach is to check with your state's CPA association - they often have directories of members organized by specialty. I interviewed three before choosing mine, asking about their experience with rental properties and small business taxes specifically.