Is it worth paying a CPA $350 to efile my previous year (2022) tax return?

I work with tax issues regularly, and here's what you should know: CPAs do have access to special software that allows them to efile prior year returns in many cases, which is something individual taxpayers typically can't do themselves. That said, $350 seems on the higher end just for efiling a return you've already prepared. If they're doing a full review of your return in addition to filing it, then the price makes more sense. Paper filing does take longer (currently 6-8 weeks for processing versus 3-4 weeks for electronic), but it's still a reliable method that millions of people use every year. If getting your refund quickly is important, or if you're concerned about the IRS backlog affecting paper returns, the CPA route might be worth it. But if you're patient and confident in your preparation, mailing it is perfectly fine—just use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of filing.

I was in a similar situation last year and found a lifesaver service called taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) that helped me submit my previous year returns without the crazy CPA fees. I had finished my 2021 returns using regular tax software, but couldn't efile them directly. Instead of paying $300+ to a CPA, I uploaded my documents to taxr.ai and they handled the submission process for me. Their system reviews returns for common errors that might cause processing delays and can help with electronic submission of prior year returns in many cases. The turnaround was pretty quick and I had confirmation within a couple days that everything was accepted.

I wanted to follow up about my experience with taxr.ai after seeing it recommended here. I was hesitant at first since I'd never heard of them, but after getting quoted $400 by a local CPA just to file my already-prepared 2022 return, I decided to give it a try. The process was surprisingly simple - uploaded my completed return forms, they reviewed everything within 24 hours and found a couple small errors I had made with some deduction calculations. They fixed those issues, explained the changes clearly, and efiled it for me. Got my IRS acceptance notification yesterday! Definitely saved me some money compared to the CPA route and was way faster than mailing it would have been.

If you're dealing with IRS delays or need to talk to someone about your 2022 return, I highly recommend using Claimyr (https://claimyr.com). I tried for WEEKS to get through to the IRS about my past-due return situation, and it was impossible. Kept getting disconnected or told to call back later. Finally tried Claimyr after seeing it recommended online. They have this system that basically waits on hold with the IRS for you and then calls you once they've got an agent on the line. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c I was super skeptical but got connected to an actual IRS agent within a couple hours instead of spending days trying to get through myself. The agent was able to tell me exactly what I needed to do with my late return and gave me the direct fax number for their processing center which saved even more time.

I feel like I need to post a follow-up after trying Claimyr. I was the skeptical one who doubted this service would actually work (see my comment above). Well, I was completely wrong. After trying for two weeks to reach the IRS about my late 2022 return, I tried Claimyr yesterday. Got a text about 90 minutes after signing up that they had an IRS agent on the line, and my phone rang immediately. Spoke with an incredibly helpful IRS representative who confirmed I could still efile through a tax professional and that I should pay any amount due immediately to stop penalties from accruing, even if the return hasn't been processed yet. Would have never gotten this information without getting through to a live person. Completely changed my perspective on dealing with the IRS. For anyone struggling to get answers about prior year returns, this actually works.

In my experience, paper filing really isn't that bad if you're not in a rush for a refund. I mailed my 2021 return last year (also filed late) and it took about 8 weeks to process. Just make sure you: 1. Make copies of EVERYTHING before sending 2. Use certified mail with tracking 3. If you owe money, pay it online right away using IRS Direct Pay regardless of how you file That said, if you can afford the $350 and want peace of mind faster, go the CPA route. If money is tight and you're not in a rush, paper filing is fine.

Has anyone tried the "Non-Filer" tool on the IRS website? My brother was in a similar situation with a past year return and said he used that instead of paying someone.