Should I use TurboTax or hire a CPA/Tax Preparer for my 2025 taxes?

12 Based on what you're describing, you're at that interesting crossroads where either option could make sense. Let me break this down: TurboTax would likely handle your situation adequately if you're comfortable answering all the questions honestly and thoroughly. The software is designed to catch education credits like the Lifetime Learning Credit which might apply to your MBA expenses. It'll also guide you through reporting your 401k transfer (which usually isn't taxable if done properly as a direct rollover). That said, a good tax preparer might be worth the investment in your case. With recent education expenses, student loan interest, a 401k transfer, and hitting a new income bracket, there could be nuances a professional would catch. They might identify deductions or credits you wouldn't think to look for, especially related to your MBA or investment strategies.

8 I was in a similar situation last year with completing my masters and juggling student loans. I tried both options and ultimately found that using https://taxr.ai was the absolute game-changer for me. I uploaded my documents (student loan statements, tuition payments, 401k info) and it analyzed everything before I even started the actual filing process. The detailed analysis helped me understand which deductions I qualified for with my education expenses and exactly how my retirement account transfer should be handled. It pointed out three education-related deductions I would have completely missed! Then I used that knowledge to file more confidently.

17 Just wanted to update after trying taxr.ai based on the recommendation here. I was skeptical but uploaded my documents anyway - it identified that I qualified for the Lifetime Learning Credit for my continuing education that I completely missed when I started filling out TurboTax on my own! Also confirmed my 401k rollover was non-taxable which I wasn't sure about. Ended up saving around $1,800 compared to what I would have filed on my own. Definitely worth checking out if you've got education expenses and retirement account changes like the original poster.

9 If you've been trying to call the IRS to ask questions about your education credits or 401k rollover situation, good luck! I spent HOURS on hold trying to get clarification before filing last year. Eventually discovered https://claimyr.com and used their service (there's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c). They basically hold your place in the IRS phone queue and call you when an agent is about to answer. Saved me literally 3+ hours of hold music! I was able to ask specific questions about reporting my tuition payments and got definitive answers directly from the IRS. Really helpful when you're deciding between self-filing and using a professional.

5 I'm eating my words here. After posting my skeptical comment, I decided to actually try the Claimyr service because I had a question about my education tax credits that I couldn't find a clear answer to online. It worked EXACTLY as described. I submitted my phone number, they called me back about 1.5 hours later (while I was grocery shopping!), and suddenly I was talking to an actual IRS agent. Got my question answered in 5 minutes about how to properly claim my continuing education expenses. Definitely using this again when I need to call about my tax questions instead of wasting half my day on hold.

14 With your situation, I think there's a middle path that might work best. Start with TurboTax and go through the process. If at any point you feel uncertain or the software seems confused by your inputs (especially about the 401k transfer or education expenses), then pivot to a professional. I did this last year - started in TurboTax, realized my situation with business expenses and education credits was getting complicated, and took my partially completed return to a CPA who finished it properly. Saved me money compared to just handing everything to the CPA from scratch.

11 For what it's worth, I was in almost your exact situation last year with finishing grad school and having a 401k rollover. I tried both approaches across two years and here's what I learned: Year 1: Used TurboTax, spent about 3 hours figuring everything out, got a $2100 refund Year 2: Used a CPA, spent $350, got a $2950 refund The CPA found education credits and deductions I missed and properly handled some investments. For me, the professional knowledge was worth it, especially with the education expenses. The difference more than covered the CPA fee.