# Where to Get Your Taxes Done: Three Routes and Their Real Costs
Tax filing season arrives every year, and most Americans face the same question: handle taxes solo, hire a professional, or use software. Your choice depends on complexity, budget, and comfort level with forms.
DIY tax software remains the cheapest option for straightforward returns. TurboTax, H&R Block, and TaxAct all offer free versions for simple situations—single filers with W-2 income and standard deductions. Paid tiers run $60 to $120 for those with investments, rental income, or itemized deductions. You file electronically, get immediate refunds via direct deposit, and keep records on your computer.
Tax professionals—CPAs and enrolled agents—cost more but save time and catch deductions you'd miss. Expect $300 to $1,500 depending on return complexity. Someone with side business income, investment losses, and rental properties pays closer to the higher range. Professionals handle audits, negotiate with the IRS, and offer year-round planning advice, not just April filing.
Franchise tax services like H&R Block and Jackson Hewitt split the difference. In-person tax pros prepare your return for $100 to $400. You get human help without the premium price of independent CPAs. They file electronically and offer refund advances, though those come with fees.
Pick DIY software if your taxes are simple. You earn a W-2, take the standard deduction, and have no business or investment income. You save hundreds and file in minutes.
Hire a CPA if you own a business, have rental properties, or face self-employment tax. The professional guidance and deduction optimization often pay for itself.
Use a tax franchise if you fall between these categories. You get human help for moderate fees, ideal