DIY Tax: Which Option Actually Saves You Money for Your Tax Bracket?
Written by
G. Brian Davis
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Paying an accountant to prepare your tax return can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars — more than any potential cost savings, for moderate-income workers.
But which do-it-yourself tax platform works best for someone in your tax bracket? GOBankingRates listed four different platforms that could work for your tax situation.
10% to 12% (W-2 Employees): FreeTaxUSA
Online tax software platforms work best for simple tax returns: W-2 workers without complex assets.
FreeTaxUSA lives up to its name, offering a free federal filing. It does charge for state filings, but it remains affordable with a clean, user-friendly interface.
10% to 12% (1099 Workers & Military): TaxSlayer
Gig workers earning 1099 contract income inherently have more complex returns than W-2 employees. TaxSlayer lets you import PDF files, including 1099s, last year’s tax return and more to speed up your return prep.
That does require a paid option, but their pricing is modest. They offer a free option for military servicemembers and for simple W-2 filers as well, making it a great platform all around for moderate-income filers.
22% to 24%: TurboTax
For earners in the middle- and upper-middle income brackets, TurboTax helps simplify more complex returns.
“TurboTax works best for DIY taxpayers who need more intuitive workflows,” notes Gene Bott, certified public accountant (CPA) with Tax Hive. “If you get into rental properties with Schedule C income, or multiple partnerships and S corporations, use TurboTax for its more intuitive interview process, or hire a professional.”
Fortunately, TurboTax offers “Expert Assist” options for professional human help. It does require a paid upgrade however.
32% to 37%: H&R Block
High earners should generally hire CPAs to prepare their tax returns, given the complexity and room for tax savings.
“Filers with K-1s, S-Corp elections, Forms 4562 and backdoor Roth conversions will want more than ‘plug-and-play’ options,” observes David Yang, enrolled agent at Keeper. For those who do want a hybrid of human help and DIY platform, H&R Block excels.
You can import all major tax forms, and access tax professionals either online or in person. Its AI-powered tax assistant also helps catch common errors and tax savings.
At this income level, just make sure you talk through potential tax savings with a professional, whether that’s a tax strategist or a CPA reviewing your return.
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