Do I need an accountant for my taxes?

[Anonymous]

Lots of life changes in 2007-I sold my place in Maryland, moved to Virginia and got married. Should I get an accountant for my taxes or do you think I'll be o.k. with something like turbo tax. I've used Turbo Tax in the past which was very easy but then again, my taxes were simple at that time.

[Anonymous]

I think Turbo Tax is fine, but we hire an accountant. Accountants are really up on all of the new tax laws and things. They include them with Turbo Tax, but we really like to know everything is in its place. The Accountant does everything practically instantaneously. It's incredible. We send him our forms and he'll even do them over the weekend. We pay $250 and we get the taxes done and his services for a year for our personal accounts only. We've used him for 2 years. We have never even met him.....just coorespond via mail and telephone. He is my Parent's accountant and a guy my sister met in CPA class (she doesn't do personal taxes really). I've heard issues with in and out places and I think with Turbo Tax you could be giving money away you don't even know about. He more than pays for himself in things he "finds" that we wouldn't on our own. Anyway, it gives us peace of mind and someone who vouches for us, so we don't think we are in danger of an Audit.

That said, I'd use Turbo Tax before I'd use a place at the mall.

[Anonymous]

To the PP-would you mind sharing the name and contact info. of your accountant. Sounds like someone we could use.

[Anonymous]

I think you are fine using Turbo Tax. Twice in our lives we have had to file income in two states with major life changes. My parents are both retired but my mother was an accountant and my father a CPA/Tax attorney and they feel very comfortable with us using software. I would only consult a professional if we had done something major: incorporated, LLC, major inheritance, etc.

Now if you are looking for someone to get creative in terms of deductions, etc. maybe you need to consult a professional. I also agree with the PP to keep away from the places in the mall.

[Anonymous]

I use Lee Isaacson at Reznick Group - 301-652-9100, great service and answers all of my questions.

[Anonymous]

I'm the poster from 09:02.

I think ours is Mark Asher.

Asher & Simons
2 Hamill Rd Ste 349
Baltimore, MD 21210
Phone: [phone]

They're in Baltimore, which is why we've never met him in person but we have never had a need to either. I hope he works out for you.