{"id":1509,"date":"2013-06-12T12:11:38","date_gmt":"2015-11-23T17:28:18","guid":{"rendered":"\/the-pros-and-cons-of-professional-tax-preparation"},"modified":"2025-04-07T17:52:05","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T00:52:05","slug":"tax-professional","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/tax-professional","title":{"rendered":"Pros And Cons of Professional Tax Preparation"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"width: 640px;\" class=\"wp-video\"><video class=\"wp-video-shortcode\" id=\"video-1509-1\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" preload=\"metadata\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Tax_Professional_Pros_and_Cons1.mp4?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Tax_Professional_Pros_and_Cons1.mp4\">https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/Tax_Professional_Pros_and_Cons1.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n<p><i>Millions of Americans ask themselves the same question every year: Should I just pay a tax professional? A tax preparation service can be a fantastic help, but there are some things you need to keep in mind when doing so. This guide will help you remember them!<\/i><\/p>\n<p>Una de las decisiones m\u00e1s importantes que puede tomar en relaci\u00f3n con sus<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/articles\/impuesto-sobre-los-ingresos\/\"> impuestos sobre los ingresos<\/a> es si debe preparar<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/articles\/aproveche-la-preparacion-gratuita-de-impuestos\/\"> preparaci\u00f3n profesional de impuestos<\/a> con la ayuda de un profesional, frente a intentar hacerlo por su cuenta o utilizar un software de preparaci\u00f3n de impuestos autoguiado.<\/p>\n<p>This article discusses the pros and cons of getting a professional tax preparer to handle things for you. Let\u2019s start with a con, because it\u2019s important to talk about it before anything else.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-12065 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/kelly-sikkema-G_91H-3qZOA-unsplash-1024x707.jpg\" alt=\"profesional de impuestos\" width=\"640\" height=\"442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/kelly-sikkema-G_91H-3qZOA-unsplash-1024x707.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/kelly-sikkema-G_91H-3qZOA-unsplash-300x207.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/kelly-sikkema-G_91H-3qZOA-unsplash-768x530.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/kelly-sikkema-G_91H-3qZOA-unsplash-1536x1060.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/kelly-sikkema-G_91H-3qZOA-unsplash-2048x1413.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/kelly-sikkema-G_91H-3qZOA-unsplash-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>CON: The Initial Cost of a Tax Professional Can Be Unappealing<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>The most obvious drawback to hiring a tax professional who will personally prepare and file your return is the cost. The price for getting your tax return prepared by a professional may range anywhere from $60 to $1,000 or more, depending on the type and number of tax form(s) you need filed.<\/p>\n<p>If your tax situation is relatively complicated, you should expect to pay more for professional tax preparation. You\u2019ll also pay more if you\u2019re filing taxes with your state, too.<\/p>\n<p>A survey by the National Society of Accountants (NSA) showed that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.investopedia.com\/articles\/taxes\/021717\/what-will-i-pay-tax-preparation-fees.asp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">the average cost of professional tax preparation<\/a> is $246 (though it varies depending on service). This is the price that most tax preparers will charge for a<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/articles\/que-es-el-formulario-1040\/\"> Formulario 1040<\/a> con deducciones detalladas (Anexo A) m\u00e1s una declaraci\u00f3n de impuestos estatales.<\/p>\n<p>On the other hand, the cost of getting a simple 1040 Form (without itemized deductions) prepared by a professional averages around $143. As for business tax returns, the NSA survey found that the average cost for preparing an 1120 Tax Form (corporations) is $759, while the average cost for preparing an 1120S Tax Form (S corporations) is $717.<\/p>\n<h2><b>PRO: Un profesional de impuestos puede ayudarle a ahorrar tiempo y dinero<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>If you\u2019re juggling multiple sources of income and wanting to minimize your tax liability, you might find a serious financial incentive if a professional can help you take advantage of deductions you might have missed.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s a reason a whole profession devotes its time to studying the tax code. Financial situations can be complex, and the tax regulations and rules change each year.<\/p>\n<p>Algunas de las ventajas m\u00e1s significativas de desembolsar por una<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/articles\/aproveche-la-preparacion-gratuita-de-impuestos\/\"> preparaci\u00f3n profesional de impuestos<\/a> are convenience and accuracy. Think about the hours you could save yourself from trying to read through and understand the IRS\u2019s form instructions, publications, and news releases.<\/p>\n<p>If you put a monetary value on your time, you might find that the hours you spend laboring over your tax return ends up costing you more than the services of a tax professional. Along with time, how much do you value your peace of mind? Costly mistakes can make hiring a professional worth every penny.<\/p>\n<p class=\"translation-block\">El riesgo de error al presentar los formularios de impuestos puede ser desalentador, pero puede minimizarlo contratando a un profesional de impuestos. Un preparador de impuestos profesional tambi\u00e9n puede ayudarle a evitar pagar impuestos de m\u00e1s identificando correctamente todos los <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/articles\/que-es-un-credito-fiscal\/\">cr\u00e9ditos fiscales<\/a> y <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/articles\/deducciones-fiscales\/\">deducciones fiscales<\/a> a los que puede ser elegible.<\/p>\n<p>For those who don\u2019t want to spend the money on a tax professional but don\u2019t want to go it alone, purchasing<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/articles\/preparacion-de-impuestos-en-linea\/\"> software de preparaci\u00f3n de impuestos<\/a> is often a good middle ground.<\/p>\n<p>However, you should keep in mind that a tax preparation software program cannot always ask you the right questions about your particular circumstances (such as your capital gains and losses).<\/p>\n<p>This is because the majority of tax preparation software is designed for individuals with simpler tax situations, and is not well-suited for taxpayers with complex finances.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, tax preparation software programs do not provide you with the guarantee of representation against a potential tax audit, a benefit included with most professional tax preparation.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-large wp-image-12064 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/campaign-creators-pypeCEaJeZY-unsplash-1024x741.jpg\" alt=\"profesional de impuestos\" width=\"640\" height=\"463\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/campaign-creators-pypeCEaJeZY-unsplash-1024x741.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/campaign-creators-pypeCEaJeZY-unsplash-300x217.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/campaign-creators-pypeCEaJeZY-unsplash-768x556.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/campaign-creators-pypeCEaJeZY-unsplash-1536x1112.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/campaign-creators-pypeCEaJeZY-unsplash-2048x1482.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/campaign-creators-pypeCEaJeZY-unsplash-18x12.jpg 18w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b>CONTRA: Hay muchas estafas. Tenga cuidado al contratar al profesional de impuestos adecuado<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Hablando de contras, hay varias cosas que debe tener en cuenta a la hora de contratar los servicios de un profesional de impuestos.<\/p>\n<p>For one thing, you don\u2019t wait until the last minute to schedule an appointment. The best accountants in your area will likely have waiting lists that fill up by January or February.<\/p>\n<p>You will not have many options regarding professional<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/articles\/aproveche-la-preparacion-gratuita-de-impuestos\/\"> preparaci\u00f3n profesional de impuestos<\/a> if you attempt to contact someone a few days before your return is due (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/newsroom\/2025-tax-filing-season-starts-as-irs-begins-accepting-tax-returns-today-taxpayers-have-many-options-for-help\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">typically April 15th<\/a>), although online tax preparation software will still be available. Tax season is busy, and the month of April might\u00a0 be one of the busiest times to try picking a professional tax preparer.<\/p>\n<p>If you do decide on professional tax preparation, make sure to check the tax professional\u2019s references, just as you would before taking on any type of employee.<\/p>\n<p>Ask friends and family for recommendations, and remember that testimonials and reviews by satisfied customers are a good indicator. You will want to keep your eye out for any business <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.gov\/tax-professionals\/understanding-tax-return-preparer-credentials-and-qualifications\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">whose license is no longer valid with the IRS<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><b>PRO: Es posible que pueda deducir el costo de las cuotas de preparaci\u00f3n de impuestos<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Let\u2019s get back to those professional tax preparer fees. Fees associated with professional tax preparation may be deductible on your income tax return as long as you meet certain eligibility requirements. Tax preparation fees are considered a miscellaneous deduction. They\u2019re under the itemized deductions on IRS Tax Form 1040<a href=\"http:\/\/www.irs.gov\/file_source\/pub\/irs-pdf\/f1040sa.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Anexo A<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, the mileage you drove to your tax preparer, the postage you paid to mail documents to your tax preparer, and the postage you paid to mail your tax return to the IRS and state tax agency \u2013 that\u2019s all deductible. Did you buy a book on the ever-changing tax laws to help you file your return? Then you may be able to deduct that book\u2019s cost.<\/p>\n<p>In some cases, tax preparation software programs (where a tax accountant\/preparer is not involved) can be tax-deductible. Additionally, if you paid a fee to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/articles\/e-declare-impuestos-en-linea-gratis\/\"> presentar electr\u00f3nicamente su declaraci\u00f3n de impuestos en l\u00ednea<\/a> , es posible que pueda deducir ese gasto.<\/p>\n<p class=\"translation-block\">Es importante recordar que las cuotas de preparaci\u00f3n de impuestos se clasifican como una deducci\u00f3n miscel\u00e1nea. Si no <a href=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/articles\/merece-la-pena-detallar-los-impuestos\/\">detalla sus deducciones<\/a>, no puede reclamar esta exenci\u00f3n fiscal. Tenga en cuenta tambi\u00e9n que sus deducciones varias deben superar el 2% de su Ingreso Bruto Ajustado (AGI) antes de que puedan empezar a contabilizarse en sus impuestos.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-12066 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/scott-graham-5fNmWej4tAA-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"profesional de impuestos\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/scott-graham-5fNmWej4tAA-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/scott-graham-5fNmWej4tAA-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/scott-graham-5fNmWej4tAA-unsplash-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/scott-graham-5fNmWej4tAA-unsplash-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/scott-graham-5fNmWej4tAA-unsplash-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/scott-graham-5fNmWej4tAA-unsplash-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/www.irs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/06\/scott-graham-5fNmWej4tAA-unsplash-640x426.jpg 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2>Pros and Cons of Professional Tax Preparation: FAQ<\/h2>\n<p><b> 1. Is professional tax preparation worth the cost?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>It depends on your financial situation. If you have a simple tax return with few deductions, you might not need a professional. However, if your finances are complex\u2014think investments, self-employment income, rental properties, or significant deductions\u2014a professional can save you time, reduce stress, and potentially lower your tax liability, making the cost worthwhile.<\/p>\n<p><b> 2. How do I know if I need a professional tax preparer?<br \/>\n<\/b>Consider hiring a professional if you have multiple income streams or own a business, are dealing with major life changes (e.g., marriage, divorce, new home), have investments or rental income, or want to maximize deductions and credits. If your tax situation is straightforward, DIY software might be sufficient.<\/p>\n<p><b> 3. Are all tax preparers equally qualified?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>No. There are different types of tax preparers, including Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Enrolled Agents (EAs), and seasonal tax preparers. CPAs and EAs have extensive training and certifications, while seasonal preparers might have less experience. Always verify a preparer\u2019s credentials and ask about their qualifications before hiring.<\/p>\n<p><b> 4. Can a tax professional help me if I&#8217;m audited?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>Yes, but the level of assistance depends on their credentials. CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys can represent you before the IRS during an audit. Other tax preparers might offer limited support, so it&#8217;s wise to choose someone who can handle audit situations if necessary.<\/p>\n<p><b> 5. What are the risks of hiring a tax professional?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b>While professionals reduce the risk of errors, no one is perfect. There\u2019s also the risk of hiring an unqualified or unethical preparer. Minimize risks by checking for credentials and reviews, ensuring they sign your return (don\u2019t overlook this, since it\u2019s a legal requirement), and by avoiding preparers who promise unusually large refunds.<\/p>\n<p><b>6. Can I still be responsible for errors if a professional prepares my taxes?<br \/>\n<\/b>Yes. Even if a professional prepares your return, <b>usted<\/b> are ultimately responsible for its accuracy. That\u2019s why it&#8217;s important to review your return before it\u2019s filed. If errors lead to an audit or penalties, you could still be held liable, although some preparers offer guarantees or assistance in case of mistakes.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Millions of Americans ask themselves the same question every year: Should I just pay a tax professional? A tax preparation service can be a fantastic help, but there are some things you need to keep in mind when doing so. This guide will help you remember them! One of the most important decisions you can [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8322,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[12,30,171],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1509","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tax-preparation","category-federal-tax-returns","category-tax-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1509","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1509"}],"version-history":[{"count":14,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1509\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12527,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1509\/revisions\/12527"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8322"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1509"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1509"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.irs.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1509"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}