I've been doing my own for years. But when you're starting out it is helpful to have some past years' forms that you can compare side by side.
Most of the work is in tracking and categorizing with your accounting software. I use Quicken, but there are cheaper alternatives out there. The main thing is getting every transaction into its appropriate tax-related category. There's kind of a learning curve there, but I'm assuming you do a lot of that already for your accountant. From there, it's mostly just a matter of copying numbers over into your tax program.
I personally dislike TurboTax. I find their Q&A format annoying, and they're overpriced for anybody who needs to file a Schedule C (us). I use an online service called FreeTaxUSA that I find more intuitive than TurboTax and that is 100% free for your federal return. They make their money by charging you a small fee to file the state return and by selling little support packages with stuff like audit assist. On year 1 you'll have to input all your information, but on the second year it will all be there. My favorite part is that near the end it gives you a screen showing a side by side of this year with the previous year with each category. It makes it easy to see how your business has changed and to spot discrepancies or missed deductions.
Whatever program you use, it will probably be helpful to keep using that program in the future, both for your learning curve, and because the program can automatically pull in relevant details from past years. People invested in TurboTax will probably have trouble transitioning away, and vice versa. I'd suggest trying a couple different programs side by side. See which one best suits you, which one gives you the biggest deduction, and if there are differences, what they missed. Then make your choice.
If you really want to go full nerd on your taxes you can try excel1040.com. Its a massive Excel spreadsheet that calculates everything. That will give you a real understanding and familiarity with the tax forms, but it's a steeper learning curve and not for the faint of heart.
Good luck!
------------------------------
Anthony Willey, RPT
http://willeypianotuning.comhttp://pianometer.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 04-30-2021 01:09
From: Blaine Hebert
Subject: Income Tax Apps/Software
I have used professionals and have received bad advice from them that needed correction. I have used TurboTax for several years with no problems.
I was concerned about several details and made an extensive list of my questions and hired a pro to go over my issues. All of their answers indicated that I was on the right track and that TurboTax was working fine, though they did recommend an S corp as a better deal.
------------------------------
Blaine Hebert
Duarte CA
626-795-5170
Original Message:
Sent: 04-29-2021 12:13
From: S. Fenton Murray
Subject: Income Tax Apps/Software
Hello List,
I've always paid a professional for help with income tax filing, but currently I've no one I'm happy with and am considering doing it myself.
I would be most grateful for recommendations from my colleagues.
Interested in the best.
Thank you,
Fenton