Tax prep recommendations (Huntsville, Madison, Hartselle: rental, credit, home)

[MeInHSV]

Up until last year, I've always done my taxes myself using TurboTax or H&R Block online. Last year I used H&R Block (in person, not online) due to some complications and was charged over $700 for my return and my college student son's return. My son has a tuition+housing scholarship plus Alabama PACT and part time job and it gets a bit confusing trying to figure out what goes where for the education expenses and credits. I figured that this year I would use last year's return that H&RB prepared for my son as a guide but for the life of me I can't figure out where some of the numbers came from.

I definitely don't want to go back to H&RB, can anyone with a similar situation recommend a CPA or other tax preparer?

thanks

[FatTails]

I hate H&R. They did the same thing to me the first year I had to file taxes. Part-time college student and they charged $300 to enter my info in the computer.

[padmaster]

I've been using Tom Ward for 25+ years. He works from home and I'm in and out of there in 30-45 minutes. I work full time, claim my home contracting business and my rental property. I paid only $150 and that includes electronic filing. He also has a couple of girls working with him if he is too booked up.

TOM WARD TAX SERVICE - Huntsville, Alabama - Company Info | SaleSpider

Huntsville AL Tax Preparer Gina A. Edger, SRTP

[weaverra]

Originally Posted by MeInHSV

Up until last year, I've always done my taxes myself using TurboTax or H&R Block online. Last year I used H&R Block (in person, not online) due to some complications and was charged over $700 for my return and my college student son's return. My son has a tuition+housing scholarship plus Alabama PACT and part time job and it gets a bit confusing trying to figure out what goes where for the education expenses and credits. I figured that this year I would use last year's return that H&RB prepared for my son as a guide but for the life of me I can't figure out where some of the numbers came from.

I definitely don't want to go back to H&RB, can anyone with a similar situation recommend a CPA or other tax preparer?

thanks

You got ripped off big time! I've used TurboTax for the last three years and find it pretty user friendly. It will walk you through the steps. Also the schools will send you a tax document stating the amounts. I honestly wouldn't have anybody else other than a CPA do my taxes if I chose to do so. I would suggest that you learn about what goes on your tax return and why. If the preparer messes up you are liable for any errors on your tax return. If H&R misreported your income you could be charged with tax evasion and you will go to jail for that. You won't go to jail for not paying. They can however put liens on and seize personal property. I would take what H&R did last year with a grain of salt. If you do have a CPA do your taxes have them look over last years return. It could save you a major headache down the road.

[Nlambert]

C&L Tax Services in Hartselle. We refuse to use anyone but Cathy. She is great at what she does.

[Keeper]

Not sure about Huntsville but in Marshall County RSVP is trained using the IRS software. They do not charge anything to do your taxes.

[LCTMadison]

Originally Posted by weaverra

If H&R misreported your income you could be charged with tax evasion and you will go to jail for that.

Oh good grief. Bit extreme? We have friends who used H&R Block and they misreported their income on their tax returns several years ago, which triggered an audit the next year. H&R Block covered all the expense and they submitted an adjustment of their tax returns. No one went to jail.

Every CPA I know of will cover you in case of an audit, which is where the additional costs of filing comes in. Ask whoever you do use to file what coverage and assistance they will provide if the return triggers and audit or if there are corrections that need to be made. People make mistakes ALL THE TIME on their taxes and the IRS isn't in the business of hauling them off to jail. They will work with you to get it straightened out. In my friend's case she said the auditor was actually quite helpful and it was not stressful at all dealing with getting the amended return filed.

I recommend Steve Kincer in Providence. He's awesome.

[weaverra]

Originally Posted by LCTMadison

Oh good grief. Bit extreme? We have friends who used H&R Block and they misreported their income on their tax returns several years ago, which triggered an audit the next year. H&R Block covered all the expense and they submitted an adjustment of their tax returns. No one went to jail.

Every CPA I know of will cover you in case of an audit, which is where the additional costs of filing comes in. Ask whoever you do use to file what coverage and assistance they will provide if the return triggers and audit or if there are corrections that need to be made. People make mistakes ALL THE TIME on their taxes and the IRS isn't in the business of hauling them off to jail. They will work with you to get it straightened out. In my friend's case she said the auditor was actually quite helpful and it was not stressful at all dealing with getting the amended return filed.

I recommend Steve Kincer in Providence. He's awesome.

I'd say it's a pretty big deal especially when dealing with an organization that can seize everything you own based on a suspicion with no evidence. It doesn't matter if H&R owns up to it and pays. You are still held liable for their actions. As I stated earlier I would have no one else other than a reputable certified CPA fill out and file my personal taxes.

[LCTMadison]

Like Turbo Tax?

[weaverra]

Originally Posted by LCTMadison

Like Turbo Tax?

I specifically implied that if I were going to pay someone else do my taxes I would only use a certified CPA to punch in the information.