Despite the proliferation of sophisticated online tax software, engaging a professional accountant remains the most prevalent method for filing tax returns. Recent data from the Internal Revenue Service highlights this trend, with 87.9 million electronically filed returns submitted by tax professionals in 2025, compared to 67.1 million from individuals using tax software independently.
Expertise That Minimises Errors and Maximises Refunds
Ethan White, CEO of California-based White Sands Tax Services, emphasises that expertise is a primary reason taxpayers continue to rely on accountants at high rates. "A good tax professional helps reduce avoidable mistakes, asks the right follow-up questions, and makes sure the return is consistent and well-documented," White explained via email. This professional oversight ensures taxpayers claim all eligible deductions and credits, effectively lowering tax liability or increasing refunds without relying on obscure secrets.
Comprehensive Year-Round Financial Guidance
Accountants provide invaluable advice beyond the tax filing period, offering monthly insights into financial decisions. This includes guidance on retirement plan contributions, timing for stock sales, and navigating major life events such as marriage. "A professional can also help you make better decisions during the year, not just at filing time, by explaining what changed and what to do differently going forward," White noted. This holistic approach transforms tax preparation from an annual chore into an ongoing financial strategy.
Peace of Mind Through Professional Assurance
Hiring a certified public accountant (CPA) instills confidence by mitigating the risk of errors common in self-filing. "For many taxpayers, the biggest benefit is confidence," White stated. "You are less likely to miss income documents, overlook key forms, or misunderstand rules that can affect credits and deductions." Freelance personal finance writer Brett Holzhauer, 32, echoes this sentiment, citing the avoidance of stressful IRS interactions as a key motivator for using an accountant.
Significant Time Savings for Complex Situations
While online tax software may appear cost-effective, it often fails to deliver time efficiency, particularly for individuals with complicated financial profiles. White points out that many underestimate the hours required to gather documents, reconcile information, and respond to software prompts. "For anyone with multiple income sources, self-employment, a rental property, or a life change, a professional can save several hours by organizing the process, spotting missing items quickly, and handling the details efficiently," he said. Notably, platforms like TurboTax now offer hybrid options, allowing filers to hire CPAs through their online interfaces.
Simplified Process and Reduced Responsibilities
Holzhauer describes his experience with a CPA as remarkably straightforward, likening it to a simple homework assignment. "Get all these documents together, email them to [my CPA], and [he'll] take care of it," he said. "It's worth every penny." This delegation relieves taxpayers from needing to master intricate tax codes, as accountants handle the complexities on their behalf.
White advises that hiring a CPA is particularly advantageous in scenarios involving complexity or higher stakes, such as:
- Self-employment or 1099 income
- Owning a small business or rental property
- Receiving multiple forms of income or selling investments
- Experiencing life changes like marriage, divorce, or having a new child
- Managing deductions requiring thorough documentation
Ultimately, the combination of error reduction, time efficiency, financial optimisation, and peace of mind underscores why professional accountants remain a cornerstone of tax season for millions of taxpayers.
