Cynthetiq

Do you do your own taxes? Do you use an accountant? It's that time of the year again. We try each year to get as early an appointment as we can with the accountant.

Each year, we plan on saving the refund we get. Many financial types tell us "you're letting Uncle Sam use that money instead of you saving and getting the interest." Well that's true, but we also don't risk that we'll pay more taxes because we have the most withheld from our employers. Single 0 dependents across the board.

I've used an accountant ever since I had more than just a W-2 knowing that a 1099 afforded me to keep receipts and take more deductions than just the standard. But even when I took income in from just one job, I still used an accountant. I would do them myself and compare what the accountant was able to claim, and my refund was always more than what it cost to pay for the the accountant's services.

This year because of the layoff and severance package, we were hit with having to file AMT. It sucked in some ways, but in others, it's all good. If I'm making more money, I should be paying more taxes. Overall, I still came out ahead from last year with plenty of savings.

So do you do your own taxes? Do you itemize your deductions or take the standard deductions (Single or married filing separately—$5,350, Married filing jointly—$10,700, Head of household—$7,850)? Why?

Do you see an accountant? Why?

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