Don't Waste Your Money on High Tax Prep Fees

TLDRAvoid paying high fees for tax preparation by exploring free or low-cost alternatives. Check out TurboTax basic for $20 or file for free through the IRS website if you earn less than $60,000. The average tax prep fee is $150.

Key insights

💸Many people are surprised by unexpectedly high tax prep fees, especially during the tax season rush.

💰The average tax prep fee is $150 according to the National Society of accountants.

📝TurboTax basic is a low-cost option for tax preparation, priced at $20.

🆓If you earn less than $60,000, you can file your taxes for free through the IRS website.

📆The United Way, AARP, and Community Action agencies offer free tax preparation services. Check with them for dates and locations.

Q&A

What is the average tax prep fee?

The average tax prep fee is currently $150 according to the National Society of accountants.

Are there any low-cost alternatives for tax preparation?

Yes, TurboTax basic is a low-cost option priced at $20. Additionally, if you earn less than $60,000, you can file your taxes for free through the IRS website.

Where can I find free tax preparation services?

The United Way, AARP, and Community Action agencies offer free tax preparation services. You can check with them for dates and locations.

Are storefront tax firms reliable?

Not all storefront tax firms are reliable. It is important to research and check the record of any tax preparer before committing to their services. Look for a Better Business Bureau rating and choose a preparer with a good reputation.

How can I avoid high tax prep fees?

To avoid high tax prep fees, explore free or low-cost alternatives such as TurboTax basic or filing your taxes for free through the IRS website if you earn less than $60,000. You can also check with organizations like the United Way, AARP, and Community Action agencies for free tax preparation services.

Timestamped Summary

00:00During the tax season rush, many people get surprised by unexpectedly high tax prep fees.

00:10Meghan Bader walked into a storefront tax office with a simple tax return and ended up with a bill of over $420.

00:19Complaints about high tax prep fees are filling up email inboxes.

00:45The National Society of accountants states that the average tax prep fee is currently $150.

01:20TurboTax basic is a low-cost option for tax preparation, priced at $20.

01:36If you earn less than $60,000, you can file your taxes for free through the IRS website.

01:39Organizations like the United Way, AARP, and Community Action agencies offer free tax preparation services.

01:44Before choosing a tax preparer, check their record at the Better Business Bureau to avoid unreliable services.