When to get professional tax help and when to do your own taxes

Deciding between doing your own taxes or opting to get professional tax help isn’t always a clear-cut choice. For some taxpayers, the answer is simple based on their comfort level or situation. For others, it can change year to year depending on income, life events, or how complex their return becomes.

Typically, DIY or basic tax prep focuses primarily on entering your information and submitting your return.  By contrast, a tax professional doesn’t just file your return—they can help you understand your tax situation, identify opportunities to save, and plan ahead.

This article breaks down what professional tax services include, who stands to benefit most from them, how they go beyond basic tax preparation, and how H&R Block can help

What do tax professional services include?

Tax professional services generally include preparing and filing your federal and state return, along with guidance and support by a trained expert.  

What’s included varies on the provider, but common services offered by tax professionals typically include:

• Return preparation and filing — A tax pro prepares and e-files your federal and state tax returns on your behalf.
• Tax advice and personalized guidance — Your pro can answer questions about your specific tax situation and help you understand what your numbers mean.
• Deduction and credit identification — Professionals are trained to find deductions and credits you might miss on your own — and they know the right questions to ask to find them.
• W-4 withholding review — A tax pro can check whether you’re having the right amount withheld from your paycheck so you’re not caught off guard at tax time.
• Tax planning — Looking ahead to reduce your future tax liability, not just accurately reporting the current year’s income.
• IRS representation — Credentialed professionals such as enrolled agents can represent you before the IRS if you receive a notice, face an audit, or have a back-tax situation to resolve.
• Multi-state return preparation — If you earned income in more than one state, a tax pro can navigate the requirements for each.

Who benefits the most from tax professional services?

The people who benefit most from professional tax help are those whose tax situations have grown more complex, changed significantly, or simply moved beyond their comfort zone.

You may want professional help if you:

• Have investments, stock sales, or capital gains
• Own rental property or real estate
• Need to file in multiple states
• Own a business or have self-employment income
• Have had life changes such as marriage, had a newborn, experienced a job change, or even moving to a new state

A tax professional can help you understand how these changes affect your taxes, what benefits you may qualify for now, and strategies to minimize your tax liability going forward.

And, you don’t have to feel like you’re locked in. Deciding whether to do your own taxes isn’t always a permanent choice — for many taxpayers, it shifts from year to year based on what life brings.

How do tax professional services differ from tax preparation?

Tax preparation focuses on filing your return for the current year using the information you provide. Tax professional services go further by including elements of tax planning and ongoing guidance.

In addition to filing your return, a tax professional can help you:

• Adjust your W-4 withholding to better manage your taxes throughout the year
• Plan for future tax years to reduce your overall tax burden
• Take advantage of carryforward opportunities for losses or credits
• Respond to IRS notices or represent you in an audit or other situation by a credentialed enrolled agent or CPA.

How H&R Block tax professionals can help with your taxes

H&R Block tax professionals bring real experience and a genuine commitment to getting you the best possible outcome. On average, H&R Block tax pros have 10 years of experience, helping to uncover every credit and deduction you deserve so you can get your maximum refund.

Want to do taxes on your own with help? Block offers Tax Pro Review, a service that lets you complete your online return and then have a tax professional review it for accuracy before it’s filed — giving you the control of DIY with the confidence of expert oversight.

Learn more about: What to consider when choosing a tax professional.

Getting professional tax help FAQs

When should I use a tax professional instead of filing myself?

You may want to consider using a tax professional when your return is complex, your situation has changed, or you’re unsure how tax rules apply to you. A tax pro can help you avoid mistakes, identify savings opportunities, and feel confident your return is accurate.

Can a tax professional help with IRS notices?

Yes, some professionals can help you understand IRS notices and guide you on how to respond. Enrolled Agents and Certified Public Accountants can even represent you before the IRS on your behalf to resolve the issue.

Getting a letter from the IRS can feel stressful, but experienced tax pros at H&R Block can help you understand what the notice means, organize the right documentation, and respond on your behalf. Your tax pro will create a plan and work with you so that you understand what’s needed and any steps needed to remain compliant with the IRS. Learn more about H&R Block’s IRS notice and tax resolution services.

Can a tax professional help amend past returns?

Yes, a tax professional can help amend past returns from the last three years if you need to correct errors or claim missed credits or deductions. They can review your original filing and ensure the amended return is completed accurately.

Amending to claim missed tax credits or deductions can be impactful.1 in 5 eligible taxpayers miss out on an average $2,700 credit. Get a free Second Look at H&R B lock and uncover money that’s yours, even from last year.

Do tax professional services include tax planning?

Yes, many tax professional services include tax planning to help you think ahead: identifying strategies to minimize your tax liability, maximize your deductions, and make informed financial decisions throughout the year. This can include strategies like adjusting withholdings or timing income and expenses.