I used to work in a CPA firm back in my 20s. Filing taxes was a part of the annual routine.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the many advantages of having a CPA do your taxes. Below, I’m going to share my thoughts with you about why it matters, and for whom.

Do You Need a CPA to Prepare Taxes?

The answer to this question is … maybe. There are some cases (like when you have a super-simple return) that the services of a CPA might be overkill. However, there are so many benefits to working with a CPA that most people find it to be well worth the cost. While anyone can file their taxes on their own or use a different tax preparation solution, as the saying goes, just because you can do something doesn’t necessarily mean you should.

Here are a few of the reasons why you’ll want to consider hiring a CPA.

Why Use a CPA to Prepare Your Taxes

Licensing:Practicing CPAs are required to hold a license through their particular state. In order for the CPA to maintain this license, he or she must generally do two things: (1) complete a certain number of continuing education hours (for example, taking a course on the latest tax deductions), and (2) run his or her business according to specific standards

These standards provide assurance to you that you’re getting a quality service. If you ever have a question about your CPAs legitimacy, you can contact your state’s board of public accountancy and request information about your CPA. Check out this website for a list of each state board’s contact information.

Consistency and Stability: A CPA is going to be there for you year after year. Practicing CPAs are in it for the long run.

Doors are Always Open: A CPA performs many types of financial services, not just taxes. Therefore, their doors are always open for tax questions, tax planning, and for any audit help you may need. Many other tax preparation services close their doors from May to December. Who’s going to help you when you get that audit letter? Your CPA will!

Record Retention: A CPA is going to maintain your tax information much like a doctor holds on the patient’s medical records. Your CPA will act as your own personal filing cabinet through the years. You’ll even get your own copy of the return and supporting documents in a nice little folder for you to file away yourself if you want. Digital formats are also becoming more prevalent.

Tax Planning: The best part about having a CPA is the tax planning advice he or she can provide throughout the year. There are certain year-end tax moves you can make that will save you hundreds in tax dollars. Software and tax preparation companies aren’t around to help you with those things.

Professionalism: As previously mentioned, a CPA is licensed with the state. They’ve gone through a ton of accounting classes, a tough exam, and must maintain continuing education credits each year. Only a person who wants to be a professional is willing to go through what it takes to be a CPA. Of course, CPAs are still just people. But I’ll take the CPA designation over any other type of tax filing option.

Your Time: The last good reason I’ll give you is your time. I’m not going to lie and say that you won’t have to spend a little time preparing your tax files to bring to a CPA. But these professionals will save you the time it takes to enter in all the information and file your return. Each year, the process also gets quicker as you learn exactly what you need to bring to your CPA.

How Much Does a CPA Charge to Prepare Taxes?

As with most things, the amount of money a CPA will charge to prepare your taxes varies depending on a number of factors, including the CPA’s billing method. Some of the most common billing methods include:

A flat fee for each tax form/schedule filed

A minimum fee, with additional charges for more complex situations

A set annual fee, with additional charges for changes in your tax situation

An hourly rate based on the amount of time it takes to prepare your return

A set fee for each data point that’s entered

A subjective amount based on the CPA’s discretion

You can also expect to pay more if you show up with a box full of disorganized paperwork. The more effort you put into preparing the information the CPA needs, the faster and less expensive your tax prep should be.

According to the National Society of Accountants, the average cost to hire a CPA in the United States ranges from $457 for an itemized Form 1040 with Schedule C and a state tax return to $176 for a Form 1040 with a state tax return. A Form 1040 with a Schedule A and a state tax return will run you an average of about $273. If this makes you gulp, remember that a CPA will often find ways to help you save you money on your taxes. In many cases, this will offset at least part, if not all, of their preparation fee.

When Not to Use a CPA

Generally speaking, you don’t need to use a CPA if you’ve got a simple return. If you only file a 1040EZ, or if you file a 1040, but take the standard deduction, a CPA wouldn’t be necessary. There are plenty of free tax filing services that you can use to quickly prepare and e-file your taxes.

Related: How to File Your Taxes for Free This Year

The Low-Down on Boxed Tax Solutions

Another viable option for those who don’t need a CPA or can’t stomach the thought of paying for one is a boxed solution, like Turbotax, TaxAct, or H&R Block online. These tax preparation programs typically cost between $10 and $120, so they are very cost-effective as long as you’re comfortable with a DIY solution. In fact, many offer their services for free if you have a simple return.

Once you’ve gathered all of your documents, you can typically prepare a simple return using one of these programs within an hour. Some software solutions also offer accuracy guarantees and will provide you with support if you are audited after using their program to file your taxes. Make sure you read the fine print and that you’re comfortable with the level of protection you’re receiving.

Ultimately, you’ll need to assess the complexities of your tax situation and your comfort with preparing your own taxes to determine whether a boxed tax-prep soultion is a good option for you.

Information for this post was provided by Larry G. Taylor, CPA, a CPA in Branson, MO. Larry provides tax, financial, and investment services. Visit www.larrytaylorcpa.com for more information.