Retirement & Financial Planning Report

For your 2008 tax return, you can hire a tax preparer. Alternatively, you can do it yourself, perhaps with the help of a tax software program.


Advantages of hiring a tax preparer. Software programs are not designed to fit each individual taxpayer’s situation. A knowledgeable tax preparer may find tax benefits that software will overlook.

If your 2008 finances included substantial securities trades, rental property income or loss, the sale of a residence, casualty losses, or extensive medical costs, for example, hiring a savvy pro can be cost-effective.


One strategy to consider is to buy a software program and prepare your tax return for 2008. Show this do-it-yourself return to a tax preparer. Your tax pro might find tax benefits you’ve overlooked yet charge you a lower fee for tax preparation if you’ve already assembled the required information.