Where to have your taxes done?

[tigershoops31]

I am pretty sure there was a thread about this in the past couple of months but I couldn't find it anywhere.

My wife and I have always done our own taxes, but this year added a rental property and want to have them done somewhere to make sure we don't mess anything up. We live in Ames but are open to going outside the immediate area if they'll do a good job and it's more reasonably priced. Anybody willing to share who they go to and how much it costs? (Especially if you have a small business/extra income on top of your regular W2's)

Thanks!

 

[Cyclones01]

Altoona Tax. I haven't actually ever used them, I just know one of the guys who works there (Dave) and he's a good guy

 

[benjay]

Just a rental property? Do them yourself. Use software. It'll be easy.

 

[jdoggivjc]

TurboTax. You can either go to a place like H&R Block and have them do your taxes for $350+, or you can buy TurboTax for $50, which is software that is essentially the same thing that the "pros" use. Plus it e-files for you. Filed my taxes the previous weekend, the deposit was pending last weekend.

 

[casey1973]

I use Jill Allen, Cline, Devries & Allen- in Ames pretty reasonable I think. I have a small business on the side and the usual - around $180 I think. Fast and efficient

 

[capitalcityguy]

I have a rental property and use Turbotax (Premium). It is a piece of cake....really. Steps your through everything including how to depreciate items.

If you still feel uncomfortable, I'd suggest staying away from the tax prep places (HR Block and other similar type of places) and instead find a local CPA or someone who comes highly recommended by someone you know (rather than recommendation from an internet forum).

FYI.....I've been in the tax prep business in the past.

 

[urb1]

Ankeny Tax and Accounting. Business and personal combined for very good rate. PM me for how much.

 

[stvfarmboy]

I use Jill Allen, Cline, Devries & Allen- in Ames pretty reasonable I think. I have a small business on the side and the usual - around $180 I think. Fast and efficient

My wife and I use Jill as well. We started with her when we were living in separate states and have continued since. Ours are fairly basic and I could probably use software now but we have developed a working relationship and don't mind just having them do them. She has recommended ways to reduce our refund so our take home pay is more throughout the year and things to think about now that we have a kid so that is nice. We paid $155 this past year I think. It was a little more when we had the second state.

As an FYI, she is a Hawkeye fan, but I believe that is where she got her degree. You probably wouldn't notice unless you go on Saturday when they dress casual.