The deadline to file your income taxes is almost here, and if you experienced a foreclosure or short sale on your real estate last year, the last thing you probably want to think about is paying someone to prepare your taxes. But you should go ahead and find a professional, according to tax expert Eva Rosenberg’s article, “Filing Taxes 2011: Should I Do My Own Taxes?” The article, posted on the Equifax Personal Finance Blog, gives a list of situations in which you will be safer having a professional prepare your tax return on your behalf. Examples include taxpayers who have multiple jobs, own one or more businesses or have a dispute with an ex-spouse over exemptions for children. People who sold their primary residences at a loss, through short sale or foreclosure, also make the list of taxpayers who should seek filing assistance. People who sold investment real estate or rentals should go ahead and pay for the help from a tax professional, too. Rosenberg does not fault tax filing software. In fact, she praises its usefulness in helping people go through the process of filing a return and pointing out possible items the average taxpayer may not remember. She says if your life is “straightforward and uncomplicated financially,” you should definitely save the money and file your own return. It’s just those of us who meander a little with our personal finances who need the professional help! Is that you? Check out Rosenberg’s full lists of “file your own” and “pay someone to file for you” criteria at the Equifax Personal Finance Blog.
Comments(0)