Do you think that if you walk into a seasonal tax-preparation kiosk at a local mall and pay $150 or more to have them prepare your tax return that you are getting your money's worth? Well think again! Though any reputable seasonal tax preparation company is going to insist that all employees receive training, often the training is specific to using the company's software than it is in tax law. Having worked in the tax-preparation business for many years, I assure you that if you can read questions on a screen and type, then you are as skilled as the seasonal employee you consider an expert.

The number of do-it-yourself tax preparation software products grows each year. Some of these require purchase and installation of software on your computer. Others are accessed online and do not require any download. H&R Block, the well-known tax preparation company, offers its own do-it-yourself product called TaxCut. Intuit offers TurboTax. 2nd Story Software offers TaxACT. Each of these comes with a guarantee that the return will be completed correctly if your data is entered correctly. Combine this guarantee with the added data-entry check when you file electronically, and you can be assured that there is not difference between what you will get at the mall and what you can do for yourself at a fraction of the cost.

What are the pros of using one of the seasonal shops at the mall? If you are desperate for a quick refund, then you will probably want to pay the exorbitant fees and usurious rates of the "professionals." You can have a check in hand sometimes in a matter of hours. If you can wait ten to fourteen days, then you should seriously consider doing your return yourself. By filing electronically and having your refund direct deposited you can cut the wait for your refund down to just a couple of weeks.

What factors should cause you to consider paying someone to prepare your taxes for you? If you are self-employed; have more than home interest, cash charitable contributions, and state/local income taxes paid to itemize with; have a farm or rental property, then you may want to consider paying a preparer. Should you risk paying someone at the mall? Probably not. They are insured and will pay any penalties and interest if they make a mistake. But the larger mistake is to go to them in the first place. Find a reputable accountant or seasonal preparer with demonstrable experience. If they know what they are doing, asking for a long-time client who would give them a recommendation will not offend them. Chances are that you will not pay any more than what you will pay at the mall kiosk. But you will be assured of a skilled preparer. You will find that these prepares often pay for themselves in greater refunds, quality of service, while still offering the benefits of quick refunds if desired.

"You don't really know how to do taxes. Just follow the questions on the computer and type." That is what I was told when interviewing with a tax preparation company which operates their shops in large shopping centers. I was amazed at their blunt admission. What is equally amazing is the simplicity of following the questions to complete your own tax return online or with a $25 piece of software. You think you don't have what it takes to prepare your own return? Well think again!