At what point did you decide a CPA is worth it over TurboTax?

I sold my CPA practice 20 years ago; I'm familiar with TurboTax. It's a great package; however, every single new client I picked up from H&R Block or who had prepared their own return using TurboTax or other programs, had significant errors in their returns. Each time, I filed amended returns and was able to get my client a significant enough refund to more than pay for their tax prep fee.

I strongly encourage you to use a CPA, especially since you have rental property.

CPA here. A CPA shouldn’t need more than your last 2 or 3 years tax returns to get going. From there they’ll just request documentation for current year. Just remember we bill by the hour and the price to prepare also includes overhead for processing. The more you can do yourself, the better - i.e. for your rental, make a spreadsheet that shows gross rents and related expenses. If you just piecemeal receipts to us, it will greatly increase your costs.

No. They’ll just want to know any major expense items that may need to be capitalized. Generally anything over $2,500/item. Otherwise, just total by expense category (insurance, taxes, cleaning, supplies, repairs, etc.)

Nope. CPA can be anywhere. Just be aware you’ll have to file an MA return due to the rental.

Yeah that too. I should be working right now

For sure

I haven’t been totally slammed yet, but it’s coming. Working on a return now…state 9 out of 40 which is why I keep procrastinating here

Fwiw
Have used turbo for a long long time..
This year started my social security and 401 withdraws..

So 1099ss( first time). 1099R, schedule E rental property ( forget the number) ( it always keeps track of amortization and shows last year… 401 withdraw ( first time). Family inheritance this year( about eight forms involving dividends, interest, capital gains)

Turbo did it all easily.. had the double check.. triple check thing.. guarantee max return..
submitted it last Saturday.. turbo informed me it was processed on Tuesday by govt.. and would tell me when my check hit my savings account..

Big turbo fan.. just the saving of my past taxes in a place I can go view them if needed is worth a lot to me.

I did my own way longer than I should have. I waited until basically an extra comma was added to income. Should have done it way sooner. Main thing was better planning instead of being responsive about tax things.

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At what point did you decide a CPA is worth it over TurboTax?

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After Katrina (the 2005 tax year).

I got grant money and spent money and wasn't sure where to put the debits and the credits.

I spend less than $1,000 per year on tax preparation services and my returns are over 150 pages each year.

$6.66 per page of return and the piece of mind of having someone to call immediately when/if the IRS informs me of an upcoming audit is well worth it to me.