Past accountants haven't done an adequate job. I'm planning on completing a 1040 by myself since it doesn't seem too difficult. Is the software really that good and worth it? Should I just suck it up and go to another accountant?

I've had OK luck with software. If you're not doing any complicated deductions and don't have all sorts of weird income sources, you should be fine.

I've used HR Block software for a few years for my regular job + freelance income. No problems.

Edited to clarify software vs. HR Block brick & mortar.

hmm, yes, i was going to ask who people go to.

i usually do my taxes by myself, but in 2009 i bought a home, got substantial dollars from a class action lawsuit, etc. and already feel overwhelmed with the additional necessary forms.

I've been using the HR Block software, too, but I may do something different this year. Last year there was some kind of minor error where I ended up owing the IRS $60 or something. Not a big deal, but then part of the reason I use the software - other than instant feedback that my taxes have been recieved/processed - is for the error-checking. I never got any explanation as to what the discrepancy was, just a letter from the IRS saying I owed them.

entirely depends on what your finances look like and if you are good at math.

For most obners, you could probably get it done with the back of a mcdonalds receipt and quarter of a pencil.

I've used the HR Block software and Turbo Tax. I will probably use turbo tax again this year..Never had a problem with it and last year had the new house stuff etc. to deal with and it worked out fine.

I use H&R Block software to E-File, but may go with Turbo Tax for the same reasons Drinky brings up above.

Wife does ours, with turbotax. Also she loves accounting.

Another TurboTax guy here. Been using it for 3 years with no problems so far.

Wife paid an accountant something like $5 grand to do hers when she had the business, something pretty steep. Then the next year she just backed out all the calculations and figured out the assumptions used to get there, and has been carrying all those forward the right way ever since.

Turbotax for like 10 years in a row. It takes a couple hours to input all the data for dependents, W-2's, deductible interest, etc. It may become more difficult if you own rental property/ own a business/ work out of your home...etc.

we just use an accountant. with all the stock transactions and shit, it can get a little complicated, and its really not that expensive.

i've pretty much used the h&r block software but might switch to turbotax because i can get a discount on it or something.

I have a CPA. Life's too fucking short.

yes

There's a LOT of things I'm willing to do myself. Taxes don't qualify.

I used TurboTax when all I had to do was plug in numbers on a form for me (and later for wife)

Now that I pay EQT, etc, I have a CPA - I asked my rich friends who they used, and use them now.

i use fileyourtaxes.com it costs 30 bucks but its super quick and intuitive and saves your information from year to year which is nice, took me about 30 minutes to do and file online, phat refund coming in the next week or two

When I started consulting in 2008, it was just easier to have a CPA do them for me. He doesn't charge me much and it's one less thing I have to worry about, so I've continued.

I'm married to my CPA. I honestly don't know what are bank acct. looks like. I never even see our taxes.

yeah verbatim

http://www.freetaxusa.com

Used this last year after using turbotax for several years straight. Very similar, intuitive interface without the $$. I file 1040 without many complications, but if you can use turbotax, you can use this.

my dad uses turbotax. he's a retired CPA. does my taxes for me

I use the TurboTax Free option.