Note: In light of COVID-19 crisis, the IRS has extended the income tax payment and filing deadline for individual and business returns from April 15, 2021, until May 17, 2021. This relief does not apply to estimated tax payments for tax year 2021 that are due on April 15, 2021. You don’t need to file additional forms to qualify for this extension.

Now that you’re a homeowner, your taxes may have gotten more complicated. And you may be asking yourself, “Do I need an accountant?” And if you do, should you hire a certified public accountant (CPA)? And what’s the difference between a CPA and an accountant?

Plus, you may be one of many people who worked from home last year because of COVID-19 and wonder if you can deduct some of your home office-related expenses. Or you may have moved out of state or tapped into your 401(k) for supplemental income.

Here’s some information to help you.

The Differences Between Tax Experts and Other Options

First you need to know there are different types of tax experts. And not all accountants are CPAs. So if you’re thinking that an independent CPA and someone at H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt (or your buddy who studied accounting in college) are pretty much the same, don’t count on it. Basically,

• An accountant is someone who studied accounting.
• CPAs are accountants who passed a rigorous examination and must comply with stringent education requirements from their state board on a regular basis. The designation usually requires a degree. Not every CPA specializes in taxes.
• An enrolled agent, or EA, is a tax specialist who has been certified by the IRS. Being an EA doesn’t require a degree like a CPA does. But it does verify they know the tax law.
• A tax preparer at pop-ups like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt is trained on tax software to help taxpayers file their returns. They aren’t required to be CPAs or EAs, but some are very knowledgeable about the tax rules.
• Only CPAs and EAs can legally represent you if the IRS challenges your return.

There’s nothing wrong with visiting a pop-up preparer like H&R Block if your return isn’t all that complicated, said Cathy Derus, CPA and founder of Brightwater Accounting in Illinois.

“It’s when you start generating other income — perhaps you launch a business or own rental property — [or experience a big financial change] when it makes sense to ask for a little extra help,” she said.

There are several software programs to help you prepare your own return and save money, said Tai Stewart, accountant and owner of Saidia Financial Solutions in Houston. “They’re good for people who have simpler returns — they’re in their first few years of work or single with no kids. The programs ask questions to make it easy to understand the directions and input your data.”

But if you’ve bought a home, it gets more complex, Stewart added. “That opens you up to special credits and deductions and requires more recordkeeping. If you mess something up or miss out on deductions, it can cost more than hiring an accountant would have.”

When It’s a Good Idea to Hire a Tax Pro

When you buy your first house. Many of the expenses related to buying a home and having a mortgage are deductible. But only if you have enough deductions to itemize.

When you move to a new state. There’s a good chance you’ll have to file two state returns for the year you move. And each state is a little bit different in terms of state tax owed — zero in some states, a flat amount in others, and graded by income bracket in most.

When you become a landlord. “When you own investment property, you become a small business owner,” said Stewart. That means new records to keep and a new tax form, Schedule E, to complete.

When you buy a vacation property. Especially if you rent it. And especially if it’s in a different state.

When you work from home and are self-employed. Potential money-saving deductions can vary widely depending on the type of business and how much space the office takes in your home.

“If you have a home office, you can deduct for the square footage you use for work as well as a portion of your utilities, mortgage interest, and property taxes,” said Stewart.

So, How Much Do Accountants Cost?

H&R Block uses a three-step pricing guide to help you estimate the fee upfront online. You start with a base price beginning at $69 and choose your state and the add-ons you want.

The average cost of hiring a certified public accountant (CPA) to prepare and submit a Form 1040 and state return with no itemized deductions is $176, while the average fee for an itemized Form 1040 and a state tax return is $273, according to Investopedia.

Pricing is variable, so it’s best to check directly with the options you’re considering for the most up-to-date information.

You can definitely DIY in all these tax scenarios and save the fees, but with CPAs and EAs, the extra cost may be worth it. Especially if you run your own business. Or you own more than one home.

“An accountant can help you analyze your spending choices and even act as a consultant,” said Stewart. Best of all, they’ll be by your side if the tax man ever comes after you. That alone could be priceless if the time comes.

Oh, and one last tip: If you decide you want to hire a CPA or an EA, it’s best not to wait until the last minute. You may not find one who can file the return before the deadline. However, extension are available.

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