Each tax season, you face an important decision: DIY taxes or tax professional. So, which option is right for you? While many taxpayers choose electronic filing, deciding whether to do your own taxes or hire a tax professional can have a meaningful impact on your refund, accuracy, and peace of mind.
In 2025, the IRS processed over 165 million individual income tax returns, with approximately 94% filed electronically. But, electronic filing alone doesn’t determine whether DIY tax filing is the best choice for your situation—or whether hiring a tax professional could be worth the cost.
Even small mistakes when doing your own taxes can lead to delays, penalties, or missed deductions. As you gather your W-2s, 1099s, and other tax documents, it’s worth comparing your tax filing options carefully.
If your year included major life changes—like buying a home, changing jobs, or growing your family—you may want to rethink filing on your own.
Below, we break down DIY taxes vs. hiring a tax professional so you can choose the approach that best fits your needs this tax season.
When DIY Tax Filing Makes Sense
If your finances are relatively simple and your tax situation hasn’t changed much year-over-year, DIY tax filing may be a practical and cost-effective option. Here are a few situations where doing your own taxes may work well.
Largely unchanged tax situation
If your income, deductions, and filing status look nearly identical to last year, filing taxes yourself is often straightforward. Minimal changes make it easier to transfer information accurately and complete your return efficiently.
Straightforward finances
DIY taxes may be a good fit if your return includes a single W-2, a few standard forms, and no itemized deductions or complex tax credits. Even with multiple W-2s, many people find that doing their own taxes is manageable when finances are uncomplicated.
Cost savings
The average cost of hiring a tax professional for a simple return can range from $300 to $600. Several circumstances factor into how much it costs to get your taxes professionally filed. Factors include the tax advisor’s experience and reputation, and where you live. Additionally, how organized your documents are and how complicated your tax situation is also play a big role in the cost. If your tax situation is simple, DIY tax filing can help you keep more of your refund instead of paying preparation fees.
Financial awareness
Filing your own taxes gives you a clearer picture of your income, spending, and deductions. This annual snapshot can reveal opportunities to improve savings habits, adjust withholding, or plan better for future financial goals.
When Hiring a Tax Professional May Be the Better Choice
While DIY taxes can be appealing, some situations make hiring a tax professional the smarter choice. Complex returns often benefit from expert review and tax planning insight.
Big life or income changes
If you’ve changed jobs, started a business, received unemployment income, or took early retirement distributions, hiring a tax professional can help you navigate added complexity. Life events like marriage, divorce, or welcoming a child can also affect deductions and credits.
Maximize your refund
If a professional uncovers deductions or credits, you might miss when doing your own taxes, the added savings may outweigh the cost of professional preparation.
Save time
Let’s face it, filing taxes yourself takes time. Especially when researching tax laws, gathering documents, and reviewing calculations. Hiring a tax professional allows you the opportunity to focus on other priorities while gaining confidence in your return.
Avoid mistakes
Errors can happen even on simple returns. A tax professional reduces the risk of miscalculations or filing issues that could trigger audits or penalties.
Year-round financial planning
Beyond tax season, a tax professional can help with long-term planning, like retirement strategies, investment decisions, and improving tax efficiency year-over-year.
Generally, the more complicated your tax situation, the more beneficial a professional tax preparer might be to your finances. Remember that regardless of who prepares your return, you are responsible for the information submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
Take the Next Step with Logix
Whether you prefer DIY tax filing or are considering hiring a tax professional, our Logix Financial Consultants are well-versed in tax strategies and can meet in-branch or virtually to discuss your financial plan.
Speak with a Financial Consultant TodayLogix Federal Credit Union is not affiliated with any outside sources and is a separate entity. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation.
