January 24, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET
It’s that time of year again—deciding whether to tackle your taxes on your own or enlist a professional. The IRS is set to start accepting returns for the 2025 tax year on January 26, amid significant tax law changes since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This recent overhaul, signed by President Trump, introduced various new provisions, including exemptions for tips and overtime pay, what are known as Trump Accounts, and greater deductions for seniors, retroactive to 2025.
Accountants warn that while these new rules are intended to benefit taxpayers, they could also create confusion. To steer clear of potential pitfalls, some individuals who usually handle their own taxes might rethink their approach.
Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt, noted, “While the new deduction will be beneficial to millions, it’s tricky because of all the nuances and rules.” He emphasized that this situation affects any taxpayer claiming new deductions related to overtime or tip income. Interestingly, W-2 forms haven’t been automatically updated to reflect this new tax law before year-end, meaning extra effort may be necessary to accurately compute claims.
That said, hiring a tax accountant isn’t mandatory. Many folks still have relatively straightforward tax situations. It’s possible to navigate taxes effectively using guidance from tax software, IRS help guides, or traditional search engines, even with some AI assistance.
Here’s a few pointers on when to think you can manage it yourself, and when a professional might be the better choice.
When is the best time to do DIY?
If your income sources are limited—think W-2s, bank interest, and a handful of 1099s—and you intend to take the standard deduction, doing your taxes yourself might be the simplest route.
According to Hannah Cole, an IRS registered agent and the author of “Taxes for Humanity,” “If taxes remained consistent each year, handling them solo would be easier.” She added, “Your previous tax return can guide you through this year’s process, which reduces the chances of overpaying or underpaying significantly.”
Using basic tax software combined with free IRS forms should save you some cash while streamlining the return process.
If your income is below certain limits, or if you have a disability, limited English skills, or are elderly, you might qualify for free IRS filing. You can check your eligibility on the IRS site.
Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America, mentioned, “The DIY options available at GetYourRefund.org are free and supported by IRS-certified experts ready to assist.” She pointed out that around 70% of Americans with incomes below $89,000 can file for free using this service.
For tax year 2025, the standard deductions are set at $15,750 for single filers and married individuals filing separately, $23,625 for heads of households, and $31,500 for married couples filing jointly.
If your deductions surpass these amounts, you’ll need to itemize them for tax reductions. While this can be a bit tedious and requires more paperwork, it doesn’t have to involve a professional.
Many average taxpayers find it manageable, especially if their deductions are straightforward and organized. If you hit a snag, using ChatGPT or similar AI tools for quick questions or definitions can be helpful, just ensure to verify the information from multiple sources.
The IRS website is another resource, but be warned—waiting to talk to someone can take a while.
Be cautious about seeking tax advice on platforms like TikTok or Reddit, where information can be misleading or incorrect. Misleading claims can lead to denied refunds or hefty fines, as noted by the IRS.
James Clifford from the IRS pointed out that “following bad advice might lead to claims being denied and you facing penalties, up to $5,000, on top of other repercussions.” The IRS is reportedly dishing out tens of millions in penalties for such cases.
If all of this feels overwhelming, it might be wise to consider professional help, accountants recommend.
When does it make sense to hire a tax accountant?
Complicated taxes often necessitate the expertise of a professional. Changes in your life—like marriage, divorce, moving to freelance work, nearing retirement, income drops, or having a child—often require navigating additional deductions.
As Cole says, “When your economic situation changes, new tax challenges may arise, and guidance becomes crucial.” Hiring a tax accountant can help ensure you maximize your benefits. Missing out on credits or deductions could lead to regrettable oversights—no one will fix it for you, as Steber pointed out.
People often assume the IRS will catch any mistakes, but that’s only half true; while they will fix income errors, they won’t correct missed tax benefits.
Tax laws are ever-evolving and currently stretch over 2,652 pages, meaning changes can be extensive.
To illustrate, he remarked, “Consider it like cutting your own hair or doing plumbing. Sure, you could do it, but it could turn out poorly, leading to bigger issues down the line if you had just consulted a pro to start with.”
If you decide to hire a tax accountant, how should you choose one?
Choosing the right tax professional is significant; they’ll be dealing with your personal financial details. Trust is key in this process.
Be on the lookout for “ghost preparers,” who may file incorrect or fraudulent returns without signing them, Steber cautioned. Ultimately, the responsibility for your tax return lies with you, regardless of who prepared it.
The IRS offers guidance on how to find a reliable professional:
- Check their credentials. The IRS has a directory to help find tax return preparers with the necessary qualifications.
- Review their history. Contact your local Better Business Bureau for information on preparers, including any disciplinary actions.
- Ask about service fees. Steer clear of companies that charge based on refund percentages, or those that guarantee larger refunds than their competitors.
- Ensure they are available post-deadline.
- Provide your records. A solid preparer will scrutinize your papers, asking the necessary questions to assess your income and deductions accurately.
- Never sign a blank return. Tax agents should avoid requesting that you sign any blank forms.
- Check before signing. Always ask questions if you’re uncertain and ensure the accuracy of your return beforehand.
- Verify your refund info. Double-check routing and account information for accuracy.
- Make sure the preparer signs the return. It’s a legal requirement for the preparer to sign and include their ID number on submitted returns.
