[ryandrake]

I always hear this, but what does "simple" mean? Do you recommend a professional if you have rental income? Stuent loan interest? Stock sales? Stock options? Convert a 401(k) to an IRA? Inherit money? Own a small business?

I've done all these things painlessly with regular tax software. I've also tried a professional CPA once, and he was useless. Just sat there asking me every question that the software normally would, and then typing my answers into his software. Nice guy, but not worth $400 compared to $50 software.

[benlivengood]

> Do you recommend a professional if you have rental income?

Unless you know exactly what your cost basis is, yes. It gets complicated with construction loans, HELOCs, refinances, having lived in a property for quite a while before renting, etc.

[thebradbain]

Even as a full-time college student, I've used a professional, and I'm glad I did. He did things as straightforward as claiming relevant education credits to more esoteric such as maximizing refunds around housing stipends for summer internships. I didn't have to do much else other than reach out to my accountant and provide a W2.

[gowld]

A housing stipend is taxable, unless you are staying at a work location for your employer's convenience.

But yes, Accountants can help you evade taxes in ways unlikely to be audited or caught.

[throwawayboise]

It's not evasion if it's legal, it's avoidance, and it's perfectly legitimate.

[thebradbain]

It's fully within the bounds of tax law, something which I (and my accountant) made very clear I want to stay within. Our tax code is a joke, yes, and in need of actual reform, but this itself doesn't put me in any legal grey area whatsoever.