Even H&R Block have been reported to do 'shabby figuring' and cost their customers 100's of 1000's of dallors (why do you think this year they are offering "free double checking of last year's return") Unless you have a business and lots of property and deductions you are always better off to do a little research and do your own figuring. I have done my taxes myself for over 15years now, after running some tests to find out that I was paying others up to $150 only to claim the same amount I can get by doing it myself and pocketing that $150 ($150 for 2 hours work....not bad) Of course the key is always "Good Book Keeping"! I keep mine in a shoe box ;-P