The IRS constantly reminds us to file and pay taxes on time. Filing your returns and paying taxes on time saves you from interests, late fees, or penalties and protects you from losing refunds. An important advantage of filing taxes is that your credit is safeguarded. If your income is over $72,000, you can use the free-file fillable forms, but you must file the taxes yourself or take the help of professional tax preparation services.

Using a professional service is recommended if you own a business or have gone through a major life event like a home purchase, divorce, or if you don’t have time. Preparing and filing taxes is a complex tax, considering the number of taxes and deductions. A tax preparation service reviews your financial information and calculates and files an income tax return on your behalf. If you want to hire a professional tax preparation service, you can choose one from the following five:

H&R Block
H&R Block has a wide network of 11,000 branches throughout the country, offering a range of tax preparation services at a reasonable cost. You can sit at home or office and work with their in-person tax preparer, or you can drop your tax papers at the office of H&R. The service providers will calculate the taxes, and you can go back to sign, after which they file the returns. You can also opt for a virtual process and upload all your tax forms. A tax preparer takes care of the rest. H&R Block offers four service levels, depending on your financial information and the complexity of taxes. You can also get additional tax help from CPA and H&R agents. Once you complete your return, they review, sign and e-file the taxes for you.

Turbo tax by Intuit
TurboTax is a completely virtual tax preparation service. You can access them online or buy their software. This self-preparation software gives you expert assistance and helps you to review your returns before filing them. If you need help with a specific tax or a deduction, you can book an appointment and share your screen with a tax preparation expert who analyzes the problem and resolves it. You can use TurboTax to file both state and federal taxes online. Prices start at around $80 for basic returns, and state returns will cost you around $45 per state. Once you complete your returns, you can e-file them.

Jackson Hewitt
Jackson Hewitt is accessible as it has offices in 6000 locations. This firm offers standard tax preparation services, with costs varying from one location to another. You can drop your papers virtually, in person, or work with a taxpayer to prepare your returns, particularly if you have multiple or complex state and federal taxes. If you want to file returns on your own, you can use their service at a flat rate of $25. For the services of a tax preparer, their minimum cost is $150 for federal returns. Their tax preparation service is streamlined, straightforward, and reliable.

EY TaxChat
If you are a self-employed professional, EY TaxChat could be ideal as it can match you with a tax-preparation specialist. You can connect with them through an app or email. They can break down complex taxes for the self-employed and prepare and file your taxes. You can upload all personal tax-related documents and evidence through your phone. Charges begin at around $200, and if you have complicated taxes, you can also work with EY tax preparers in their physical offices.

Tax Slayer
This service is an online software for individuals who want to independently file returns. There is no need for a complex download, and you can access Tax Slayer from anywhere. Tax Slayer supports individuals who have simple returns and taxes, self-employed persons, and those who have a complicated financial situation with multiple sources of income, deductions, and taxes. Costs start from around $17 for the basic taxes up to $57 for the Ultimate edition that supports complex taxes.