Finding Professional Help for Your Taxes: When and Why Americans Make the Switch

In the complex world of tax filing, many Americans reach a turning point where they decide to hand over their financial paperwork to a professional. According to a recent survey of 2,000 U.S. taxpayers commissioned by TaxSlayer Pro, the average American transitions to using a tax professional before turning 30. By age 29, many feel they’ve earned the right to this particular “tax break” – letting someone else handle the increasingly complex paperwork that comes with growing financial responsibilities. The study reveals that more than a third (37%) of Americans eventually reach a stage where they’re content to let professionals take over their tax preparation, often because their financial lives have become too complicated to manage alone.

Life milestones frequently trigger this shift to professional tax help. The survey found that 23% of respondents sought professional assistance after beginning to invest their money, while 22% simply no longer had the mental bandwidth to handle their taxes independently. Major life events also play a significant role in this decision – 21% of respondents turned to tax pros after getting married, and 15% did so after purchasing their first home. The motivation behind seeking professional help is clear: 69% want someone more knowledgeable than themselves handling their taxes, while 41% hope a professional can maximize their tax refund. Perhaps most tellingly, a remarkable 96% of those who use tax professionals report feeling more confident about their tax filing – suggesting peace of mind is a powerful factor in this decision.

Despite the trend toward professional help, self-reliance remains strong among American taxpayers. The survey found that 63% of respondents still prepare their own taxes, with saving money being the primary motivation for 61% of these do-it-yourselfers. Other reasons for handling taxes independently include finding tax preparation easy to understand (41%), the habit of always doing it themselves (39%), or having a relatively simple tax situation (32%). However, even among these independent filers, more than half (53%) said they would consider switching to a professional within the next two years. The factors that would prompt this change include their tax situation becoming more complicated (55%), significant tax law changes that affect them personally (27%), or reaching a point where they could no longer manage their finances independently (25%).

“For many Americans, big life milestones like getting married or buying a home can make filing taxes start to feel overwhelming,” explained Richard Marshall, Director of Sales at TaxSlayer Pro. “That’s when professional preparers can make a real difference, by simplifying the process and giving people confidence they’re getting the best possible outcome.” Marshall also emphasized how changing tax laws – particularly relevant in the current climate – can motivate people to seek professional guidance. Tax preparers not only understand these changes but can explain how they specifically impact each taxpayer’s unique situation, providing clarity during uncertain times and potentially identifying savings opportunities that might otherwise be missed.

The employment landscape adds another layer of complexity to tax filing for many Americans. Of those surveyed, 63% work either full-time or part-time, while an additional 8% own their own businesses. More than a quarter of employed respondents (26%) reported having multiple income sources, which significantly complicates the tax preparation process. For the self-employed, the challenges are even greater – 48% of business owners said they’ve consulted with tax professionals about managing their business taxes. These consultations provided valuable insights into what qualifies as tax-deductible, which forms need to be filed, how to apply for business loans, and best practices for separating business and personal finances. One respondent shared their positive experience: “They taught me how to keep information better, how to log my expenditures more accurately, to make tax preparation easier.”

“For the self-employed or those managing multiple income streams, tax season can be especially complicated,” Marshall noted. This complexity often stems from quarterly estimated tax payments, self-employment taxes, business deductions, and maintaining proper financial records throughout the year. Tax professionals can provide invaluable guidance through these challenges, helping clients avoid costly mistakes and identify strategic opportunities. As Americans navigate increasingly complex financial lives – with multiple income sources, investments, property ownership, and changing family situations – professional tax preparers offer more than just form completion; they provide peace of mind. By removing the stress of tax preparation, these professionals allow their clients to focus on what truly matters in their lives, while ensuring their tax filings are accurate, compliant, and optimized for their specific situations.