If your return involves multiple states, business entities, foreign income, or significant audit risk, software has limits. These 2 options handle real complexity.
Not tax advice. Information here is general guidance. Tax laws change. Verify with the IRS or a licensed CPA for your specific situation.
Best for Complex Returns / Business Owners (2026)
Multi-state, foreign income, K-1s, business entities
1. Tax Professional / CPA (in-person) — our pick
A human CPA is the right pick for genuinely complex returns: business entities, multi-state, foreign income, high net worth, audit risk. Skip CPA for simple W-2 returns — software is faster and cheaper there.