Every year, tax season forces Americans to answer the same question: Should I do my own taxes, or should I pay someone else to handle them? For the 2025 tax year, that decision may feel tougher than usual.
The IRS begins accepting 2025 tax returns on January 26, and this filing season arrives with some of the most significant tax changes since the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. President Donald Trump’s tax and spending package introduced several new provisions that apply retroactively to 2025, including no taxes on tips and overtime pay, new Trump accounts, and an extra deduction for seniors.
While these changes are designed to put more money back in people’s pockets, they also add layers of complexity that could trip up taxpayers who usually file on their own. As a result, many Americans may want to rethink their usual approach this year.
Why the new tax rules may cause confusion
Tax professionals warn that the latest deductions and exemptions come with fine print. Calculating them correctly may require extra effort—especially since many W-2 forms were not updated before year-end to reflect the new laws.
“While the new deductions are beneficial to millions of Americans, they can be confusing because there are a lot of nuances and rules,” said Mark Steber, chief tax officer at Jackson Hewitt. “That’s certainly true for taxpayers claiming the new deductions related to overtime pay or tip income, since they may need to manually calculate the correct amounts.”
Still, complexity alone doesn’t mean everyone needs to hire a professional. Many people continue to have relatively straightforward tax situations and can file accurately with the right tools and preparation.
Below is a guide to help you decide when DIY filing makes sense—and when it might be smarter to bring in expert help.
When doing your own taxes makes sense
Filing your own return may be a good option if your finances are simple and predictable. This usually means you earn income from a small number of sources, such as a W-2 job, interest from bank accounts, or a few 1099 forms, and you plan to take the standard deduction.
If your tax situation hasn’t changed much from last year, that’s another point in favor of DIY filing. According to Hannah Cole, an IRS enrolled agent and author of Taxes for Humans, last year’s return can serve as a helpful roadmap.
“When your taxes stay consistent year to year, you’re less likely to run into surprises,” she said. “That also means you’re less likely to owe significantly more—or receive a much larger refund—than expected.”
For many taxpayers, basic tax software or free IRS forms are enough to complete a return quickly and affordably.
Free filing options you may qualify for
Some Americans can file both federal and state taxes at no cost. If your income falls below certain thresholds, or if you’re elderly, disabled, or have limited English proficiency, you may qualify for an IRS free filing program.
“The DIY option available at GetYourRefund.org is completely free and supported by IRS-certified specialists,” said Amanda Renteria, CEO of Code for America. “About seven in ten Americans—those earning under $89,000—qualify for free federal and state filing through the service.”
For the 2025 tax year, the standard deduction is:
$15,750 for single filers and married couples filing separately
$23,625 for heads of household
$31,500 for married couples filing jointly
If your total deductions exceed these amounts, itemizing may reduce your tax bill—but it also requires more documentation and time.
Itemizing doesn’t always mean hiring a pro
Itemizing deductions can be manageable if your records are organized and your deductions are straightforward. If you hit a snag, you can consult IRS resources, tax software guidance, or even AI tools like ChatGPT—just be sure to verify answers using multiple reliable sources.
The IRS website and helpline can also provide help, though wait times may be long during peak season.
One major warning: be cautious about tax advice on social media platforms such as TikTok or Reddit. The IRS has repeatedly warned that misleading or incomplete advice has led thousands of taxpayers to file incorrect claims.
“People who follow this advice could end up with rejected claims and penalties of up to $5,000,” said James Clifford, IRS director of return integrity and compliance services. According to the agency, more than 32,000 penalties totaling over $162 million have already been issued.
If all of this sounds overwhelming, stressful, or time-consuming, that may be your cue to consider professional help.
When hiring a tax professional is the better move
Any time your taxes become complicated, a professional can be worth the cost.
Major life changes—such as getting married or divorced, switching from a W-2 job to freelance work, approaching retirement, losing income, or having children—often come with new deductions, credits, or filing requirements.
“Transitions in your financial life are when tax hiccups tend to happen,” Cole said. “That’s when guidance can really pay off.”
A tax professional can also help ensure you don’t miss valuable credits or deductions. According to Steber, the IRS won’t correct your return if you leave tax benefits unclaimed.
“People assume the IRS will fix mistakes,” he said. “They’ll correct missing income—but they won’t add benefits you forgot to claim.”
With tax laws spanning thousands of pages and changing frequently, professional expertise can reduce risk. As Steber put it, “You can cut your own hair or fix your own plumbing—but if it goes wrong, the consequences can be costly.”
How to choose the right tax professional
If you decide to hire help, choosing a reputable preparer is crucial. You’re trusting them with sensitive financial information, and ultimately, you remain responsible for the accuracy of your return.
Be especially wary of “ghost preparers”—individuals who don’t sign the return or provide a valid identification number.
The IRS recommends the following steps when selecting a tax professional:
Verify qualifications: Use the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers to confirm credentials.
Check their history: Contact the Better Business Bureau or relevant state licensing boards.
Ask about fees: Avoid preparers who charge based on a percentage of your refund or promise unusually large refunds.
Confirm availability: Make sure they’ll be reachable even after the filing deadline.
Provide documentation: A good preparer will request records, receipts, and detailed income information.
Never sign a blank return: This is a major red flag.
Review everything carefully: Ask questions and confirm all details before signing.
Double-check refund information: Ensure bank account and routing numbers are correct.
Ensure the preparer signs the return: They must include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN) on filed returns.
