[JMcLellan]

Tis the season to figuring out how to pay the government the least amount of money possible, and ensure that the tax industry continues to exist.

We switched to H&R Block this year vs going to our local tax guy as their prices had gone up a bunch. We paid $545 last year for tax prep and didn't have anything too extravagant aside from W2's and a 1099 for investments. H&R Block advertises an "$80" tax service but after they line item up everything we were charged $412. A couple examples of how it's ridiculous: they are charging $14 per dependent (I have two kiddos), and $45 for the child tax credit we are allowed to get. The business model must suck if they have to charge for stuff like that.

Seems like the best solution is to sit down and do my own taxes but I struggle having the patience to do it.

What do others do and/or pay for tax prep?