You can get your taxes done in a few main places, depending on your budget, comfort level, and how complex your situation is.

Quick Scoop: Main Options

1. Big-name tax prep chains (in-person)

These are physical offices where you sit down with a tax pro.

  • H&R Block has offices in every U.S. state and lets you search for a nearby location and book an appointment online.
  • Jackson Hewitt operates more than 5,000 offices nationwide (often inside big-box stores) with extended hours during tax season.
  • TurboTax has branded local offices and “Verified Pros” you can meet online or in person in many areas.

These are good if you want face-to-face help, have a more complicated return, or just really do not want to deal with the forms yourself.

2. Online full-service tax experts

If you prefer not to go anywhere physically but still want a human to do your taxes:

  • Services like TurboTax Full Service let you upload your documents, then a tax expert prepares, reviews, and files your return for you, only filing when they believe it is completely correct.
  • Many of these services are built so you can answer Q&A-style prompts instead of touching the raw tax forms yourself.

This is a nice middle ground: you get professional help without leaving home.

3. Do-it-yourself software (guided online)

If your return is straightforward (single or married filing jointly, a W‑2 or two, maybe some interest or student loan interest):

  • Interview-style tax software walks you through simple questions, then automatically fills in the right forms in the background, so you do not have to know where anything goes.

This is usually cheaper than in-person help and fast once you have your documents ready.

4. Free and low-income options

If cost is your big concern, there are solid free choices:

  • MyFreeTaxes (run by United Way) lets many filers prepare returns free if their income is under certain limits (for example, up to about the high-$80k range for self-filing, a bit lower if you want someone to prepare it for you).
  • Free filing tools typically still include key credits like the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit and handle common situations like employment income, dependents, education, and home ownership.

These are especially worth checking if you are a student, lower-to-middle income earner, or just trying to save money on prep fees.

5. Local CPAs and enrolled agents

For very complex situations—business ownership, rentals, multiple states, lots of investments, or past IRS notices—hiring a local certified public accountant or enrolled agent is often the safest route.

They cost more than chains or DIY software but can give more tailored advice and help you plan beyond just this year’s filing.

Simple way to decide

  • If your taxes are simple and you are comfortable online: DIY tax software or a reputable free service.
  • If your taxes are moderate and you want guidance: big-name chains or online full-service with a human expert.
  • If your taxes are complex (business, rentals, multiple states): a local CPA or enrolled agent.

Wherever you go, bring or upload your ID, Social Security card or ITIN paperwork, and all official tax forms (W‑2s, 1099s, etc.), since virtually every service will need them.