> And it's free. So literally no skin off their noses. If the result jives with what the accountant said, they have confirmation. If the result doesn't match up at least in the same ballpark, they can either accept it or get a new accountant or tax law attorney.

You literally said the opposite earlier. My point was that they should get a second professional consult if they are about to pay the $25,000.

Anyways, glad we agree now. Cheers.

Yes, I also do my own taxes. I'm well aware of it's advantages.

Maybe you're right. They should just use the online software and if it says $25,000 as well, they should just pay this incredibly life changing amount without a second thought.

Silly me thinking they might want to consult at least ONE independent tax accountant who might be able to help out this person who obviously isn't very financially literate and could be making a huge mistake in some assumption or input.

> The suggestion is because they're quite possibly getting bad advice and, at minimum, need a second opinion. The situation sounds shady for at least the reason of this person preparing but not filing for them, which suggests either they're unqualified to do so or potentially trying to scam them, even if just for billable hours.

Totally agree

> If the result jives with what the accountant said, they have confirmation.

Disagree. In this scenario, just because a bad accountant and basic free tax software both say you owe a bunch of money do not validate one another. In fact that's probably all this "accountant" is doing for them and I would be surprised if the numbers weren't pretty similar.

A good tax accountant should easily make back their fee and thousands more. Considering there is $25,000 at stake, I think they can afford a little more than $8 to verify there is no way to pay a smaller amount.

They are about to pay $25,000 in taxes and you are suggesting they use Free Tax USA? To save a couple hundred?? They need a good accountant, maybe even an attorney to sort this out. There are tens of thousands of dollars on the line.

Go on Google Maps, make sure its zoomed out to your city.

Search "Tax Accountant" or "CPA"

Find 2 or 3 independent tax accountants in your area with the best reviews. Skip chains like H&R block and Jackson Hewitt.

Call the firms you found, ask for a quote, see if they seem like a good fit. Choose one and use them.

Find a new accountant, even if they cost $500 they will very likely save you thousands, making it worth it. Something feels like it's missing.

If another accountant still says you owe tens of thousands, consider hiring a lawyer specializing in accounting like another commenter suggested.

Filing an extension doesn't help you unless you are going to extend AND pay the 25k by April 15. Which is totally acceptable and you will get that money back when you file your tax returns.