Should I Do My Own Taxes?
Tax preparation must be done right, but it's less valuable than tax planning. Preparing a return only reports what's already happened — it doesn't change the outcome.
You can do your own taxes or hire an accountant. Here's how we think about both routes.
Bottom line: We recommend having an accountant prepare your return. Doing it yourself often means spending more time, making more mistakes, and paying more tax than you needed to — especially if you have self-employment income from locum tenens work.
Doing Your Own Taxes
Plenty of DIY tax software options work well. Products we've used personally with success include TaxAct, TurboTax, H&R Block Online, and FreeTaxUSA (we have no financial relationship with any of these). Once you pick a product, stick with it — don't switch later just to save a few dollars.
Your time is worth something. DIY only makes sense if you genuinely have the time, the patience, and an interest in learning the material.
It also helps to work with a financial advisor who understands locum tenens taxes and can review your draft return before you file. We've helped a number of clients avoid unnecessary tax on backdoor Roth IRA conversions by catching errors before filing.
Hiring an Accountant
Hiring a good accountant is worth it — think of it as an investment, not a cost.
Below, we cover how to choose an accountant who understands locum tenens taxes, and how to work with them effectively.
Choosing an Accountant
How do you pick the right accountant? In short, they should know the material in our complete guide to taxes cold.
One specific red flag: some accountants aren't familiar with solo 401(k) plans and default to recommending a SEP IRA instead.
Working Effectively With Your Accountant
Even with a tax pro, you still have a role to play. A few tips:
Get your info in early. February is ideal — it puts you ahead of clients who wait until the last minute.
Send everything at once. When your accountant isn't tracking pieces trickling in, less gets missed.
Respond to questions promptly.
Expect slower response times from February through April. A CPA firm during tax season runs like a jammed ER — triage happens whether you like it or not.
Peace of mind matters when it comes to taxes. You want to be confident that if you're ever audited, your deductions will hold up.
For more, see our complete guide to locum tenens taxes.
Ready to put this into practice? If you're an ER physician or high-income professional looking for straightforward, evidence-based financial guidance, we'd love to connect. Schedule a free intro call with Yahara Wealth Management — no pressure, no sales pitch, just a conversation.
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute personalized investment, tax, or legal advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding your specific situation.